Tuesday, August 1, 2017

August News



Last month, author Karoline Barrett interviewed me for her July newsletter, which was also posted on her blog. She asked me some very interesting questions but one in particular stood out because it was something I’d been thinking about a lot.

Question: What has surprised you most about being a writer? 
  
My reply: I was (and still am) pleasantly surprised at how supportive other authors have been and I’m thrilled to have made so many in-person and online (writer and reader) friends.

And I meant it! I am constantly amazed by the kindness and generosity of my fellow authors - how they support and encourage each other.

About two weeks ago, I saw that author Jacqueline Seewald had a new post on her blog, listing some books she recommended for summer reading. I clicked on the link and started to read. About halfway down the page, I saw my name! I was totally taken by surprise. Jacqueline had recommended my Malone mystery series!

Then, yesterday, I was reading Marja McGraw's new post titled "Back Cover Artistry," which is about enticing readers with book descriptions. She mentioned three novels where the author had done a good job of that and "Mixed Messages" was one of them!  

And those are just two examples. There are so many more!

We authors spend a lot of time “tooting our own horns.” I think most of us would rather use that time to write – I know I would. But we need to promote our books if we want to find readers, which of course, we do.

One of the problems with having to spend time promoting (while we’re writing and living life) is that it’s a constant juggling act and it’s easy to get so focused on promoting our own books that we forget to promote others. 

So I’m taking this opportunity to thank all the authors who have and do support me. I would love to name names but I wouldn’t want to inadvertently leave someone’s name off my list. Besides, if you’re reading this, you know who you are. Thank you!

I also want to acknowledge the personal friends and family members who have attended my book launch events. Their constant support means the world to me. A special thanks to three of my closest friends, Mary, Jan and Kathy, who have each "gone the extra mile" for me.

I’m not forgetting the people who aren’t authors, family members or personal friends; who are readers I’ve met either online or in person. People who have written reviews and/or taken the time to let me know how much they enjoyed my books.

For example, there's Peggy, a woman who works at my local post office. After reading each book, she sent me an email, telling me how much she loved it. When she finished the fifth (and last) book in my Malone mystery series, she wrote, “I’m going to miss the Malones.” I don’t think I have to tell you how much her words meant to me.

If you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win one of two signed copies of my Malone mysteries - winner's choice. I'll pick one name at random on August 15th and a second name on the 31st. Happy reading!

The winner in the first drawing is (Palmaltas) Pat Hernandez. 
Congratulations, Pat! I'll be contacting you by email.

The winner in the second drawing is Coco Ihle. Congratulations, Coco! 

30 comments:

  1. Patricia , I just added your name to my authors to read list. I am looking forward to reading your books.

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    1. Thank you! Please rely to this comment with your name so that, if you win, I can contact you. :)

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  2. Thank you so much Patricia. You made my day!!

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    1. Well, Peg, turn about is fair play. :) You've made my day several times and I really appreciate your support.

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  3. I have read all of your books except the last one. I haven't bought any since my Kindle died. It's funny how we think differently about things. When I read "What surprised you most about becoming an author", my thought was that I discovered I had a sense of humor. However, you gave a lovely response.

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    1. Thanks, Pat! One of the reasons I responded to Karoline's question the way I did is that our world is so competitive and it tends to be a "me" society more and more. Of course, there are authors who think only of themselves but, overall, authors are a very giving, supportive group.

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  4. Great post, Pat, and I think many of us have a lot of the same feelings. I've also read all of your books, and you've become a good friend. You're right about authors being generous. I appreciate each and every one of them.

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    1. Marja,
      I value your friendship and support more than I can say. Thank you!

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  5. I agree---it's wonderful when we promote each other. Thanks for expressing your appreciation, Patricia.

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    1. Maggie,
      I only wish I could name names because yours would definitely be included. Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Pat is an excellent example of a writer who spreads the word about others. And I recommend her Malone series to any who enjoy a good story. I'm rather sorry she's ending the series. I don't think I'm alone in saying I'll miss those characters.

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    1. John,
      Thank you for your kind words. I'm going to miss the Malones too but, for several reasons I can't talk about, I made the decision to end the series - for now - and to write a standalone novel, which I hope will be published next year.

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  7. Pat, it's wonderful of you to use a blog post to say "thank you" to everyone who has been supportive of you on your journey. It's no wonder there are so many people who support you--it's because you, in turn, are so supportive of others. Thanks for being my friend and for making this journey with all of us!

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    1. Amy,
      Thank you! Although we haven't known each other for very long, I consider you a friend too and I appreciate the support you've given me. The world is a better place when we all try to help each other!

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  8. Very nicely said, Pat! I love the Malone mysteries! Missing them already!

    Enjoy your day!

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Sharon. And, who knows? One of thees days, they may make a comeback. :)

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    1. Sharon,
      I'm under contract with my publisher until July 2020 but, after that . . . Or, before that. In the world of publishing, you just never know. Right now, I'm slowly but surely working on a standalone suspense novel. :)

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  10. Excellent post, and so right on the mark. (I have all your books). Write on...!

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  11. I love books that are in a series, I often don't want the story line to end. Thanks for the contest!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Jennifer. Don't be a stranger. :)

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  12. Wonderful post, Pat. While I too will miss the Malones, I'm looking forward to reading your new series.

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    1. Evelyn,
      My WIP is going to be a standalone. Of course, I also said that about "Mixed Messages." LOL You just never know.

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    1. Thank you, Prentiss. I hope you'll stop by to read future posts on the first of each month. :)

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  14. Pat, I haven't read your Malone series, but would love to. I hope I win a chance.

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