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Patti Roberts Interview 11/6/2011 7:43:49 AM
Author of dark angel fantasies, Patti Roberts, discusses her novels and the writing life! In my opinion, in the world of fiction the angels are the new vampires! For today’s guest blog, I’d like to introduce you to Patti Roberts, author of the Paradox series, a dark angel fantasy. I’d like to begin by having you share a little information about yourself with our readers, Patti. I know you reside in lovely Cairns, Australia. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? (I hope you take advantage of all the beauty that Cairns has to offer!)
PR: Currently I have to say that my world is Paradox 24/7. Honestly, apart from taking time out to spend some down time with family and friends, writing the Paradox series is my passion. Right now that is my very fulfilling life!
Has writing stories always been a part of your life and becoming a published author a life long dream?
PR: No. I only started writing in 2009. It certainly is a dream now to continue writing.
Your debut novel, Paradox: The Angels are Here has been getting great reviews. What was the inspiration behind this series and can you tell us a little bit about your protagonist, Grace?
PR: I was inspired by what I didn’t know. The questions, we humans, have asked ourselves a million times over since the year dot. Where did we come from? What happens to us when we die? Is there a heaven? Does our soul live on? These are the same questions Grace has asked herself too. Like us, Grace is looking for answers. And they aren't always where she expects to find them.
Without giving away too much, can you reveal what’s in store for the readers when they crack open Paradox: The Angels are Here?
PR: This first book is a novella – an introduction into the series. It is designed to leave you asking questions. Who, what, where, when… how? As in life, there are always more questions than answers.
So far, there are three novels in the Paradox series. Does Grace’s adventure continue with new twists and perhaps new unearthly characters?
PR: Book 2 - Progeny Of Innocence (November release) gives more of an insight into the Ancient World. Book 3 – Bound In Blood (2012 release) has more Ancient World and New World adventures as Grace and her friends discover that there is a lot more happening in their worlds than first meets the eye. This is a series with lots of Myth, legend and a host of weird, evil, and wonderful creatures and characters. Some you will just love to hate.
I’m curious about your writing style. Are you one of those disciplined writers who must dedicate a certain time each day to producing so many words, or are you more relaxed and tend to write when it strikes your fancy?
PR: I try to write everyday, at least a thousand words. Some days it is impossible though, but I do my best.
Still on the subject of writing styles, are you a plotter or pantser? The readers would like to know if you tend to plot out your story line in great detail or if your writing is more organic with the characters and events unfolding as you write.
PR: Both. I start with a plot… But sometimes the characters personalities become so driven and overpowering that they take me, lead me, to where the next chapter of the story has to go.
Some authors meditate, others need to fuel up on coffee or listen to music. Do you have any rituals, ones that can be shared with the readers, that you must do before you hunker down for a writing session?
PR: A lot of my inspiration comes from real life events in history. But I would have to say that even more inspiration comes during my sleep, or when I'm half awake and thinking about particular characters or chapters that I have been working on. I have a ton of flashlight moments while I'm dozing.
At one time or another, most writers hit the wall and their work stalls because of the dreaded writer’s block. What do you do to get around or over this mental wall to resume writing?
PR: I have never had writers block. I have so much to tell that my only problem is what to tell first… where to begin.
Who is your favourite author and how has he/she inspired you to write or influenced your writing style or choice of genre?
PR: I have recently discovered George R. R. Martin (The Game Of Thrones). His writing inspired be tons when I was writing the Ancient World chapters in the 2nd book. For Paradox – The Angels Are Here I went with my own style. And there are 2 very distinct styles. For example, when I wrote the Grace chapters, New World, the style is younger, less elaborate than the Ancient World chapters. I decided that a story that is being told in 2 different worlds really could not be written in the same style – it just didn’t feel right.
What is the most profound discovery you’ve made in terms of your writing and how it has touched the lives of others?
PR: I have been told by some readers that I made them cry and ask themselves questions about their own faith and beliefs. I found that incredible. Being told that certainly touched my life!
PR: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned on the road to publication?
You cannot proofread/edit your own writing!
What are you reading now, and how did this particular book make it onto your to-read list?
PR: I watched the TV series and just needed to know how that was written so I read the first book and have progressed onto the 2nd. Book 2 in Game Of Thrones.
What do you foresee in your future over the next five years and do you hope to branch out into other genres? Can your fans expect the Paradox trilogy to expand into a fourth novel in the near future?
PR: Paranormal and Paradox all the way… as far as the story needs to go!
