Interview With Author Pat Spencer
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live on the Southern California coast. Inspiration is never far away with this awesome view and ocean breezes. Before I retired from the California Community College System, I enjoyed a steady sideline of publishing nonfiction articles in the Inland Empire Magazine, the Press-Enterprise newspaper, and the National Beauty School Journal.
After I retired, I began to write fiction. I thought fiction would be easier than nonfiction. I couldn’t have been more wrong. From writing through publishing, I found nonfiction easier. Currently, I have two novels published, Golden Boxty in the Frypan and Story of a Stolen Girl. My trilogy, Sticks in a Bundle, is under contract and in the editing phase.
When not writing, I golf, read, walk on the beach, ride my bike, or hangout with family and friends.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is Golden Boxty in the Frypan published by Pen It Publications. My mother’s experiences in the 1930s and my Irish ancestors’s journey as Irish immigrants inspired me to write this novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I forget to eat breakfast when I start writing first.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Barbara Kingsolver and her novel The Poisonwood Bible have had the greatest influence on me. Her ability to seamlessly weave her characters’ thoughts and actions into the environment left a lasting mark on my desire to become a writer of fiction.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am editing my trilogy, Stick in a Bundle. This historical/literary novel was inspired by stories told to me while traveling on a South African bus.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have not discovered a best method or website for promoting my books. I am open to suggestions! My favorite ways of promoting are to participate in book fairs and other author events. I also enjoy attending book clubs, presenting craft workshops at writers’ conferences, and speaking to community and service organizations.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take advantage of the fabulous writing tips and free workshops online. Fortify your ability to showcase the story that means so much to you by learning all that you can about our craft. I also recommend joining a writing critique group. Sometimes it is necessary to try out a couple of different groups to find the one best suited to you, your writing style, and your goals. There is so much help available if you seek it out.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My Ph.D. dissertation advisor told me to write it as I would say it. Don’t try to impress readers by using flowery phrases or words you looked up in the dictionary because they spoil the authenticity of your work.
What are you reading now?
I am in two writer critique groups so what I am reading the most right now is our weekly submissions. I am also still reading about Ireland and how it and its people have survived various types of hardship.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have just begun a series of craft articles. After I get a few more of those published, I have an idea for another Irish immigrant/American dream novel.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I could bring four books, two would be very thick blank journals so I could continue writing. For fiction, I’d bring The Poisonwood Bible. For nonfiction, I’d bring How to Survive on a Desert Island.
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