Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write under P.A. Zimmerman I am a married, Mother of three, Grami to six. A native of the New Jersey Shore and a beach bum now retired in Florida. I have always ‘told stories’ to my kids and grand kids; tried to make time to write but as a career woman/ working mom I was lucky to accomplish that alone. When my husband announced he wanted to retire, I did as well. It was difficult at first because I loved what I did.
As a salon owner and colorist for many years, I knew I had to ‘give back’ to my profession, got my teaching credits and began a new career in my forties as a regional education manager/ seminar trainer for Wella USA. A fabulous job and great feeling of accomplishment to share my expertise in the Metropolitan area and East Coast. I wrote lesson plans and business building ideas and traveled in and out of the country.
I woke up one morning; kids all married, giving us grand babies in record speed. Loved it. I told them stories and when they got old enough to give me feed back, I realized I had all the time I needed to write.my first book Olivia’s Magic Conch depicts my love of the ocean and how badly I want to protect it. It is a fable braided with fact set in present day for all ages. My biggest fans are the parents and grandparents who buy it and read it first. My second, It all Began With…THE WART a humorous mystery for adults. I guess you could say I haven’t found my genre yet but I like to say it is just my creative juices having fun
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It All Began With…THE WART…started out as a short story I wanted to enter in a contest. I chose to write a funny mystery and cracked myself up laughing out loud only a few pages into it. My husband walked in read it and laughed saying,”You are not really going to send this in are you?” Well I didn’t not for any other reason but that I couldn’t stop writing and surpassed the required word count. I ended up with a novella. It is really weird, because the mystery is hard to solve with several options, the subject matter is to some questionable, and it is a funny love story. I will tell you if you are anti gay then don’t read it. However, if you choose to be open minded there is nothing involving the gay community that is offensive. I have worked with gay men throughout my career and my main character is a culmination of who I perceived them to be. And that is meant as a compliment. Your choice. The reviews have been excellent.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well let’s see…….I think of a title that would give me license to concoct a story and I sit down and type away. When I get stuck….I get up and leave the area, do something that takes my mind off of it and when I am clear I go back and try again. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes days go by before I nail it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Newbies like myself. I mean what the heck, I could never compete with Hemingway or Alcott. There are tens of thousands just like me out there. Sometimes luck intervenes and you are discovered.
What are you working on now?
Unfortunately, my computer was hacked and I lost four chapters of a really good start. My fault for not backing it up. I will never retain all of it but things happen for a reason and maybe what I can do is make it even better. the title is The
Lost and Lonely Unlovable Four.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I stink at this part. I was scammed with my first book but thanks to Victoria Strauss and Writer Beware the scoundrel has been stopped but his M O is to come back under a new handle. So beware I lost a lot of money and time.
I need help as an indie so I am so glad to have found OurAwesomeGang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! I love to offer a few words if asked.so here goes.
Believe in yourself. How can you expect to succeed if you don’t?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not let negativity in your house!
What are you reading now?
An oldie, I missed. The Road Less Traveled by M.Scott Peck M.D. Because I am still learning about life.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Who knows? But I am never bored. I will continue to write! I paint in oils and I am also an interior decorator who drives her husband nuts because he never knows where his favorite chair will be next.
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?
Hawaii, Bridge Over Madison County, The Notebook and a Dictionary.
Author Websites and Profiles
Patricia A. Zimmerman Website
Patricia A. Zimmerman Amazon Profile
Patricia A. Zimmerman’s Social Media Links