2:01 PM

In the Author Spotlight

ANNE PATRICK

CONTEST: Anne will give away a PDF copy of A Familiar Evil to one lucky winner and will draw the name Sunday. To enter for a chance to win simply leave a comment for Anne. Best wishes!

AL: Hi Anne! Welcome to Blog Bites.

Anne: Thanks for having me Ann!

AL: So, tell us what’s happening with you.

Anne: Well I recently returned from visiting family and friends in Oklahoma. I try to make it back a couple of times a year but summertime is my favorite because of the cookouts and outdoor games.

AL: Tell us about a current or upcoming release.

Anne: My latest release is A Familiar Evil. I also have one coming out in August called Journey to Redemption.

AL: What other works are you deep into?

Anne: I'm presently working on the second book in my Wounded Heroes Series. Kill Shot: Book One releases in November.

AL: When you write do you do a detailed outline before you get started or do you have the idea then just 'fly by the seat of your pants'? :-)

Anne: I'm a panster. I love not knowing what my characters will do next.

AL: What do you feel is the most important thing that a first-time author should know?

Anne: Don't be discouraged by rejections. We all get them. Stick with it, believe in yourself and what you've written, and never give up.

AL: Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction. What did you do in such a situation?

Anne: Oh yeah. I let them take the lead and see where it goes. All of my books are character driven so usually I'm just along for the ride.

AL: It’s time to get personal! You do a lot of traveling around the world. Where is your favorite place to visit and why?

Anne: I've been to both El Salvador and Honduras in Central America and fell in love with both the countries and the people. They're so genuine and down to earth, and I loved their beaches!

AL: Summer is here! What will the readers find you in; a bikini, one piece, or a full body wet suit diving into the waves?

Anne: Definitely a one piece

AL: Is there an author out there that you’d love to do an anthology with?

Anne: There are so many wonderfully talented writers out there it would be hard to choose. I have had the honor of appearing in two anthologies with Victory Tales Press and loved the experience.

AL: What’s your biggest regret in life?

Anne: That I didn't start my writing career sooner.

AL: Can you share some of your plans for 2011 and beyond?

Anne: I plan to keep writing and hopefully land on the NY Times bestseller list. Hey when I dream I dream big :).

AL: Please share a favorite quote(s) with us.

Anne: "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." ~ Walt Disney

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

AL: Thanks so much for sharing with us, Anne.

Anne: Thanks for having me on your lovely blog, Ann. It's been fun!

AL: If you’d like to find out more about Anne please visit:

http://www.annepatrick.weebly.com
http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com

FEATURED TITLE: A FAMILIAR EVIL

Blurb:

Jordan Russell had the perfect life until the brutal monster from her childhood resurfaced, opening up scars she thought were healed.  With the hope of finally finding closure Jordan leaves her cheating husband, and her career in the FBI, and returns to where her nightmare began.  But what awaits her in Thorny Creek will push her to the very edge of sanity and bring her face to face with her abductor.
 
Excerpt:
 
Excuse me. I’m looking for Chief Russell.”
 
Jordan’s stomach did a nosedive at the familiar voice of her soon-to-be-ex-husband.

“You found her,” Frank answered.

Jordan looked up just as Sam smiled. “Indeed I have.” He started toward her desk.

Colleen barged through the opened door. “Chief, there’s an Agent Russell here to see…oh, I guess you found her.”

“Agent Russell,” Frank repeated. He turned back to Jordan, “Isn’t Russell your married name?” He then shifted his gaze back to Sam, “That must mean you’re her husband.”

“Not for much longer.” Jordan hurried around her desk and ushered Frank out the door. “You’ll be hearing from me.” She closed the door and looked at Sam. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here at your request.”

“I specifically requested someone from the Charlotte field office.” Anyone but him.

He looked at her with the gorgeous smile that used to make her go weak in the knees. “And they forwarded that request to Agent Haines, who assigned me.”

“We’ll see about that.” Jordan marched back to her desk, and was four digits into Haines’ cell phone number when Sam pressed his finger down on the button and disconnected the call. Eighteen and a half months of built-up rage boiled to the surface. She doubled her right fist and spun around with lighting fury.

Sam, just as quick, stopped the fist within inches of his jaw. With his free hand, he took the phone from her left hand and placed it back in its cradle. Jordan felt his hot breath on her face as he peered down at her, and was keenly aware of the heat generating from his body through the hand which tightened around her wrist.

“Let me help you, Jordan…please.”

She swallowed hard, summoned all her courage, and met his smoldering gaze. “I need a profiler who can tell me exactly what I’m up against here.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve lost your touch.”

She ignored his smirk. “I need a fresh pair of eyes who can look at this guy objectively.”

“Who hasn’t allowed themselves to get too personal?”

“I just need someone other than you,” she spat.

“Too bad, you’re stuck with me. Now, what do you say I release your hand and you don’t take my head off? Or we can continue to provide the day’s entertainment for your co-workers.”

Jordan shifted her gaze to the glass separating her office from the command center. A half dozen familiar faces scattered like rats. She twisted free from his grip, grabbed her cap from her desk and shoved it down over her head. “Fine!” She was already halfway out the door before she realized he wasn’t with her. She turned back and found him smiling at her. “Are you coming or not?”

REMEMBER: Anne will give away a PDF copy of A Familiar Evil to one lucky winner and will draw the name Sunday. To enter for a chance to win simply leave a comment for Anne. Best wishes!

15 comments:

Sarah J. McNeal said...

I just wanted to drop by and wish you all the best. You certainly are a well traveled lady. I hope you had some great experiences in those interesting places.

Cassie Simmons said...

Excellent excerpt, Anne! Please enter me in the drawing.

Melissa said...

Hi Anne,
I loved your book Fire and Ash. Can't wait to read more of your books!

scottmelissa79@yahoo.com

Karen Michelle Nutt said...

Just wanted come by and wish you the best! Enjoyed the excerpt, too! :)

Anne Patrick said...

Hi Sarah! Yes, I've had some wonderful experiences that I'm very thankful for. Thanks so much for dropping by and for your well wishes.

Anne Patrick said...

Thank you, Cassie, and good luck!

Anne Patrick said...

Hi Melissa,
I'm thrilled you enjoyed Fire and Ash. Best of luck to you in the drawing. Thanks for dropping by.

Anne Patrick said...

Hi Karen! I appreciate that. Thanks for taking the time to drop by. My best to you also.

Alicia Jennings said...

I'm a big fan of your work. I would love to win A Familiar Evil.

Mary Beth said...

Great interview, and your excerpt really drew me in. I love the friction betweeen Jordan and Sam. Please enter me in your drawing.

Mary Beth said...

Forgot to leave my email addy:)
marybethjackson@rocketmail.com

Thanks!

Cindy Weber said...

I visited Honduras a few years ago on a mission trip and I agree the people are wonderful.

Enjoyed the excerpt and interview. Good job!

cindylweber@aol.com

Anne Patrick said...

I'm pleased to announce that Mary Beth Jackson is the winner of my book. Congrats Mary Beth. Thanks so much for posting!

Anne Patrick said...

Thank you so much Alicia! I appreciate your kind words!

Anne Patrick said...

Thanks, Cindy, I appreciate it! I hope to go back to Honduras soon. I really fell in love with the place. I especially enjoyed the Mayan ruins in Copan.