Shadows of the Past is the proud "baby" of debut author, Patricia Bradley, and I am thrilled that she could join us today. While I am a keen mystery fan, I'm not big on suspense - yet I loved Shadows of the Past! (You can see my review here.) So I invite you to relax for a few minutes and get to know more about Patricia and her writing.
Q: Congratulations on the publication of Shadows of the Past, Patricia. Could you share a little about how this story came to be published?
It’s a looong story. J. So I’ll condense it. I won the Maggie for the first chapter of Shadows of the Past in their Unpublished Inspirational Category in 2008. I thought I was on the way, but when I sent it out, I would receive my proposal back almost by return mail. A friend suggested I get in touch with Susan May Warren. I did and sent 50 pages to her for a critique. I didn’t know there could be so much red on a piece of paper. Lol. Susan showed me how to improve my writing, and after that I attended 4 of her Deep Thinker’s Retreats where each year of teaching built on the year before. In 2012 I entered the Genesis in the Romantic Suspense category and was a finalist. After that I acquired an agent, then a 3-book contract from Revell.
Q: I think readers love getting to know an author personally, so would you please share a little of your spiritual journey with us?
My story is like the prodigal son’s. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 9, but I didn’t stay in His Word, and as a teenager strayed away. But He never let go of me and 30 years later I realized what was missing in my life and return to Him. Now my day starts off with His Word…and if it doesn’t nothing goes right. I have to be grounded.
Q: I love your story's Mississippi setting. Are you drawn to southern settings?
Definitely. I grew up in Memphis, moved to Mississippi when I was 20 and have been here ever since. It’s a beautiful state from the cotton in the Delta to the Gulf Coast to the hill country where I live in North Mississippi.
Shadows of the Past is set in Logan Point, Mississippi and I sort of moved the geography around. I created a river and lake and a small town. You know the kind—where everyone knows your business. In the opening Taylor Martin returns to her hometown to find out what happened to her father who left the family 20 years earlier. She teams up with Nick Sinclair and trouble happens.
Q: With Nick, your lead character, being a mystery writer, I have to ask if anyone has compared him to the popular Castle on TV!
Well, yes. In fact, I have a picture of Nathan Fillion in my Scrivener file for Nick!
Q: One of my favorite characters in your story is a potter. Is that something you're familiar with?
I am a potter. I took lessons in 2000 for a character in a book. But instead of writing the book, I used it as a visual when I taught abstinence classes until 2007 when I first started back writing. I loved writing Kate’s scenes and Taylor’s when she was on the wheel.
Q: What are three things that hardly anyone knows about you, Patricia?
I’ve been dating the same guy for 15 years. I can swim a mile. I like spinach.
Q: What novel or writing project are you working on now?
Right now I am doing edits on the 2nd book in the series—A Promise to Protect. It’s about Ben, the sheriff in Shadows of the Past and an old flame from college. Of course a killer has her in his crosshairs, and it’s up to Ben to keep it from happening.
Q: For those of us who enjoy your writing, what are some ways we can support and encourage you?
PRAY. I’ve committed to 3 books in the next year with one due June 30. The other two are due by February 2015.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from Shadows of the Past?
I hope people will see how God can take our mistakes and bring good from them and how He never lets us go. That we have to trust Him. What He has in store for us is better than anything we can imagine.
Thank you so much for having me on your blog!
____________________
GIVEAWAY
Patricia has graciously offered a copy of Shadows of the Past to one of you, so please leave a comment or question for her, and share any of the bonus entries that you've completed.
-- Required entry - Comment or question for Patricia + your e-mail address in a safe format
-- Bonus #1 - Follow my blog (new or current followers)
-- Bonus #2 - "Like" my Facebook page, The Power of Words Reviews
(new or already liked)
Contest ends at midnight on Sunday, March 23. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on Monday, March 24. Due to postage costs, US address only.
UPDATE: Our winner is Rhonda Nash-Hall, entry #46 on Random.org!
Congratulations, Rhonda! And thanks to all who entered. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Patricia and will be able to read Shadows of the Past soon. Patricia, it has been a pleasure having you with us this week and we look forward to your next book!
