Author Interview: Patty Wiseman
The interview series with authors in my Twitter community continues with Patty Wiseman. Happy reading!
Website: www.pattywiseman.com
Twitter: @PattyWG
Q: What is your genre? Why did you choose it?
PW: The genre is historical romantic fiction/suspense. I chose it because it is the genre I personally love to read, although this story has a special meaning for me.
Q: How many books have you published? Legacy published, self-published, or a combination?
PW: An Unlikely Arrangement is my debut novel and I am published with Desert Coyote Productions, an independant publisher. I do have several short stories published with the online magazine Angie's Diary.
Q: Tell us more about AN UNLIKELY ARRANGEMENT! How did this story idea come about?
PW: It is based on the true story of my grandmother's arranged marriage in the 1920's. My father never knew his real father as he was killed when dad was only 10 months old. Over the years, I became fascinated trying to find out more about this man my grandmother hid from my father all his life. As I uncovered more and more facts, I felt as if Peter Kirby was behind me, nudging me along to tell the story. Remember, this is fiction because I do not know alot of the facts, but in a way, it is a tribute to a man long forgotten. Grandmother was a spoiled 17 year old girl, rebellious to the point of being uncontrollable. A last effort from her parents brought Peter and Ruth together. The story I spin happens in Detroit, Mi which is the true location for the tale. There is intrigue, romance, kidnapping, mob involvement and a murder.
Q: Do you sell copies of your novel, or other works, directly from your website?
PW: I do sell copies of the book on my website.
Q: How much time do you spend on Twitter each week? Do you have a Facebook Fan Page?
PW: I Twitter more now than I use to and my followers are growing fast. My twitter name is @PattyWG. I also have a Facebook Fan Page.
Q: Do you blog? How often? Strictly professional or a blend of all things?
PW: My blog is on my website and I do blog, but not as regular as I like. I will be retiring in Jan. from my job as an administrative assistant to a financial advisor after 24 years, so I plan to buckle down and get serious about my blog. It is not strictly professional, I like to do interviews and post wonderful facts when I come across them.
Q: Do you have a motto or favorite quote you turn to on tough writing days?
PW: I do!
“Trust that little voice in your head that says wouldn't it be interesting if....; And then do it.”
― Duane Michaels
In other words, TRUST your instinct, even if you don't understand it at the time. It will become clear.
Q: Have you outsourced editing, cover design, formatting, web design, marketing, etc?
PW: I have an editor and I have another person that does my cover designs, web design. I am working on stepping up marketing to another level.
Q: Do you work with a writing group?
PW: I work with several groups. East Texas Writers Association, North East Texas Writers Organization and a critigue group.
Q: When did you first decide to self-publish? How much time did it take to get from an idea to an ebook on Amazon?
PW: Well, I am 62 yrs old and my life is just now settling down where I can pursue this dream of writing. I knew if I waited for traditional publishing, I would be waiting for quite awhile. I first approached my publisher BEFORE he was a publisher. He is in my writing group. He was going to help me self publish. He was so good at it, that I told him he should be a publisher! That started the ball rolling. He is now a wonderful publisher with several new authors under his wing. I guess, I am his Charter Client!
Q: Have you published any of your work for free? Why or why not?
PW: The only things I have published for free was on Angie's Diary. I am looking into offering free short stories on several sites. I am all for offering free short stories to future readers of my work. I feel that is a good way to let dedicated readers get to know your style and your voice.
Q: What tips or advice would you offer to writers who are about to join the self-published community?
PW: Dip your toe in!! The water is fine! It is a growing community and I have met the most wonderful people through indie authors. I love it there!
Q: Is there another writer (or two) in the Twitterverse that you would recommend newbies follow?
PW: You know there are several and if you look on my friends list you can find them there. But one stands out for me. A dear friend and funny lady, Ann Everett. She writes spicy romance/mystery. Her new book is called Laid Out And Candle Lit. She is quite a personality and great to ask advice from. I also like Maryann Miller, Caleb Pirtle III, Whit Gentry and Stephen Woodfin, and Lynn Hobbs. But check out all my friends there, they are all great!
Q: What is coming up for you in the next few months?
PW: I have many wonderful plans coming up after the first of the year. Book signings, festivals and a new book I hope will be ready soon. I will be posting all these events on all my sites, so stay tuned!!
Q: Do you have (or are planning) any audio books?
PW: It's funny you should ask that question. My mother is 86 yrs old and the first thing she said to me when I sent her the book is if I put it on audio book! Her eyesight is such that she cannot read it herself. She needs someone to read it to her. She can see the cover though and loves it! So after the first of the year I am going to look into that. Any good advice out there for where to start?
Q: Have you done a blog tour? Any advice or cautions?
PW: I have not done a blog tour, I just haven't had time. Looks interesting, but until I retire, I can't seem to work that into my schedule.
Q: Do you create an outline before beginning a new book?
PW: Honestly, no...I am a pantser. I work from inspiration and usually I kind of know where it is going to go. I have had to change things around though, so I probably should look into doing an outline.
Q: Do you work on more than one manuscript at a time?
