Where were you born and where do you call home? I was born and raised in the rural town of Clinton, Iowa where I still reside with my husband and our two children. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say? Deadly Reunion. Almost everyone has been influenced in some way by their high school experiences. Deadly Reunion reflects on some of my own personal insecurities and sheds them in a humorous light.
If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say? They would probably say not to let the ghosts of your past determine your future. It's good to look back and remember the good and bad times but you shouldn't worry yourself about things you can't change.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series? Yes, I'm already working on the second book of the Deadly Series, Deadly Science. This is a planned four book series featuring Investigative Reporter Taci Andrews.
What or who inspired you to write? And how long have you been writing? My inspiration for writing came from growing up a country girl. The only girl in a neighborhood of all boys it's easy to say my choices for playmates were slim to none. Undaunted, I learned at an early age about the fun of using your imagination and would play for hours making up games or writing down stories, something I strongly encourage with my own children today.
How did you come up with the title and cover design? I was actually facing the possibility of my own first class reunion and I couldn't help but feel apprehensive at the thought of taking a trip down memory lane which is how the story came about. Using Deadly Reunion for the title just seemed fitting, as did using a newspaper setting for the cover design.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life? Yes actually one of the main characters, Annie, is based off my real life friend Barb who was undergoing a nasty divorce when the story began. Using Annie's character I was able to shed a humorous light on an otherwise bad situation and being able to give a good friend a laugh makes my day. Deadly Reunion is also based in the town of Riverdale, IA which bears an eerie resemblance to my own hometown of Clinton, Iowa.
What books have most influenced your writing most and why? Janet Evanovich has a sassiness to her writing style that makes me laugh. I enjoy picking up a book that has humor, romance and a few explosions here and there. I also enjoy reading Chelsea Cain novels, her Heartsick series makes you shiver yet you can't stop reading them!
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet? Chelsea Cain. Her Heartsick Series are page turners that have kept me up late on more than one occasion.
Do you prefer eBooks, paperbacks or hardcover? All the above! I love using my Kindle as it's like having a bookstore at your fingertips but being able to take a trip into an ACTUAL bookstore is a great thrill in itself. There's just something about the smell of coffee and books that make a girl smile.
Where do you prefer to buy your books? Since we're a small community there aren't many choices for book buying around here. I usually go to the mall and hit Barnes & Noble or visit Amazon online for a fun read.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author? Yes and it has been a fun and rewarding experience.
Have you ever read a book more than once? Of course! Doesn't everybody?
Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? So far, no. I've read quite a number of books and have been sorely disappointed in the movie versions lack of attention to detail. I understand that movies work in a time constraint whereas a novel has room to work with but I still would like to see a book made into a movie where they got all the details to fit.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (eBook/paperback/hardcover)? I am currently reading Beatrice Munson by Lorena Bathey on eBook. My next read will be on paperback, Megan's Way by Melissa Foster.
What book do you know that you will never read? I can't really say for sure but I'll let you know if I come across one.
Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why? Actually yes, Lorena Bathey's Beatrice Munson has captivated from the beginning and I'm only halfway through. It's an age old story of a high school nemesis who moves into the house across the street from our heroine, only instead of it bringing conflict to the cookie cutter neighborhood it shakes everyone loose from their dreary lifestyles. I am thoroughly enjoying this in depth read about life and love and encourage everyone to check it out.
Is there anything you would change in your last book and why? Only that before I initially published it I had done my math a little better! For anyone who has the original edition you have a 10 year high school reunion with 28 year old's, one of which has a 16 year old daughter. It was shortly after my initial publication that my mathematical error was brought to my attention. Needless to say it was a quick fix!!
Patti Says: Yes, being an indie author gives you that freedom to make corrections anytime.
Who designed the cover of your book? The cover design I did myself using the cover creator program through my printing company. Not too bad, eh?
Patti Says: Great job!
What are your thoughts on book trailers? I think they're great depending on the genre of the book.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Believe in the magic of your dreams. This phrase was emphasized throughout my life by my father and is a phrase I continue to use even after his death. I truly believe if you have a dream in your heart then you should believe in the magic of that dream. Keep writing, no matter the obstacle.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing? Don't give up. It seems kind of silly but writers need constant reminders after the rejection letters start rolling in. We need to be reminded that it's just a small roadblock, it doesn't mean we have to give up.
Do you write under a pen name? Nope. I figured if I took the time to pour my heart into a story then I wanted people to know my name.
Do you ever write in your PJ’s? Of course, flannel style!
What are your pet peeves? Superior people, talking on the phone with your mouth full, negative people
What are your pet peeves? Superior people, talking on the phone with your mouth full, negative people
Cats or dogs? Both.
