Ask the Author: Irina VanPatten
Answered Questions (10)
Irina VanPatten
Mail-Order Family book is a memoir, so the idea is life itself with all its ups and downs, twists and turns, and the hilarity of the moments.
Irina VanPatten
The inspiration comes from all places, really. I once was in a dentist's office and my dentist technician, also Irina, had a very thick Russian accent, talking to her assistant, and I wrote a short story about it, it was called "Dentist and the English Grammar". It got published in a magazine because it was cute and hilarious.
Irina VanPatten
Currently, I am working on the sequel for my Mail-Order Family book. It's going to be epic!
Irina VanPatten
Just write, no matter the age. You'll find your audience. I was 50 when I published my first book, though I was writing before then, here and there. I don't regret a thing. I love what came out of it.
Irina VanPatten
The best thing about being a writer is to write a story that no one told. Then you can write your feelings down but your characters are speaking your thoughts and your frustrations instead of you. It's kinda cool to see all coming together. Like it's you but not you.
Irina VanPatten
Typically, I go for a walk or for a jog. The rushing blood through my veins does amazing things to my brain.
Irina VanPatten
Unfortunately, no. I am not a fan of horror stories, mostly because I am an ex-Soviet. We had real horror stories in my family, like my grandpa was almost deported to GULAG twice, so I would rather not entertain the bad luck that might come with it. I salute people who can watch a horror movie. You are brave souls!
Irina VanPatten
There are so many magical places in the world, that I would rather travel the real world, than the magical one. Iceland comes to mind. They have a cool combination of real and fairytale-ish.
Irina VanPatten
David Sedaris books never disappoint. So if I have a bad day I go to them for comic relief.
Irina VanPatten
Mail-Order Family is a memoir, a funny and relatable to many, but it's a memoir, so the idea was the life itself. Basically, when I was writing, it was more like rewinding an old tape recorder, trying to decipher my memories. It was a lot of fun, but also very therapeutic.
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