Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The first story I wrote was “Quaker, Dog of the West,” which I penned in fourth grade. After several decades of writing college papers, academic articles, and research reports, I can now write what I want–memoir, essays about daily conundrums, and fiction. My first book was a memoir about the emotional journey I took with my father as he faced the end of his life. “Treat Gently, This Gentle Man” is really a love story about a special father. My debut novel, “The Ups and Downs of Miss Margaret Landings,” is my first work of fiction (after Quaker, Dog of the West, of course!).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is “The Ups and Downs of Miss Margaret Landings.” It is an unusual motif, but not for me. My grandfather was the founder of Rudin’s Department Store, which was located in my hometown of Mount Vernon, Ohio. “While the characters and plot are purely fictional, I drew upon my experiences growing up in a retail family. I was fascinated by the concept of closing and opening elevator doors – hiding or revealing secrets and truth. I spent many hours in the store as a child shopping with my mother and as a teenager working in gift wrap or the elevator. Wondering what happens behind elevator doors or in the stockrooms fueled my imagination. As a teenager I ran the elevator, and I did get it stuck a couple of times. My father had to climb up into the elevator shaft to get it going again. I used one story in a chapter of a friend told me about spitting from the third floor down to the first floor. I just had to use those scenarios. Of course, the town Santa, Jiggs Henry, was a beloved icon in Mount Vernon, and he would chase a particular clerk for a kiss. It was all good-natured fun. In reality, I was never aware of any ‘hanky-panky.’ A novelist gets to invent those things!”
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was a voracious reader growing up, and I remember being captivated by “Heidi,” “Black Beauty,” and Pearl Buck’s “The Good Earth.” The most recent powerful books I’ve read are “The Things They Carried,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Mudbound,” and “Crossers.” Here in Tucson we have a wonderful Festival of Books, and I’ve been fortunate to hear the lessons and wisdom of Lisa See, Elmore Leonard, Thomas Cobb, and Larry Watson, and many others.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a sequel to Margaret Landings’ story. The setting of the first novel was a small town in 1955, the next book, “Margaret’s War,” takes place in the mid-sixties with a backdrop of the Vietnam War.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning how to promote my writing. The most successful so far has been Facebook. I belong to a couple of groups whose focus is the topic of my book, and announcing the launch of my book on Facebook was successful in a small time, beginner way.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in your story, listen to the experts, and remember that the word “write” is a verb!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Resist the urge to explain.
What are you reading now?
The Roundhouse by Louise Erdrich
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing!
What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book of all time is a tough question. I’m going to say “To Kill a Mockingbird” but I’m not sure how influenced I am by the scene in the movie where Atticus leaves the courtroom and Jean Louise is told to “…stand up. Your father’s passin’.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Patti Albaugh Website
Patti Albaugh Amazon Profile
Patti Albaugh’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile