Q: How long have you been writing and what other careers or jobs have you had?
Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Protective Duty?|
Jessica R. Patch interview with Susan Sleeman
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June 27, 2016
A: I’ve been writing seriously since 2008. I’ve been on staff at a local church and spent almost a decade working at an Early Childhood Education Center, most of that time as the Academy Director. Q: Do you write in only one genre and if so which one and why? If not, which ones and why? A: I write in two genres. Romantic Suspense and Contemporary Romance. I love romance so it’s going to be in anything I write. I love suspense but I also love romance with big heaps of humor and you can only sprinkle it into a suspense. And sometimes, I’m okay with no one getting maimed or murdered. J Q: How does your faith play into your writing? A: My faith is a huge part of my writing. What would the world be like without the hope we have in Jesus? All darkness. We need some light. Also, I write for a Christian audience, so they’re expecting a journey of faith. Q: How do you choose your settings for your books? A: It really depends on who my characters are. My most recent character is a marine vet who works with sea turtles. It will be set in Florida. Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up? A: They’re totally made up but I think characteristics of people I know come out in each one. Some more than others.
A: Protective Duty follows a minor character from Fatal Reunion. He’s a homicide detective who can’t catch a break in a serial murder case. The FBI consult on the case is his former girlfriend who he wanted to marry but a tragedy tore their families apart, making a relationship between them impossible. During the course of the investigation, the killer makes my heroine his next target. Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story? A: Well, to be honest it was a snippet of dialogue from Fatal Reunion. My hero in Protective Duty asked the main character of Fatal Reunion if she’d ever put someone she loved in jail? Then he told her later that his sister died. But he didn’t want to talk about how. He finally “talked” to me and told me his story. It broke my heart and I knew it was worthy of being told. Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story? A: I want readers to know that sometimes our greatest purpose is born from our most tragic event. Q: Tell us what you like about the main characters of this book. A: Eric Hale is a funny guy. He’s quick witted and I love heroes with humor. But when it’s time to be serious, he’s fierce and protective. My heroine, Bryn, is the epitome of perseverance. No matter what, even when she’s confused and frustrated, she never gives up. I admire that in a person. Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now? A: I’m working on a romantic comedy for a novella collaboration as well as a 4-book proposal for Love Inspired Suspense. Q: If money were no object what vacation would you like to take and why? A: Good question! If money were no object I’d travel almost anywhere. Top three: Ireland, Italy, Australia. And I’d take a fall tour through the New England states. Q: What is the silliest thing you have ever done? A: Oh my! I have done some seriously silly things. Most of them on accident. Once I let my BFF tie me up and blindfold me then toss me in her trunk and drive me around just to see if I could keep up with the turns. FYI, I couldn’t. Also, that wasn’t an accident. Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever done? A: The hardest thing I’ve ever done is forgive and let bitterness go. It was eating me alive. Q: Where can readers find you on the internet? A: My Facebook page and, of course, my website! Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
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Jessica R. Patch is an inspirational speaker and author of over 26 novels. She lives with her husband and children just south of Memphis, TN, across the border in Mississippi.