White wine or red? White. I wake up with a horrendous headache in the morning after drinking red wine.
Coffee or tea? Both depending on the time of day.
Favorite food? Pizza.
Vanilla or chocolate ice cream? I'd say vanilla but if you poured some hot fudge, caramel and nuts over top that'd be perfect.
What do you normally eat for breakfast? When I don't do a liquid breakfast consisting of coffee I usually grab a bowl of cereal. Lucky Charms is a household favorite.
What are 4 things you never leave home without? My Kindle, my favorite lip stick, my mini zip drive and a bag of books for sale.
Laptop or desktop for writing? I do both depending on who is hogging which one.
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? Whenever I have time! My life revolves around kid's sports practices, my part time job and my husband's schedule so I'm able to fit in chapters here and there. Mostly at night after everyone's gone to bed is when I get most things done.
If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you? Harrison Ford, Selena Gomez and Bridgett Medler. I'm an Indiana Jones and Disney Channel fan, what can I say?
One of your favorite quotes - "Write a book you would enjoy reading."
List 3 of your all time favorite books? The Heartsick Series by Chelsea Cain; Renegade Heart by Amy Fetzer; Tender Rebel by Johanna Lindsey.
List 3 of your all time favorite movies? Ever After; Robin Hood, Price of Thieves (The Kevin Costner version!); Dirty Dancing.
An actor you have a crush on - Johnny Depp - Gotta love them pirate types.
What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed? Unfortunately I'm usually glued to my laptop, desktop computer or Kindle so I don't watch too many movies or TV. My children, on the other hand, watch a lot of Disney Channel and their favorite show is Good Luck Charlie.
Where can your readers stalk you?
My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/
My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=
Smashwords:
Other: http://amymanemann.webs.com/
Is your book in Print, eBook or both? Both
About the book:
Smart mouthed Taci Andrews is an investigative reporter for the Riverdale Times with a lot on her plate. Between receiving a dreaded invitation to her fifteen year high school reunion, her best friend's divorce drama and her own solitary dating status her fun meter is pretty much pegged.
When Taci’s partner goes missing while covering a missing child feature she is suddenly thrown into the story of her career, which oddly enough delves into a past she would rather forget. She soon finds herself squaring off against a malicious class Barbie Doll, the High School Quarterback and a steamy Fireman from her past whose deep blue eyes are still enough to curl her toes.
Concerned about the disappearance of his friend's daughter, Firefighter Tony Parsons returns to his hometown of Riverdale to see what is being done with the case. Having a few connections with the police force he decides to pull in a few favors, running into former classmate Taci Andrews in the process. His last memory of Taci was back in high school when she'd given him a black eye for feeling up her shirt. He had to admit the grown up version of Taci was even better than the adolescent version and when he learns she's covering the story for the Times he decides to tag along.
Despite babysitting three hyped up children, having a disastrous date night, receiving an ominous warning and nearly getting blown up, the sparks that quickly ignite between Tony and Taci are hard to ignore, despite their best efforts. As they delve deeper to uncover the deadly truths surrounding the sleepy town of Riverdale, the old feud that rested between them for ages begins to give way to an unexpected passion.
But new feelings for one another or not they both have a job to do and a missing child to find. Can they put their feelings aside to solve the case or will they be next on the missing person’s list?
When Taci’s partner goes missing while covering a missing child feature she is suddenly thrown into the story of her career, which oddly enough delves into a past she would rather forget. She soon finds herself squaring off against a malicious class Barbie Doll, the High School Quarterback and a steamy Fireman from her past whose deep blue eyes are still enough to curl her toes.
Concerned about the disappearance of his friend's daughter, Firefighter Tony Parsons returns to his hometown of Riverdale to see what is being done with the case. Having a few connections with the police force he decides to pull in a few favors, running into former classmate Taci Andrews in the process. His last memory of Taci was back in high school when she'd given him a black eye for feeling up her shirt. He had to admit the grown up version of Taci was even better than the adolescent version and when he learns she's covering the story for the Times he decides to tag along.
Despite babysitting three hyped up children, having a disastrous date night, receiving an ominous warning and nearly getting blown up, the sparks that quickly ignite between Tony and Taci are hard to ignore, despite their best efforts. As they delve deeper to uncover the deadly truths surrounding the sleepy town of Riverdale, the old feud that rested between them for ages begins to give way to an unexpected passion.
But new feelings for one another or not they both have a job to do and a missing child to find. Can they put their feelings aside to solve the case or will they be next on the missing person’s list?
The Author has graciously offered to gift 1 lucky reader a copy an ebook. Write a comment on the post below and follow the Author on Twitter for your chance to win. Don’t forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win. Drawn 25th of October 2011
Great job Patti, thank you so much for the interview!
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