Interview With Author Patrick E. McGrory
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Patrick E. McGrory, a storyteller from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I’m pushing 40, live with my loving family, and share my life with my Australian Kelpie mix, Jax. Before writing, I spent years as a professional cook, which means I’m equally comfortable crafting a perfect plate of buffalo wings as I am crafting a heartfelt romance. When I’m not writing, you can usually find me cleaning (honestly, it’s a thing), dominating at air hockey, or yelling at game shows on TV. I’m excited to say I’ve written my first contemporary romance novel, and I plan to continue exploring love, life, and the messy, beautiful moments that make both so compelling.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Latest Book:
My latest book is a contemporary romance that follows Marina and Ethan as they navigate love, personal struggles, and unexpected drama.
Inspiration:
The story was inspired by the messy, beautiful parts of life—love, heartbreak, healing, and the ways people grow through challenges. I wanted to explore what happens when two people with scars from the past try to build something real, and how family, personal growth, and resilience play into that journey.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’d say my writing habits are a little unusual. I like to write when it’s quiet, usually late at night or early in the morning, with my dog Jax keeping me company. I often clean or do chores between writing sessions—it helps me think through plot points. I also like to make a cup of coffee and sit by a window, watching the world go by, which somehow sparks new ideas and inspiration for my stories.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by a mix of contemporary romance and character-driven stories. Authors like Nicholas Sparks, Jojo Moyes, and Colleen Hoover have inspired me with their ability to write emotional, relatable characters and heartwarming yet realistic love stories. I’m also drawn to books that explore personal growth, resilience, and family dynamics, because I love stories that balance romance with real-life challenges.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on my next contemporary romance novel. I’m exploring themes of love, healing, and second chances, while diving even deeper into the messy, emotional moments that make relationships so real. I’m excited to continue building stories that make readers feel connected to the characters and their journeys.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I focus on methods that help readers discover my books organically. Right now, I rely on Amazon’s tools, like Kindle promotions and optimizing keywords and categories, to make my books more visible. I also explore book-focused websites and newsletters that connect with romance readers. I find that a combination of careful targeting and word-of-mouth from readers is the most effective way to promote my work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is simple: write consistently, be patient, and trust the process. Don’t worry about perfection at first—focus on finishing your story. Learn from every step, whether it’s writing, editing, or publishing, and don’t be afraid to put your work out there. Building an audience takes time, but persistence, passion, and authenticity go a long way.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is: “Focus on what you can control, and let go of what you can’t.” It’s simple, but it’s helped me in writing, in life, and in pursuing my goals. When it comes to creating stories, I can control the effort I put in, the characters I develop, and the worlds I build—but I can’t control every reader’s response. Accepting that balance keeps me motivated and creative.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading a mix of contemporary romance and character-driven fiction. I love books that explore real emotions, complex relationships, and personal growth, because they inspire me both as a reader and as a writer. I also enjoy noticing how other authors build tension, dialogue, and emotional depth—it’s a great way to learn while enjoying a good story.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer is continuing to grow and explore new stories in contemporary romance. I want to dive deeper into characters’ emotional journeys, tackle new themes like healing and second chances, and keep creating books that resonate with readers. My goal is to keep improving with each story while building a connection with the people who enjoy my work.
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 were stranded on a desert island, I’d choose books that I could revisit over and over:
A classic romance—something timeless that reminds me why I love love stories.
A book that makes me laugh—because humor is essential in any survival situation.
A character-driven novel about resilience or personal growth—to keep perspective and inspiration alive.
Or, you know… I could just grab three different survival books and hope for the best!
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.