Author Spotlight: Patricia D. Eddy | CJC Photography

Author Spotlight: Patricia D. Eddy

CJC Photography, book cover photographer, romance book cover photographer, romance book cover photography, romance book cover model, book cover photography, romance book cover imagery, romance novel photography, male models for romance novels, book cover models search, licensing art for book covers, selling photographs for book covers, custom romance novel covers, book cover models search, Trusting His Instincts by Patricia D. Eddy, Patricia D. Eddy author

CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?

PE: I’ve always made up stories in my head. I can remember sitting at my parents’ kitchen counter and typing single page stories on their old Corona typewriter. But it wasn’t until 2012 that I actually finished a piece of fiction (I published several technical books between 2002 and 2008). Once I finished my first book, I knew I wanted to publish it. It was an emotional process, and I think I needed to see it through. Once the first book was out, I was hooked on the whole process.

CJC: What do you find to be the most rewarding and challenging part of being an author and what hurdles have you overcome while striving towards your goals?

PE: The most rewarding part of what I do is hearing from readers. I write characters I call “beautifully broken.” They have real scars, real flaws, and real problems. I believe we’re all “beautifully broken” and all the things we might think are wrong with us (or less than perfect) are actually the things that make us unique and special. I love it when a reader tells me they feel “seen” because one of my characters has the same challenges as they do.

The biggest hurdle I have to deal with is time. I work a day job, so my writing time is limited to nights and weekends and the occasional lunch break. I’m fortunate to be able to work at home, so I can sometimes eek out some time to answer emails or pop into my reader group between meetings, but otherwise, being an author means a lot of late nights and early mornings.

CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?

PE: I have so many for different reasons. I always feel the most connected to whatever book I’ve just finished. Right now, that’s Trusting His Instincts. The heroine has a tragic past and absolutely refuses to fall in love. Until she does.

But my all-time favorite book is On His Six. Ryker is the most broken man I’ve ever written, and seeing him find love with Wren was the most amazing experience. He’s shown up in so many books after his own, and every time, I discover something new about him. Some new facet of his personality or surprising part of his backstory. And to see him grow…it’s a beautiful thing.

CJC: For first time readers of your work, which book would you recommend?

PE: I always recommend readers start with either Breaking His Code (book 1 in the Away From Keyboard series) or On His Six (book 3 in the Away From Keyboard series).

CJC: If one of your books were made into a movie, which would you select and who would you like to star in it?

PE: Oh, definitely On His Six. When I wrote Ryker, I always pictured Dwayne Johnson. I even mailed Mr. Johnson a copy of the book not long after it came out. I’m not sure if he ever received it—or I even had the right address for him—but he seems like a genuinely good guy. So I hope he did.

As for Wren…Karen Gillan or Kate Mara would be amazing.

CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?

PE: I could probably talk about this for days. But most of the advice I’d give boils down to one thing. No one in this business is you.

In other words, there’s a lot of advice out there. Much of it is really good advice. But even the best advice doesn’t work for all of the people all of the time. So when you’re starting out, listen a lot. Learn all that you can. But also take the time to really think about any advice you’re given. If it doesn’t feel right for you, maybe it isn’t. Or maybe it isn’t right for you at this time.

Ultimately, you’re the one in control of your author career. Make sure you’re happy with the decisions you make.

CJC: If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?

PE: There are so many! Nora Roberts is the greatest of all time. Her J.D. Robb books are why I write romantic suspense. Sloane Kennedy is one of the few authors who can always make me cry. Brittney Sahin is super sweet, and her books are amazing. I’d be honored to work with any of them.

CJC: Favorite motto?

PE: We’re all stories, in the end. Just make it a good one, eh? – Doctor Who (the Eleventh Doctor, “The Big Bang”)

CJC: What do you do to overcome writer’s block?

PE: I don’t have writer’s block, per se. When I’m blocked, it’s usually because I’ve made a mistake somewhere along the way. Usually, if I go back and look at the past couple of chapters, I’ll figure out what’s wrong and I’ll be able to fix it. But if that fails, I’ll go hang out with one of my cats or get out for a walk.

CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?

PE: You ask tough questions. Despite being a writer, I’ve never been great at describing myself. I’d say I write gritty, emotional romances with heavy action, suspense, and found family.

CJC: Which do you find harder to do… writing the blurb for your story or selecting the cover?

PE: Writing the blurb, hands down.

CJC: Do you have authors who inspire you? And if so, who and why?

PE: I find inspiration everywhere. Susan Stoker is one of the nicest people in this industry. Golden Angel is a powerhouse. She does so much and she’s always willing to help others in the industry. And despite all of that, she’s the most down to earth person I’ve met in ages. I can’t wait to hang out with her again.

But honestly, there are so many authors I draw inspiration from. Too many to name.

CJC: What is your writing process like?

PE: When I finish one book, I typically start two or three more. I have to wait for the characters to be ready to talk to me. I’ll write a scene for the first book, then half a scene for the second book, and maybe do some character development for the third book. After a week or two, usually one pair will demand I focus on them, and that’s the book I pick to work on.

I start out slowly with low word count days. I have to truly get to know these characters so I understand how they’ll react to the situations I throw at them. And usually, at around 25% of the way through the book, I go back to the beginning and do some major editing. Once I’m done with that, the rest of the book usually comes easily. I need a deadline to motivate me, so I always put up a preorder for the next book when I release my current book.

CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?

PE: I just released Trusting His Instincts a few weeks ago, so I’m currently plotting several new books. Blade’s Edge is the first book in a new, four-book series featuring the men and women of the Texas Ranger Division.

One of the side characters from the Away From Keyboard series, Doc Reynolds, just told me he wanted his own book, so I’m working on his backstory and character bio now. I don’t know the title for his book yet, but he’ll tell me soon.

I also have a short story (a bodyguard romance) in the Fight Like a Girl anthology coming out in October. This is an anthology to benefit breast cancer research and is a project close to my heart.

Lastly, I’m starting work on the next book in the Gone Rogue series, Rogue Operator.

CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

PE: Embrace what makes you unique! Love yourself, above all else, and read books that make you happy!

CJC: Trusting His Instincts is now available to purchase here.

Stay up to date with all of Patricia’s latest releases here.

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