Roxanne's Realm: Interview and Giveaway with Patricia Proctor

Hi Roxanne! Thanks for featuring me on your blog. I’m excited to share with you and your readers a little about myself, and about my book, After the Summerland, the first book in the Witches of Spring Hill series.

Thanks for being here today, Patricia. Let's kick off the interview with- what inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always dreamed of being a writer, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I became more serious about it. While I was working on my bachelor’s degree, I had a professor tell me that I had a gift for storytelling and he encouraged me to pursue it more seriously. That gave me the confidence that I needed to believe that the dream of becoming an author was a real possibility.

Do you write in different genres? If yes which is your favorite genre to write?

Since this is my first series, I’ll answer that I’m going to write in different genres. I enjoy young adult fiction, but I’m excited to write an adult fiction story. Also this series is paranormal suspense, while the adult fiction story I’ve started is a dystopian-esque, psychological thriller – loaded with suspense. So suspense is my favorite genre because it comes most natural to me, but I’d definitely like to stretch my imagination and write in other genres.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

For After the Summerland, I wanted to focus on an aspect of witchcraft that many people don’t know about, which is what happens after death. In some Pagan traditions, the Summerland is thought of as either the place for the soul to stay after death, or a place of rest before reincarnating and returning to another physical body. And since the three main characters, Chloe, Rowan, and Kaiden Alexander are the reincarnation of three powerful witches, the story is about those reincarnated souls after their time in the Summerland, making the title fitting.

Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?

For After the Summerland, I came up with the title within the first few chapters. Although I knew what the story was going to be about, it wasn’t until I learned about the Summerland that the title came to me. For the second book, Breaking the Bond, and third book, Crafted Truths, I titled the book first because I already knew what the story was going to be about.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

There’s not a direct message, though there are little tidbits of wisdom throughout. Though, I do hope the story conveys to readers a message about facing challenges head-on and allowing the process of transformation into one’s life by being open to and learning from experiences. I personally believe it’s the only way to grow and evolve as human beings.

What book are you reading now?

I just started One Great Year by Tamara Veitch & Rene DeFazio. It came highly recommended to me by a friend.

What books are in your to read pile?

I haven’t had a lot of time to read lately, so my reading list is quite extensive. Some of the ones on the top include: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, One More Thing by B.J. Novak, Pandemonium and Requiem by Lauren Oliver, Insurgent and Allegiant by Veronica Roth, And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini, The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, Innocence by Dean Koontz, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, and Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes.

What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?

I have two projects that I’m currently working on. The first is an adult fiction, dystopian-esque psychological thriller, but I’m also working on the fourth book in the Witches of Spring Hill series, Distracted by Fate. So, whichever book calls to me the most is the one that will be published first!

Do you have to travel much to do research for your books?

So far I haven’t needed to travel at all since most of my research is conducted online. As far as researching the location for my books, I chose the setting in the Witches of Spring Hill because I wanted the town to be similar to the small towns that I had visited when I lived in North Carolina. And when the plot takes them somewhere else (I won’t give away too much here!!), I chose that location because I’ve also lived there and am familiar with the city. Now that I live in Seattle, I’ve decided to base my next series here in Washington. I spend many weekends scouting the surrounding areas, just to ensure that the details of the Pacific Northwest are authentic. I’ve lived in seven different states, and visited many more, so I have a lot of ideas for book locations that won’t require any additional research.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just write! Don’t get caught up in what you don’t know how to do, or the what-ifs. Make it a routine, a habit even, and then let go of all your worries and just write. You can hire people to do what you don’t know how to do, but only you can write your story.

After the Summerland

The Witches of Spring Hill

Book 1

Patricia Proctor

Genre: YA Paranormal

ISBN: 1484041291

ASIN: B00C6TP9Z4

Number of pages: 252

Word Count: 79,116

Amazon

Book Description:

Teen triplets are shocked to discover they are the reincarnation of three witches living on sacred land. The land magnifies their abilities, making them more powerful witches – and targets. They aren’t the only ones aware of the power the land gives . . .

Chloe, Kaiden, and Rowan Alexander can’t wait to meet the new triplets that have just arrived in town. They are determined to find out if they are anything alike. The attraction is instant, though they soon discover they share more than just being fraternal triplets – in fact, Brianna, Cian, and Xavier Silvan are also witches with a secret of their own.

They must overcome their distrust of each other and join together to fight a much stronger witch, who wants the sacred land for more than the power it gives.

It’s a paranormal coming of age story where the teens discover the purpose of their existence, explore their new powers, new relationships, and overcome family secrets, all while becoming stronger witches. They must learn quickly so they can protect themselves and the people they love from the force of dark magic bearing down on them.

About the Author:

Patricia Proctor lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and cats. She has a Master's degree in Library and Information Science and has had a love of books and reading her whole life.

Visit author website: www.patriciaproctorbooks.com

https://www.facebook.com/patriciaproctorbooks

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7034090.Patricia_A_Proctor

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