PW: Yes, I do. I actually have three working right now. It helps me because when I get stuck on one, I can put it away and get a fresh view of the other one. To me it helps alot with writers block.
Q: Do you use specialty software?
PW: You know, I use to use Style Writer, but I have gotten away from it as I have grown in my writing. Other than that, I do not use any special software.
Q: Tell us about some of the hurdles you've cleared on the path to becoming an author. Did you have any idea at the start what the process really entailed?
PW: NO!! LOL!! I did not!! I thought you just wrote the story and boom. I had no idea what all is involved. The first crit group I ever went to opened my eyes a bunch, and then when I joined the organizations the light began to dawn. My publisher cleared the paths for me though. Without him, I would not be anywhere close to where I am. The second book should be alot easier!
Q: What is the best comment/compliment you have received about your work?
PW: I have gotten several really good reviews and posted them on line, but I think my favorite was when a lady acquaintance of mine, whom I didn't know very well, came up to me and punched me in the arm and said, "You left me breathless! I need more!!" Wow, that was a trip. I quickly reassured her there is a sequel.
Q: Let's flip things around for a moment. As a reader, which of the following do you take into consideration when deciding whether or not to purchase a book?
PW: Reader reviews: Absolutely!
Number of books already sold: I don't really look at that. If the story
grabs me I buy!
Book cover: Very important!
Word-of-mouth: I will consider word of mouth, sure!
Book summary: First thing I look at after the cover.
Author's blog: I usually go to the author web site if I am thinking of
buying the book.
Author's Facebook, Twitter, and other social media: I have favorite
authors and I follow their sites and usually if it is a new author, I want
to get to know them a little because I am inviting them into my home,
so yes, I will check them out!
Book price: I look at book price last. If the cover draws me in and the
book summary intrigues me, then I really don't care what the book price
is because, by then I am hooked, and I will buy it!
Thank you, Patty, for sharing your publishing experiences with us! We wish you continued success, and hope you'll come back and share updates with us in the spring!
Thank you Ashley!! I really enjoyed your questions, very professional and interesting. I certainly will come back in the spring!
Website: www.pattywiseman.com
Twitter: @PattyWG
Q: What is your genre? Why did you choose it?
PW: The genre is historical romantic fiction/suspense. I chose it because it is the genre I personally love to read, although this story has a special meaning for me.
Q: How many books have you published? Legacy published, self-published, or a combination?
PW: An Unlikely Arrangement is my debut novel and I am published with Desert Coyote Productions, an independant publisher. I do have several short stories published with the online magazine Angie's Diary.
Q: Tell us more about AN UNLIKELY ARRANGEMENT! How did this story idea come about?
PW: It is based on the true story of my grandmother's arranged marriage in the 1920's. My father never knew his real father as he was killed when dad was only 10 months old. Over the years, I became fascinated trying to find out more about this man my grandmother hid from my father all his life. As I uncovered more and more facts, I felt as if Peter Kirby was behind me, nudging me along to tell the story. Remember, this is fiction because I do not know alot of the facts, but in a way, it is a tribute to a man long forgotten. Grandmother was a spoiled 17 year old girl, rebellious to the point of being uncontrollable. A last effort from her parents brought Peter and Ruth together. The story I spin happens in Detroit, Mi which is the true location for the tale. There is intrigue, romance, kidnapping, mob involvement and a murder.
Q: Do you sell copies of your novel, or other works, directly from your website?
PW: I do sell copies of the book on my website.
Q: How much time do you spend on Twitter each week? Do you have a Facebook Fan Page?
PW: I Twitter more now than I use to and my followers are growing fast. My twitter name is @PattyWG. I also have a Facebook Fan Page.
Q: Do you blog? How often? Strictly professional or a blend of all things?
PW: My blog is on my website and I do blog, but not as regular as I like. I will be retiring in Jan. from my job as an administrative assistant to a financial advisor after 24 years, so I plan to buckle down and get serious about my blog. It is not strictly professional, I like to do interviews and post wonderful facts when I come across them.
Q: Do you have a motto or favorite quote you turn to on tough writing days?
PW: I do!
“Trust that little voice in your head that says wouldn't it be interesting if....; And then do it.”
― Duane Michaels
In other words, TRUST your instinct, even if you don't understand it at the time. It will become clear.
Q: Have you outsourced editing, cover design, formatting, web design, marketing, etc?
PW: I have an editor and I have another person that does my cover designs, web design. I am working on stepping up marketing to another level.
Q: Do you work with a writing group?
PW: I work with several groups. East Texas Writers Association, North East Texas Writers Organization and a critigue group.
Q: When did you first decide to self-publish? How much time did it take to get from an idea to an ebook on Amazon?
PW: Well, I am 62 yrs old and my life is just now settling down where I can pursue this dream of writing. I knew if I waited for traditional publishing, I would be waiting for quite awhile. I first approached my publisher BEFORE he was a publisher. He is in my writing group. He was going to help me self publish. He was so good at it, that I told him he should be a publisher! That started the ball rolling. He is now a wonderful publisher with several new authors under his wing. I guess, I am his Charter Client!
