What
inspired you to write your Christmas themed book?
Several
years ago, I wrote a very short regency novella for a multi-author series with
the theme “The Twelve Dukes of Christmas.” Each story had to contain a
duke, as well as a scene at the Christmas Eve ball held at the estate of Lord
and Lady Kringle.
My
contribution to that series was The Partridge and the Peartree, featuring
Lady Amelia Partridge and Phillip Peartree, Duke of Bartlett. After a few
years, I re-released the story along with a sequel, Two Tutor
Doves, followed the next year by Three French Inns. So,
continuing with that theme, Four Calling Bards came next.
Could you
give me a short synopsis on the story for my readers?
Amanda Collins is the hard-working daughter of the village vicar. She’s caught
off guard when three of the wealthiest men in the village suddenly become
interested in courting her. Should she choose the Ethan, Lord of the Manor?
Perhaps Mr. Henning, the village butcher? Mr. Sutton, the new doctor? Or could
Andrew, the kind, but penniless young man working for her father possibly be
the man for her?
What made
you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
Christmas is
my favorite holiday, and since I write sweet romances I find no shortage of
ideas based on the universal theme of love and family during this special
season. I’ve managed to write a Christmas themed story every year since 2012.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Getting together with extended family is what makes the holiday special. My
husband and I have five children, nine grandchildren, and two
great-grandchildren. It’s rare that we’re able to see everyone, but I think
they all make an effort to be here for the Christmas holiday.
We try to
pick a date when most of them can come - especially the ones who live nearby -
and we have a gift exchange and LOTS of food. Another favorite is performing
holiday music. I play oboe and/or clarinet in a community band and two
community orchestras, plus I’m occasionally contacted to play special music for
a church service. Holiday music always lifts my spirits.
What’s next?
I’ve been
working on a few projects. One, of course, is the next book in the historical
Christmas series. The number five will be in the title, but I haven’t quite
decided what it will be. I’m also working on a coming-of-age story about a
Japanese couple whose families have arranged for them to marry.
What’s the
best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Get the
words written, even if they’re rubbish. You can edit them later, but you can’t
fix a blank page.
What do you
know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Know your
characters well. Know what makes them tick, what’s happened in their past, and
what their weaknesses are. They might do unexpected things, but the way they
act and react to the events in the story almost always depends on what’s
happened to them before.
There are so
many resources available now for people who want to write. Find them, make
connections, and tell your story!
Don’t you just love Patricia’s catchy titles? I
certainly do. Many others have enjoyed them, too.
Two of her stories, “Searching
for Lady Luck” and The Christmas Phoenix, placed in the Oklahoma
Romance Writers International Digital Awards Contest. And if you’d like to
know more about her books, here are some links to get you started.
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