Thanks for the interview and chance to win this book. I attended college and grad school in Mississippi and myy husband is a Mississippi native. I am looking forward to reading this book (even if I don't win! ;) ) msudawgtooATcomsouthDOTnet
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Beckie! I knew you enjoyed southern fiction, like me, but Patricia's book will be even more meaningful with your Mississippi connections. Thanks for visiting, Beckie.
ReplyDeleteBeckie! The guy I date graduated from State. So glad you stopped by.
ReplyDeleteCarole, thanks for having me on your blog! This is going to be fun.
ReplyDeleteCarole and Patricia -- Thanks for this giveaway!
ReplyDeletePatricia, I look forward to getting to read your book. It looks like you're going to be super-busy writing over the next year! My best wishes to you. :)
Through meeting in writing seminars and discovering her sweet spirit and dedication to the Lord, I'm privileged to become a close friend. I've read Shadows of the Past twice, the second time to study its skill. I may read a third, and can't wait for sequel. May God continue blessing Pat with many well-received books delivering His forgiving nature and Redeemer's Heart!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, it's always great to see your smiling face! I don't want to see Patricia pressured to the extent that it effects her writing, yet I'm eager for more from her at the same time. I believe you'll enjoy Shadows of the Past.
ReplyDeleteDelores, thank you so much for sharing. You are blessed to have a close friendship with Patricia. She has been gracious from the beginning - but the more I get to know her, the more I like! I would certainly like to know more about that long-time dating relationship, though. Sure hope someone asks about that!
What a great interview. This is definitely going on my wish list! I love the TV show Castle - one of the things I hear often in my house is - "Not Castle again!!" So a suspense with a mystery writer in it is up my alley. The sequel sounds interesting too.
ReplyDeleteHow do you plot out your suspense? Do you have this whole outline that tells you where the story is going to go, or do you "play it by ear"?
Carole has my e-mail address - and I'm a long time follower of her blog!
Thanks, Kim
This sounds exactly like the kind of book I really enjoy. Thanks Carole for hosting Patricia today, I have truly enjoyed the interview!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, yes, I am going to be super busy this next year! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteDee, thank you so much for your kind words. You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteKim, I am a tweener...you know somewhere between a plotter and a panster. I do plot, usually on a desk calendar, using the little squares for my scenes. That way I can keep up with my timeline. I'm trying something new this time--James Scott Bell's look in the mirror thingy. (I know he'll appreciate the thingy). The look in the mirror is a sentence or paragraph where the hero/heroine knows they have to do something different, either internally or externally or both. It's in his book Writing your Novel From the Middle.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of suspense. This one caught my eye a short time ago. I love "suspense in the south". LOL Sounds like you will be very busy. Thanks for not giving up back when.
ReplyDeleteclglassie@mchsi.com I follow your blog Carole
Connie, thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great suspenseful book
ReplyDeleteGod bless you
ChrisG
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
I liked it
I follow u
So glad my book caught your eye, Carol. I'm glad I didn't give up, too! Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I am so thrilled for you. A brand, new book....how exciting. I wish you the best of luck.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
This book has been catching my eye. It looks and sounds like one I would love! Thanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteI follow the blog and have liked your page on FB.
Rachel smileytwin10{at}hotmail{dot}com
This books sounds like something I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteKim, as the networks put out less and less shows that I enjoy, Castle is a delight! Mystery author + police investigation = great storytelling!
ReplyDeleteConnie and Carol, I know you're suspense fans and will certainly enjoy Patricia's book!
Chris, Melanie, Rachel and Janet - the cover certainly calls out to readers! Thank you for dropping by. Janet, be sure to leave your e-mail for contact purposes should you win.
Thank you for "introducing" me to this author. This sounds like a great book. I am a follower and I "like" your facebook page.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
Carole, Thanks for hosting Patricia.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I read and enjoyed this book immensely! My question is: do you have any other books out, or what is coming up next?
Thank you for sharing with us!
Carole I follow you on google, blog, and facebook :-) Your the best!!
This sounds like a good book. I mostly read historical fiction, but occasionally take a break and read some contemporary and suspense novels as well. This one sounds good. Congratulations on your first book!
ReplyDeleteI do like your page on Facebook and thought I followed your blog too.
