Ask the Author: Robin Patchen
Answered Questions (15)
Robin Patchen
I have editors I like and trust. Have you read any of my books? If you'd like to apply to be on my review team, you're welcome to do so at my website, https://robinpatchen.com/vip/
Robin Patchen
I'd start with One Night and Tehran. It's the first of the series.
Robin Patchen
Sure! Eager to hear what you think.
Robin Patchen
Hi Sandra! A Package Deal was originally in an anthology with three other authors. It stands alone, but the other stories were also about women who found their heroes through online dating. The books are all great fun. Mine is the most serious of the four--the other three are pretty lighthearted. I think you'll like them!
Robin Patchen
Sandra, you're absolutely right! Even good babies consume a new mother's time and attention. I wasn't sure how to make the baby realistically high-maintenance and still have the story moving forward, because who wants to read about rocking a baby and praying they'd finally fall asleep? :)
I'm glad you liked the story, despite that bit of fantasy. Have a great day!
I'm glad you liked the story, despite that bit of fantasy. Have a great day!
Robin Patchen
This is an easy one for me. I'd go to Harry Potter's world. Of course, I wouldn't want to be a Muggle (who would?). But wouldn't it be fun to live in a world with magic wands?
Robin Patchen
I don't have much of a list. I'm looking forward to reading Ginny Ytrupp's latest, Home. I have a Karen White book on my Kindle that I'm eager to read. And I'm hoping to start Harlan Coben's series with Myron Bolitar. I read one of them, and it was really good, so now I want to go back and read the rest. And I want to check out Dennis Lehane's Mystic River. I have sort of eclectic reading tastes. :)
Robin Patchen
The book I'm working on now, Generous Lies, was inspired by a situation in my own family. My eldest son is a recovery addict (thank God for the "recovering" part of that!) This story is about a man whose son is dealing with addiction. I tend to work through my emotions in story, so that's what this is. Of course, I've added a fun suspense plot to make it more interesting. I hope readers like it!
Robin Patchen
I am sometimes inspired to write, but I'm not sure how I get there. Mostly, I write because it's my job. I love it, but there are times when I'd rather be doing something else. I write anyway. If I want to be a writer, if I want to write great books, then I have to actually write!
Robin Patchen
I just saw this question. Sorry for the long delay. I'm currently polishing the 3rd book in the Hidden Truth Series, Generous Lies. And I'm plotting the fourth book, tentatively titled Innocent Lies.
Robin Patchen
Hmm. That's a fun question. When I was a college student, there was a man sort of "stalking" our apartment. I lived with my sister at the time, and we think he might have followed her home from work one night. Once, in the middle of the night, a flashlight beam came through our windows (we lived in a basement apartment) and another time, someone broke in while we were sleeping, broke a pair of glasses, and took off. It was bizarre. That could make a good plot.
Robin Patchen
Hmm, this is a hard question. The first couple that comes to mind are Teo and Cornelia from Marisa de los Santos's novel, Belong to Me. I loved that book, and I loved the way they interacted with each other.
Robin Patchen
Start writing, but while you're writing, also read books that'll help you be a better writer. If you write fiction, check out books on story structure (Plot & Structure is excellent). Check out books on creating excellent characters and great plots--everything by Donald Maass is great. I have coauthored a book called 5 Editors Tackle the 12 fatal flaws of Fiction writing. It's had great reviews. Also, read great books, both within the genre you want to write and outside of it. But don't just read, read and study. See what you like and what you don't. See if you can emulate style. Finally, try to get to a writers conference. They're great places to connect with other writers and learn.
Robin Patchen
Getting to do what I love every day. Getting to spend my days with fictional characters.
Robin Patchen
I have daily writing goals that are time-related. Most days, I write two hours per day. If I can't think of anything to write during that time, I may reread what I've already read or do research. Most of the time, though, I just start writing.
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