Jessica R. Patch Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?
A. Love Inspired Suspense was my start in writing fiction. I mostly write romantic suspense but I also write contemporary romance and have four novellas out and one coming in March.

Q: In this busy world, how do you find time to connect with God and how does this impact your writing?
A. I spend time with God first so I’m not scrambling later to make time. I wake early and have bible study time and prayer. Throughout the day, I play worship music on Pandora and just talk to Him. I find when I’m close to Him, I know my characters and plot so much better. Since I write for His glory, I’d be crazy not to include Him in what story I write next. ?

Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?
A. Understanding royalty reports! Ha! But seriously, they’re difficult. Since I work from home, I have a hard time not stopping to do household chores. I can’t write when I know there’s things to be done around the house. So I generally pick Monday to do my deep cleaning and errands. With a clean house and stocked pantry, I can write without feeling like I need to be doing something else.

Q: What does your writing space look like?
A: I’ve been blessed to have my own writing room in our new house. I just had it painted and new lighting put in a couple of months ago. It’s not completely finished yet, but here’s a picture. It’s peaceful and shabby chic which is my favorite!

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Concealed Identity?
A: Concealed Identity is about an undercover DEA agent who has to get close to his missing informant’s sister and gaining her trust since she might still be involved with a drug cartel. It’s also about God resurrecting dead dreams and hopes.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story?
A: This idea came from a show called Storage Wars. I wondered what would happen if a storage unit was auctioned off and something of great value was inside—something that could get a person killed.

Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her.
A: Holt has been a reoccurring character from my debut and sophomore novels. He just happened to show up in Fatal Reunion and I really liked him, though it was just a small part. In Protective Duty I needed a man in the house with my heroine who was a relative and I thought he’d be a great pick! His story developed a little more during that book.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?
A: I always enjoy discovering creative ways to attack my characters. Morbid? Probably. But it’s so much fun. I also love writing the romance best. I get giddy as they jump hurdles to be with each other. I love the almost kiss, the first kiss…I don’t think I have a least favorite thing.

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?
A: God can resurrect dead dreams and call them to come forth just like He did with Lazarus.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I just finished the final edits on my first book in a new mini-series with Love Inspired Suspense, The Security Specialists. The book is titled Deep Waters and will release in July 2017. I’m now plotting book 2, Dark Web.

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
A. Living people? Beth Moore. I don’t personally know her but I feel like she’s a spiritual mother to me. I’d love to have dinner with her. Mark Batterson. He’s an amazing preacher and writer. I’d love to sit and chat with him at his coffee café Ebenezer’s in Washington.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?
A. I enjoy bingeing on Netflix. Does that count? No? I love hunting for old furniture and refurbishing it. I’ve been doing that for over a decade. It’s so much fun!

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?
A. Have and raise my children with my husband. I love being a mom to those two.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?
A. My Amazon page. You can follow my blogs, sign up for my newsletter and peruse my books. Click the “follow” button under my name and receive emails from Amazon when new books release!

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
A. I’d love for you to sign up for my newsletter, Patched In! I promise not to spam you!