Sunday 17 June 2012

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - PATRICE LYLE





What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?
My name is Patrice Lyle. I was born in San Diego, CA; grew up in Astoria, OR; and currently live with my husband and three cats in Frederick, MD.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
Yes! I always wanted to be a writer. I started writing my first novel - a mystery novel - when I was ten years old.

Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
Yes! Lethally Blonde is my sixth completed manuscript. I got a big agent for my fifth completed manuscript (also a paranormal YA) but it didn't sell. I was, of course, devastated. But I went back to work and wrote Lethally Blonde.

Do you work another job as well as your writing work?
Yes, I have always had a day job in addition to writing. I worked for the government for almost ten years and for the past two years, I have been working at a wellness center. It's far more interesting that working for the government.

Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?
My publisher is Leap Books, a fabulous small publisher who is a member of the Children's Book Council.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
I have a middle grade paranormal in the works with my current publisher, as well as a Lethally Blonde sequel.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?
I delved in YA after a CP (critique partner) of mine said she thought I had a younger voice. Then I started writing paranormal because I love making up new worlds.

Do you have a favourite out of the books you have written? If so why is it your favourite?
My favourite book, by far, that I've written is Lethally Blonde. Morgan was a blast to write; I just loved writing about her and her world.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
I've been writing for 31 years now! I started when I was 10...so I guess you could say I've been writing for quite a while.

Where do you get your book plot ideas from?What/Who is your inspiration?
For Lethally Blonde, I was racking my brain about what to write next after my other paranormal YA didn't sell and I remembered how much I loved the movie, LEGALLY BLONDE... and I thought what if Elle Woods were a teenage demon? And it went from there.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
My routine is two-fold. I write in my office on a desktop computer, surrounded by all sorts of cool stuff that sparks my creativity. Like a glittery "Believe" sign; funky pictures from the Home Goods Store; pictures of the beach; and odds and ends from family and friends. I also love to write at the beach on my Dana. The roar of the waves, the sand in my toes, and the hot sun really spark my creativity.

What was the toughest/best review you have ever had?
My best review so far was by Kirkus because they featured Lethally Blonde in the 2012 BEA Big Book! I was totally excited about that.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
I'm what you call a "reformed pantser," meaning I love to write by the seat of my pants but I have written myself into so many corners that way so I had to change my ways. Now I let myself "run wild" with the characters for the first three chapters to see what they are like. Then I plot out the rest of the story using an excel spreadsheet and I go scene-by-scene, and chapter-by-chapter. Then I write the rest of the book.

What do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller ?
A book that grabs the heart of the reader, and/or an awesome suspense novel that grabs the curiosity of the reader.

Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?
The writers who have influenced me the most are Nelson DeMille, Janet Evanovich, James Patterson, Robert B. Parker, Laura Levine, and Jackie Collins. They are all brilliant storytellers who write fast paced books that you can't put down. Or at least I can't!

What is your favourite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?
My all time favorite book is The Charm School by Nelson DeMille. I literally could not put the book down. It's a fast paced book about Russia and the author got the idea from something he heard about when he was in Vietnam. A fascinating read!

Are there any New Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for? and Why should we watch out for them?
I'm in The Class of 2K12, a group of debut YA and middle grade authors. It's an awesome group with awesome books coming out in 2012. You can check them all out at www.classof2k12.com.

What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
As my father always says, Don't Ever Quit! Or "DEQ" for short. I am always reminding myself of his saying. That’s my best advice to other writers...DEQ!!!

Where can readers follow you?

Readers can find me at:

Website                      www.patricebooks.com
Facebook                   www.facebook.com/patricebooks
Twitter                       @patrice_lyle
Publisher                   www.leapbks.com/patricelyle

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