Meet Author: Patricia Masingill, AKA Anne Patrick

What or who inspired you to start writing?
I've always had an over-active imagination, especially as a kid, and would often find myself in some kind of trouble. So my mother, probably as a way to keep me out of trouble, suggested I write these ideas down and turn them into make believe adventures instead of real life ones. It worked most of the time :o)
How did you come up with ideas for your books?
My writing muse comes at me from many different directions. Newspaper articles, conversations with friends, while driving, or walking the dog, and several have developed from a dream. Here's an example. Recently I was having lunch with friends and one of them was talking about the disappearance of some guy in a nearby state. Almost immediately I slipped into my zone. Then I hear one of my friends laughing and look over and she's handing me a pen and napkin. "Better write it down before you forget it," she says. It's scary how well they know me sometimes!
What expertise did you bring to your writing?
Lots of research and observation of people in their everyday lives. Plus I’ve had a variety of jobs over the years which helps.
What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?
My faith in God is one of the driving forces behind my passion to write. I not only want to entertain and thrill my readers, I want to share my faith through the written words.
As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?
To keep spinning the stories and to someday land on the NYT bestseller list. Hey, when I dream, I dream BIG!
If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why?
That's a tough one because I put my characters through so much I'm not sure I'd want to trade places with any of them. If I had to choose though, I would pick Maggie O'Brien. She's the high spirited widow in my upcoming Inspirational Romance, Reservation for Two. I hope I'm that sassy and adventurous when I'm in my sixties.
Do you belong to a critique group?
If so how does this help or hinder your writing? I live a small town, so no. I have worked with an experienced editor/author who works with several well-known authors, and she has taught me a lot about the craft. Just as important, she has inspired me to keep at it when at times I was tempted to give up.
When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?
My mother was the first to encourage me to submit my work in the late eighties. I would from time to time, but would get easily discouraged by the rejections. Then in 2007 I really got serious about my writing, jumped in head first you might say, hooked up with a very talented editor/author and just kept at it.
What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)
Don't take rejection personally. There are many reasons a publisher will pass on your work, because you haven’t any talent usually isn't one of them. Keep at it and don't give up!
Do you outline your books or just start writing?
I begin with an idea and will make a brief outline of how I would like the story to play out. Once I've created my characters, though, and given them a voice, they inevitably take over and I just hang on for dear life. It's like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded and I love it!
Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you've gained from these carryover into your characters or the plot of your books?
Hiking, fishing, camping, and I love to travel out of the country. Oh, and I also like to play video games. I'm a big Tomb Raider fan!
Do you have an all time favorite book?
A series actually. The O'Malley series by Dee Henderson.
Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book?
I'm working on two right now in between edits. One is an Inspirational Romance and the other a 'Sweet' Romantic Suspense involving another serial killer. I love writing and reading about serial killers. It's frightening how my mind works sometimes :o)
Your interview will be posted before Christmas. Is there a family Christmas tradition or recipe you would like to share?
Better Than Sex Cake (okay, so it's an exaggeration, but it's still really...really good!)
Yellow cake mix
Large can pineapple w/juice
1 cup sugar
1 sm pkg instant vanilla pudding
1 large carton cool whip
1 cup of coconut
1 cup of walnuts

Bake cake as directed, while cake is baking simmer pineapple juice and sugar. When is done poke holes in it and pour mixture over cake. Fold your pudding, cool whip and coconut together and spread over the cake, sprinkle on the nuts, then chill. Best if refrigerated overnight. 15. What is your favorite reality show?
I'm a little embarrassed by admitting this, but here goes. It isn't on anymore but I loved the Osbourne’s reality show. What can I say, Ozzy rocks! Now the only one I watch, when I have time, is The Office.
16. And even though I already know the answer (unless you changed your mind) who is your favorite sexy actor?
Yep, it's Matthew McConaughey.
17. Anything else you might want to add?
Be sure to look for Lethal Dreams and Dark Alliance coming in Jan and Feb 2010. I have a few more being released in 2010 also. For excerpts, release dates, and giveaways please visit: www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com