Q: Have you published any of your work for free? Why or why not?
PW: The only things I have published for free was on Angie's Diary. I am looking into offering free short stories on several sites. I am all for offering free short stories to future readers of my work. I feel that is a good way to let dedicated readers get to know your style and your voice.
Q: What tips or advice would you offer to writers who are about to join the self-published community?
PW: Dip your toe in!! The water is fine! It is a growing community and I have met the most wonderful people through indie authors. I love it there!
Q: Is there another writer (or two) in the Twitterverse that you would recommend newbies follow?
PW: You know there are several and if you look on my friends list you can find them there. But one stands out for me. A dear friend and funny lady, Ann Everett. She writes spicy romance/mystery. Her new book is called Laid Out And Candle Lit. She is quite a personality and great to ask advice from. I also like Maryann Miller, Caleb Pirtle III, Whit Gentry and Stephen Woodfin, and Lynn Hobbs. But check out all my friends there, they are all great!
Q: What is coming up for you in the next few months?
PW: I have many wonderful plans coming up after the first of the year. Book signings, festivals and a new book I hope will be ready soon. I will be posting all these events on all my sites, so stay tuned!!
Q: Do you have (or are planning) any audio books?
PW: It's funny you should ask that question. My mother is 86 yrs old and the first thing she said to me when I sent her the book is if I put it on audio book! Her eyesight is such that she cannot read it herself. She needs someone to read it to her. She can see the cover though and loves it! So after the first of the year I am going to look into that. Any good advice out there for where to start?
Q: Have you done a blog tour? Any advice or cautions?
PW: I have not done a blog tour, I just haven't had time. Looks interesting, but until I retire, I can't seem to work that into my schedule.
Q: Do you create an outline before beginning a new book?
PW: Honestly, no...I am a pantser. I work from inspiration and usually I kind of know where it is going to go. I have had to change things around though, so I probably should look into doing an outline.
Q: Do you work on more than one manuscript at a time?
PW: Yes, I do. I actually have three working right now. It helps me because when I get stuck on one, I can put it away and get a fresh view of the other one. To me it helps alot with writers block.
Q: Do you use specialty software?
PW: You know, I use to use Style Writer, but I have gotten away from it as I have grown in my writing. Other than that, I do not use any special software.
Q: Tell us about some of the hurdles you've cleared on the path to becoming an author. Did you have any idea at the start what the process really entailed?
PW: NO!! LOL!! I did not!! I thought you just wrote the story and boom. I had no idea what all is involved. The first crit group I ever went to opened my eyes a bunch, and then when I joined the organizations the light began to dawn. My publisher cleared the paths for me though. Without him, I would not be anywhere close to where I am. The second book should be alot easier!
Q: What is the best comment/compliment you have received about your work?
PW: I have gotten several really good reviews and posted them on line, but I think my favorite was when a lady acquaintance of mine, whom I didn't know very well, came up to me and punched me in the arm and said, "You left me breathless! I need more!!" Wow, that was a trip. I quickly reassured her there is a sequel.
Q: Let's flip things around for a moment. As a reader, which of the following do you take into consideration when deciding whether or not to purchase a book?
PW: Reader reviews: Absolutely!
Number of books already sold: I don't really look at that. If the story
grabs me I buy!
Book cover: Very important!
Word-of-mouth: I will consider word of mouth, sure!
Book summary: First thing I look at after the cover.
Author's blog: I usually go to the author web site if I am thinking of
buying the book.
Author's Facebook, Twitter, and other social media: I have favorite
authors and I follow their sites and usually if it is a new author, I want
to get to know them a little because I am inviting them into my home,
so yes, I will check them out!
Book price: I look at book price last. If the cover draws me in and the
book summary intrigues me, then I really don't care what the book price
is because, by then I am hooked, and I will buy it!
Thank you, Patty, for sharing your publishing experiences with us! We wish you continued success, and hope you'll come back and share updates with us in the spring!
Thank you Ashley!! I really enjoyed your questions, very professional and interesting. I certainly will come back in the spring!
Posted by A Priya In Washington at 12/11/2011 11:00 AM 
Categories: Author Interviews
Tags: Patty Wiseman An Unlikely Arrangement @PattyWG historical romance Desert Coyote Productions Angie's Diary Detroit MI Duane Michaels East Texas Writers Association North East Texas Writers Organization Ann Everett Laid Out and Candle Lit Maryann Miller Caleb Pirtle III Whit Gentry Stephen Woodfin Lynn Hobbs Ashley Barron dcPriya Twitter Newbie Writer Selfpublishing Books blog
Categories: Author Interviews
Tags: Patty Wiseman An Unlikely Arrangement @PattyWG historical romance Desert Coyote Productions Angie's Diary Detroit MI Duane Michaels East Texas Writers Association North East Texas Writers Organization Ann Everett Laid Out and Candle Lit Maryann Miller Caleb Pirtle III Whit Gentry Stephen Woodfin Lynn Hobbs Ashley Barron dcPriya Twitter Newbie Writer Selfpublishing Books blog
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