Nancycooks4u(at) gmail (dot) com
Chris, Melanie, Rachel, Janet, Susan, Amy and Nancy thank you so much for stopping by and encouraging me!
ReplyDeleteAmy, book 2 in the Logan Point Series will be out in October and I have a book coming out with Harlequin Heartwarming in September.
Nancy, thanks for following my blog and liking my FB page!
I put this book on my to-read list as soon as I heard of it --- back in Feb, I think. Thanks for the opportunity to win it! :)
ReplyDelete~Aerykah
crazybooklover7[at]yahoo[dot]com
Oh, and I follow your blog via email. :)
ReplyDeletePatricia, when did you know that you wanted to be an author? What other genres' are you interested in writing? I loved the interview and your book looks so good! Congrats on this your debut book.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy B judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
Carole, I am a new follower and
I liked your FB page!
Hi, Carole! Thank you for sharing this delightful interview. Congratulations, Patricia, on the release of SHADOWS OF THE PAST! It sounds like a wonderful book and is one I am eager to read. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteI am a blog follower and have liked your FB page!
texaggs2000 at gmail dot com
I enjoyed very much reading your interview.
ReplyDeleteIf I win I would give the book to my church library, but only after I read it first.
Thanks!
Susan, it's fun to introduce new authors. Best wishes in the contest!
ReplyDeleteAmy, we think alike on this book! Do you live close to the area where Shadows takes place?
Welcome, Nancy! When I look back over the books I've read recently, there's a lot of historical fiction on my list also.
Aerykah, it's great to see you here! I think we're in some of the same groups on Goodreads.
A wonderful interview. Thank you for introducing me to Patricia. This looks like a book I would love. I really like suspense. I also like the fact it's a series. I need to find her on Facebook to follow. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Katrina
eppersonkatrina(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hoping to win! I'm working on my first book ever. Once I'm done, I need to find my version of Susan Warren. I loved reading about your journey on this book. Blessings to your future.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Judy, and thank you for becoming a blog follower. I guarantee that Patricia's book won't disappoint.
ReplyDeleteBritney, it's great to see you here and supporting Patricia!
Library Lady, this would be a welcome addition to any church library, but definitely read it first!
Katrina, if you enjoy suspense, you will definitely like Shadows of the Past. I always appreciate you visiting my blog, and here's the link to Patricia's author page:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Bradley-Author/310231559090148
Hi Carole and Patricia,
ReplyDeleteCarole-great interview!
Patricia-I have heard great things about this book. Thanks for the chance to win. Congrats on your debut novel. It was really interesting to read all that you persevered through to get to this point!
Brittany McEuen
kbmceuen(at)yahoo(dot)com
Forgot to say that I am a follower by email and also like your facebook page!
ReplyDeleteBrittany McEuen
Brittany A., Aerykah, Judy, Library Lady, Katrina, C. and Brittany McCeuen: thank you all so much for stopping by and giving me so much encouragement!!
ReplyDeleteAnd Judy, I never thought about being a writer until I was 35--I was always a reader, but then one night these people came to live in my head and they wouldn't go away until I wrote their story. Woman's World published it and two more.
But it was 32 years before I got my first novel contract!
I LOVE suspense!!! Where do you teach abstinence courses? in a church? Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI follow with google+ and I liked your facebook page. Rhonda
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
This looks like an interesting read, it will be added to my 'to-read' list. I am a big fan of Susan May Warren and it's neat to hear how established writers are willing to support, help and guide newer writers.
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower of your blog, and liked your FB page.
heather (AT) thesunsetwont DOTcom
Brittany, I think we have very similar tastes when it comes to books and I'm glad to see you here.
ReplyDeleteRhonda and Heather, I appreciate new followers so much! Rhonda, you and I were both at Miralee's party the other night, but I was working behind the scenes and only got to comment at the end.
Hi Patricia, a great interview. The southern people have a lot going for them. They are really good cooks. How many times did you have to send you book out before a publisher took it. My dad wrote music and he would send his work out years before someone had and interest in them, but he past away before one was published. I hope to win a copy of your book. Blessings to both of you.
ReplyDeleteNorma n38stanforth(at)yahoo(d0t)com