Posts in Series for AT IV
Welcome back! Today we have with us American Title finalists, PAT (P. E.) CUNNINGHAM.
MAI: Hi Pat! Thanks for joining us. What is the title of your finaling manuscript?
PAT: A Touch of Heaven
MAI: Wonderful title! Tell us a little more about the book.
PAT: Can a woman who’s half demon find true happiness with a man who’s half angel, especially while she’s trying to save the world?
MAI: Ooh, sounds like a great premise! How long have you been writing?
PAT: Augghhh. Decades. Practically from birth, it feels like sometimes.
MAI: Can you tell us a little about how this book came about?
PAT: It’s actually an offshoot/semi-sequel to a fantasy novel (non-romance) I’m currently trying to market to SF/fantasy publishers. Most of the background for this “universe” was created for the other book, so worldbulding was a snap. The initial inspiration was pro wrestling. Don’t ask.
MAI: I’m think I’m afraid to, LOL. I’ll leave that for the readers to ask! *wink* Tell me, what was your expectation when you first entered the contest?
PAT: Low — the manuscript existed as longhand pages in a notebook. I honestly didn’t think I’d be picked.
MAI: Wow! I wouldn’t put myself through the torture of writing longhand. My once legible and neat handwriting as amounted to chicken scratch since I’ve discovered typing. What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?
PAT: “Holy ****, I have to type an entire novel in less than two days.”
MAI: Umm… Sylvia, can we say that here? Just kidding. *grin* I want believe you managed to do that! Kudos to you, Pat! What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?
PAT: Having a book editor show an interest in a novel of mine. After over 20 years, vindication at last!
MAI: Wow. Twenty years! I’m very glad you made it this far and you’re here with us. What has been the worst part of this experience so far?
PAT: UPS shipping costs and not having a home computer with Internet access. I wouldn’t be here today without the public library system.
MAI: In one word, how would you describe this experience?
PAT: Omigawd!
MAI: Rightly summarized, lol!! What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?
PAT: Never give up, ever. Success can hit at any time, with the work you never thought would have a chance. Persistence pays!
MAI: And you’re living proof! Any last words?
PAT: When this is over, I’m buying a new computer. And new reading glasses.
MAI: LOL. You deserve a new computer! Thank you so much for your time and best of luck in the contest!
Alright guys, you now the drill. Leave comments for prizes.
Don’t forget the second round of voting begins next week, Monday, November 12th!! Get your emails ready to vote!
I’ll see everyone back here on Thursday.
Ciao!
Mai Christy Thao
maichristythao.com
Tags: american title, dorchester, paranormal, romantic times
(671 views)
Your book sounds pretty good! Good luck with the contest.
by Stacy S November 6th, 2007 at 4:10 amAn interesting experience you’ve had. Good luck Pat
by Stacy ~ November 6th, 2007 at 4:44 amAhh..the power of the public library!! Good luck to you Pat! The book sounds interesting.
by brownone November 6th, 2007 at 5:11 amYour book sounds wonderful, Pat. Good luck in the AT contest. I write my stories in a notebook as well. Don’t know why I won’t use this infernal machine. Probably because I spend too much time on it reading newsletters. I want to get away from it so I write elsewhere.
Mai? Did you get my e-mail?
by Melissa Keith November 6th, 2007 at 6:33 amA Touch of Heaven sounds great! Good luck in the contest!
by Amy S. November 6th, 2007 at 7:28 amLoved the interview! Half demon meets half angel….that sounds very interesting. Makes me think of me and hubby. Me being the angel, of course. *cough*
Congrats on being a finalist, Pat and good luck with the contest!!
by Cindy November 6th, 2007 at 7:31 amThanks for the interview and the story sounds very interesting- GOOD LUCK!
by Eva November 6th, 2007 at 7:46 amMai, you’ve scored another hit with this interview! Great job! Pat, sounds like an interesting concept for a story. Good luck with it!
by Margay Roberge November 6th, 2007 at 8:04 amYay! It’s Tuesday again! I can’t believe it’s already almost time to vote again. Wow.
Great interview! Your book sounds really intriguing and I wish you the best, Pat!
by Andrea November 6th, 2007 at 9:48 amGreat interview. Congratulations on being a finalist. Sounds like a great book. I would read it.
by Crystal B. November 6th, 2007 at 10:00 amHi Pat
So glad there is another nut in this contest who writes longhand and gets her Internet in the public library!
by Evonne November 6th, 2007 at 10:38 amCongratulations Pat on becoming a finalist. Good luck with your book.
by Maureen November 6th, 2007 at 12:14 pmThat is a great title! I enjoyed the interview! How interesting that you write everything long hand. To be honest, I can’t imagine life without my computer…LOL I wish you all luck and success in everything you do.
by Jennifer Y. November 6th, 2007 at 12:34 pmPat, I know we’ll be seeing your story on the store shelves soon.
by Savanna Kougar November 6th, 2007 at 1:51 pmAahhh, the good ole’ days of longhand. Yes, I’ve written entire novels that way a couple of times. I’ve also written with the almost obsolete electric typewriter…way too slow. Now my fingers can fly almost as fast as my story thoughts, thoroughly modern as millie on my now outdated computer…sort of…
Congrats on becoming a finalist! And good luck to you!
by Sue A. November 6th, 2007 at 4:08 pmA cyber toast to you on being a finalist. That’s something to be proud of. Good luck to you!
by Kim November 6th, 2007 at 6:56 pmGreat interview, Mai.
by SheilaFGood luck with your book Pat.
Congrats on being a finalist in the contest.
by Diane M. November 6th, 2007 at 7:24 pmPat…the book sounds great, and LOL at the buying new computer and reading glasses. How wonderful that you were chosen…best of luck!!
by Melissa November 6th, 2007 at 9:06 pmI enjoyed the interview! The books sounds great. Congrats on being one of the finalist!
Best of luck and Best Wishes!
by AmeliaThe best of luck to you, it was nice to get to know you, Pat.
by cathy M November 7th, 2007 at 11:50 amDemons and Angels, great storyline and congrats on being a finalist.
by Marty November 7th, 2007 at 12:58 pmThanks for sharing your story. Best of luck to you!
by Angie-la November 7th, 2007 at 6:55 pmOkay, now I really want to know about the pro wrestling inspiration!
by Anitra Lynn McLeod November 13th, 2007 at 11:30 amHalf Demon… Half Angel… Yummy!!! Best of luck!
by Rhonda November 13th, 2007 at 6:42 pm