Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My love for words began in first grade. I had learned vowel sounds i.e. A is pronounced like it is in man, or if there is an E at the end, the vowel says it’s name (name, sane, etc.) Then, one day the teacher said it could also have other pronunciations, as in father. That did it! It was my Rosetta Stone. I have never stopped reading since.
I first began to get the writing bug in fifth grade when I won the county essay contest. In high school and college, Creative Writing was my main interest. But, then came the real world, having a job and kids. No time to write. So, I got a late start. It was probably just as well. Experience is a great teacher.
I wrote my first book Heart of the Wild Beast, in the early 1970’s, but was afraid to submit it–smart decision, it was awful. In 2009, I decided to start over. I completely rewrote it, keeping the same plot. I submitted it to ebook publishers. I got seven rejections before a publisher sent me a contract. The book was published in 2010.
My second book, Red, White, and You, I sent to another publisher, Soul Mate Publishing. The supposed turn-around time of four to six weeks for a response, was cut down to two weeks. I had a contract! That’s the book you see here.
Soul Mate picked up my third book, For the Love of Laurel, in four days. It’s due out in November. Then, since the contract on my first book expired, they’ve also picked up that one. It will be published next year.
I have been married 50 years, have three kids, seven grandkids, and one great grandson. So it’s never to late to follow your dream.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is in the editing stage. It is a romantic suspense titled, For the Love of Laurel. I guess it was inspired by, of all things, law enforcement. I live in a border town, San Diego, California. A lot of drug trafficking goes on. My nephew is a California Highway Patrol officer and has worked with the DEA. I admire the men and women who put their lives on the line every day for us.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Let’s see. This is a loaded question for me. The short answer is no, but my quirky mind wants to say, “I type while standing on my head,” or “I type everything sdrawkcab so you can only read my books with a mirror.” I love this question, Awesome Gang!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s a broad question, since I’ve read hundreds of books. But the author who has influenced me the most is Rod Serling. His books and screenplays are jewels.
What are you working on now?
Editing my third book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I could say I have one. I am trying all the sites that promote books to see how that works.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read your book at least ten times before submitting. Get a couple of friends or relatives to read it just to find typos and things that don’t make sense. You want it in the best condition it can be. Don’t take the easy way out and self-publish until you’ve submitted to all the ebook publishers that publish in your genre. Whatever they ask for in a submission, send exactly that–nothing more and nothing less. If you want to submit to a print publisher, understand you may need an agent. Even if you don’t, it generally is a much longer time from contract to print.
Self-publishing? Well, I won’t do it, personally. You have to pay all expenses yourself and, chances are, you won’t make enough in sales to cover the expenses.
Most of all, if you believe in your product, don’t give up. As they say, “All it takes is one yes.” And that “yes” might be the very next one you planned to submit to.
Good luck!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never. Give. Up.
What are you reading now?
Hanta Yo by Ruth Beebe Hill. I read it years ago and wanted to read it again. One fine book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
With editing two full-length novels in my immediate future, I’m not even thinking about my next book at the moment. I do have a few chapters written on two different books, but first things first.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Collector by John Fowles.
Author Websites and Profiles
Patricia Harreld Website