Patricia, welcome to The Reading Frenzy.
Debbie - Tell us a little about your novel In The Shadow of Revenge.
Patricia - First and foremost, In the Shadow of Revenge is a mystery/suspense novel, but it is also a story about an unbreakable bond between three friends. At nine-years-old, the girls witness a tragic event that shapes not only heir friendship but also their lives. Eighteen years later they get a chance to set things right, but what they realize in the process is that justice comes with a price.
This is your debut novel.
How long did it take you to write it?
I work full time at a holistic veterinary hospital and I live with my husband, my daughter and two grandsons, ages 4 and 6. As you can imagine time is elusive as is quiet, but I try to be disciplined and write every morning, at least for an hour or two before I go to work and Saturday and Sunday mornings until noon. At that pace, In the Shadow of Revenge took about three years from the start of the writing process to date of publication.
What surprised you most about the whole process?
My dream has always been to be published. I’ve always believed, as does any unpublished writer I’m sure, that publication will be nirvana. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled to finally have reached that goal, but I’ve found that it’s not nearly the fun I thought it would be. There’s so much promotional work that goes along with it that it becomes overwhelming, at least for me. I’m an introvert, so putting myself and my work “out there” doesn’t come naturally or easily. It’s emotionally exhausting. I’m thrilled to be published and very grateful to all who supported and assisted in that endeavor, but I can’t wait to get back to sitting in the quiet of my office and writing another story. For me, the writing is the fun part.
Are there any plans for having a print edition of the novel?
Carina Press is a “digital-first” publisher, so at this time In the Shadow of Revenge is only available in a digital format.
You belong to a number of writing groups.
What’s the most beneficial aspect for you personally in networking with peers?
I belong to SINC (Sisters in Crime) and I’m connected to the Carina Press author group on-line, but my most beneficial connection has been with the Sebago Writers Group. It’s a group of five writers. We meet in person twice a month and critique each other’s work. The on-line groups are wonderful for advice on publishing or on specific issues, but in my experience personal critiques have been the most helpful. There’s nothing more valuable than an extra pair of eyes on your work to point out the things you can’t see. You just have to get past being defensive. One of the things I love most about writing is the solitude, but after I write I look to my writer’s group for critique. Their advice and suggestions always help me take my writing to a stronger and deeper place.
Who and what genres do you enjoy reading?
I mostly read mystery suspense, however my all time favorite book is A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I read the best writers in order to learn from them. Robert Parker is the best there is for dialogue. I also look for novels with PIs to see how they interact with police and how much they can get away with doing on their own. Right now, I’m reading Dennis Lehane’s novels with the team of Kenzie and Gennaro because I’m creating a male/female PI team in the book I’m working on now. When I look for something to read, I try to find a writer or story that will provide insight and expertise to whatever I’m doing at the time. Tana French is a favorite of mine because her plot and characters are so well crafted. Stephen King is also a favorite because I love his style. His writing is very personable and fun. Reading King always reminds me to enjoy the process. He motivates me to sit down and write.
Some people say write what you know.
Does this saying apply to you?
Explain.
In the past I’ve written things that were based on experience, but my current release, In the Shadow of Revenge, is completely fictional. I did live in Maine for twenty years so I am familiar with the Portland, Maine area and the surrounding towns. A lot of the story is about a friendship that begins when the girls are only nine-years-old. I guess you could say that part is based in experience. I met my best friend at nine-years-old and fifty years later, we are still best friends. We’ve been through a lot together and many of our experiences have shaped our relationship. So when it comes to the bond between the girls in the story, I guess I did write what I know.
Will there be another novel in your future?
I’m currently working on a novel that I hope will be the first in a series featuring a male/female PI team. In this one, they are tracking a serial killer and I’ve scratched out an idea for the next one in which the female character will go undercover into a religious cult in search of a missing girl.
So the day’s jobs are all done and it’s time for some serious R&R, what’s some of your favorite past-time activities?
I have three dogs, two German Shepherds and a Beagle mix. I spend a lot of time with them walking and hiking the trails near our house and snowshoeing in winter. I love the quiet of the woods and the company of my dogs. I also kayak and bike with my husband. I spend so much time inside at my computer that my favorite ways to relax and unwind are always outside.
If fans want to get to know you better how can they make a connection?
I’d love to hear from anyone who has enjoyed my book (and even those who haven’t). The best way to reach me is through my website. http://www.Patriciahale.org
Patricia thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. Good luck with the new novel!!
Thank you and thanks for having me, it was a lot of fun.
Patricia Hale is a graduate of the MFA program at Goddard College in Vermont. She is a member of Sister’s in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, NH Writer’s Project and Maine Writer’s and Publisher’s Alliance. Her essays and articles have appeared in New England literary magazines and the anthology, My Heart’s First Steps. When not writing, she enjoys hiking with her dogs and kayaking on the lakes near her home. Patricia lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two German shepherds.
