Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I penned my first book in third grade; The Day Snoopy Got Married. While it didn’t make the NY Times Best Seller List, it was an instant classic with the Nacca Valley Elementary School staff. From that moment forward, I knew I was a writer. With a zest for travel and an insatiable appetite for all things vintage and period, I use my investigative journalism background to create authentic characters to occupy the pages of my books. I have a talent for shining a light on riveting, obscure true stories from times past and generating page turners. My upcoming book series, MONTGOMERY VALE, will follow this same successful formula.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Abduction of Nelly Don.
It has been an arduous journey. When I first came across the story of Nell Donnelly back in 2013, I found her kidnapping so compelling that I knew I had to do something with it. At the time, I had no idea if it would become a book or screenplay.
As a reminder, Nell Donnelly was a self-made millionaire in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. She made her fortune by creating everyday dresses that had a bit of pizazz. At the time, the only dresses available for women were boxy, unflattering dresses for cleaning in, and glamorous dresses for a night out. She tapped into an underserved market and struck gold.
Nelly was also ahead of her time as an employer. She hired over 1000 employees, mostly women. She made sure they were paid above-average wages, had paid leave, paid vacations, paid higher education and paid childcare. In fact, when the unions tried to come in and organized in her factory, they were unsuccessful. The employees had nothing to complain about.
Her abduction came just before the Lindbergh Baby kidnapping, and after several other high-profile crimes.
But what really sparked my interest was the involvement of a US Senator who moved heaven and earth to find her; even making deals with organized crime figures.
Kidnappers, gangsters, organized crime, politics, all make for a fascinating story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. I just write; no matter what upheavals I face in my personal life. I always find time to write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rod Serling of The Twilight Zone Fame. Also Derek Haas, screenwriter and television writer extraordinaire.
What are you working on now?
A follow up to the short story, THE UNFINISHED, along with a new book series, MONTGOMERY VALE.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own website of course! Just revamped it. Very proud of it. See it at www.PatriceWilliamsMarks.com . You can see information on my books, screenplays and TV series.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let your current finances dictate whether you write or not. So what if you can’t pay the bills; still find time to write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To not just write screenplays, but to try my hand at prose.
What are you reading now?
Open City: True Story of Kansas City Crime Family (still doing research associated with my new novel) and Deadly Percheron.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m doing a follow up to THE UNFINISHED and starting a new series, MONTGOMERY VALE.
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?
The Bible (gotta have hope, right?)
Twilight Zone Manual
The Abduction of Nelly Don (my own book)
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