Patti Lacy, is back for Part 2 of our interview. Let's get right into the questions and answers.
5. Patti, we'd love to hear a little about your writing journey.
After a court reporting career, I returned to the teaching roots established by an education degree from Baylor and my teacher parents and taught Humanities at a community college. In 2005, God whispered for me to write the story of my best friend, a brave Irishwoman who was banished from her beloved cliffs of County Clare, Ireland, when she was only five years old. Kregel Publications published that first story, An Irishwoman's Tale, and ever since, I've been consumed by the passion to write.
God gifts me real-life stories that capture my heart (two little girls, separated by racism and a chain link fence; a mother, taking a first...and perhaps last...cab ride with her baby boy; sisters, separated by seas and secrets and an insidious disease). Using the tenets of Colossians 3:23, I do my best to capture His gifts in novels. With His provision, I will write.
6. I noticed you use flashbacks. What's the key to working them in without slowing the action?
So you noticed, did you? :) Some folks would argue that I succeed with my flashbacks. Just check out my Amazon reviews! Since my youth, I've loved framed stories and adore parallel actions. Accordingly, I write that way but certainly cannot speak to keys to "working them in."
As an aside, my two WIPs have NO flashbacks. It's kinda fun, anticipating new challenges!!! Y'all know there are ALWAYS challenges!
7. Do you have any advice for those of us seeking publication?
Write for the Audience of One. He will provide the only "outline" for an often lonely, dispiriting, and arduous career path.
8. Last but not least, what projects do you have in the pipeline? I'm looking forward to more Patti Lacy books.
Susan, thank you for your tireless support and your prayers. Especially your prayers!! Right now my agent, Natasha Kern, is shopping a series, "Life in Normal," especially the first book, Below Normal. What happens when the dreams...and despair...of a bereaved widow and a sassy grocery store bagger collide and their lives jump out of their "Normal" ruts? Yep, this series is set in my hometown, Normal, Illinois!!!
God, showing His humor, has inspired me through the Pulitzer-Prize-winning Team of Rivals, to consider a Civil War romance. I know, I can't believe it, either. Hang on, readers!!!!
Thanks, Susan, I loved chatting with your folks!!!!
Thank you, Patti, for sharing your path to publication.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Patti has offered to do a giveaway of her book, "Reclaiming Lily!" Here are the rules:
1) The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.
2) Leave a comment on this post with your email address. No email = no entry.
3) The winner will be drawn on Sunday, January 29th and notified via email. An announcement will be made on the blog.
4) For complete details, see the giveaway post from last week (Thursday).
Disclaimer: I did not receive any remuneration for this interview or the giveaway from the author or the publisher.
Writers: What did you glean from Patti's answers for your own writing journey?
Readers: What part of the interview surprised or made you stand up and take notice?