Interview with Author Patricia Stevenson

Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Patricia: I’ve written most of my life. The other day, clearing out some old paper work, I ran across a musical comedy I wrote when I was twelve. I even designed the set and costumes.

Deirdra: What is your writing and educational background?

Patricia: I have no formal writing background, and from high school I went into the business field. However, I believe that anyone can write. I feel I have proven that.

Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?

Patricia: I write on my lunch hour. That’s right; I’ve not given up my day job. I input into my computer evenings and weekends.

Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

Patricia: Ideas come from everywhere. If an idea gets in my head and refuses to leave I feel compelled to write about it.

Deirdra: Can you tell us a little about Dilapidated Man, a Professor Del Channing Murder Mystery?

Patricia: The Dilapidated Man: Professor Del Channing has no idea he is putting his life on the line when his beloved father is suddenly murdered. Still, the history scholar soon find himself utilizing his unique talents for research, analysis and human relations in an effort to uncover the murder’s identity. While coping with his own sorrow, his mother’s grief, and fending off his attractions to two very different women, he learns about his father’s business dealings and success in selling valuable oil coins to collectors. His savvy skills, increasing knowledge and unique discoveries edge him ever closer to the killer whose identity is totally unexpected and diabolically treating.

The Jezebel Bride: (coming out this month). When Professor Del Channing serves as best man for an old school chum and a colorful, flamboyant heiress, he immediately finds himself embroiled in a mystery that includes financial intrigue, deceit, greed, family secrets…and murder. From a brutal killing in a majestic mansion to business chicanery relating to the holdings of wealthy estate owners, Del unravels it all utilizing his professorial knowledge, the wisdom of Shakespeare and a little help from his best friend, Bif.

Deirdra: Can you tell us where you will be for your upcoming tours?

Patricia: My Agent, Artist, and I do workshops in leading book stores and libraries. We will be at the main Salt Lake City Library May 28, 2011, Hastings Book Store in Logan, after June 11^th, and at the September conference of the League of Utah Writers. You can check my web site wwwpatriciagstevenson.com for additional details.

Deirdra: How many beta readers do you have review your manuscript?

Patricia: I use two editors and myself for all proofing.

Deirdra: What do you hope readers will get from your books?

Patricia: As I stated before, I have written most of my life. Those novels will probably never be published. However, when I began the Professor Del Channing Murder Mystery series I felt the need to share my work. I wanted to leave behind something that the average reader, after a stressful day at work, could relax and hopefully enjoy the reading of the work as much as I enjoyed the writing.

Deirdra: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer’s block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Patricia: I’ve never experienced a writer’s block. I have found that if I have patience in developing my characters, their personalities will grow and mature and take over the wiring for me.

Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?

Patricia: As I write on my lunch hours, I find savoring the delicious food before me sets me in a relaxed state of mind. ( I work for a leading restaurant group).

Deirdra: What has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

Patricia: Developing a series. To be able to flesh out some of the same characters in differ4ent locations always keeps the work fresh and exciting for me. I believe writing should be fun so I expect to have fun writing.

Deirdra: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life.

Patricia: They become my friends. In other works they are real to me so I can describe their actions and attitudes to my readers. The word out now is if it doesn’t move the plot, throw it out. I do NOT believe that. To make a character believable you must place him in the real world and have him do things that you do in the real world.

Deirdra: What authors do you admire, and why?

Patricia: Tony Hillerman and Dick Francis for example. They have the ability to envelope me in their plots.

Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?

Patricia: As I write at lunch I eat real food. I have been in the food industry over thirty-two years.

Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?

Patricia: I oil paint, garden, and read, read, read.

Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

Patricia: Keep writing, hone your craft, and never give up.

Deirdra: What are you working on now.

Patricia: I’m on the seventh Professor Del Channing Murder Mystery. Just keep getting ideas for the series.

Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books, or order them?

Patricia: Logan: Open Table and June 11^th Hastings Book Store. Ogden: Hastings Book Store. Salt Lake City: The Book Store in the main City Library, Sam Weller’s, Eborn Books, and also Eborn Books in Valley Fare Mall. Hopefully we will be heading south shortly. The books can also be ordered on my Web Site wwwpatriciagstevenson.com.

Deirdra: Any final words you would like to share?

Patricia: No one is ever too young to start writing. No one is ever too old to start writing. No one is ever too old to stop writing.