Connie Cox: How long have you been seriously writing?
Patricia Frances Rowell: I wrote my first novel thirty years ago, but I had to put publishing on hold in favor of making a living. In 1998 we sold our business, and I settled down to serious writing.

Why do you write?
Why do I breathe? I just do. I'm a storyteller. I love to tell them, and I want someone to listen (or, in this case, read).

Writing is a solitary pursuit, but most artists don't create in a vacuum. What, if any, of your outside environment do you channel into your writing?
Just about all of it. Everything I see or read or hear gives me ideas.

Do experiences that add depth to your writing come to you, or do you seek them out?
I think they just come. I have a long lifetime of experiences to draw on. Everything is grist for the mill. But I have always been one to try new things.

You're a member of several formal and informal writing groups.When did you join, and why?
I joined the North Louisiana Storytellers and Authors of Romance in the spring of 1999. I learned from my first writing experience that writing and getting published are two different things. I was determine to learn the ropes this time, and I did. I joined the Mystery/Romantic Suspense chapter of the Romance Writers of America--the Kiss of Death Chapter--because I won the Daphne contest which they sponsor.

What do you expect from your various memberships?

From the NOLA STARs I expected and got information on how to approach the publishing process. From KOD I expected exposure to a particular view point.

What do you receive for your memberships?
From the NOLA STARs I have gotten, not only the basic information I wanted, but an incredible amount of personal and professional support. As you said, writing is a solitary business. The STARs and their e-mail loop and that of KOD give me the human contact that I need.

What do you put into your memberships?
I participate in e-mail discussions. I have led one e-mail workshop in February of 2003 and plan to do another in July of 2003. I have been the newsletter editor and the treasurer for the NOLA STARs, and I have served as a judge for contests for both the STARs and KOD. I try to offer encouragement and personal support to all my writing friends.

Have any of these groups helped with your stories (either directly or through inspiration)?
Yes. Sometimes when I am stuck, I need to brainstorm where to go with the book. Several people, including the owner of this website, have helped me many times with that. The STARs taught me the basic do's and don'ts of the romance genre and gave me lots of tips to improve my writing.

Now, for a more concrete question? Have any writing groups definitively helped you get published?
Yes. I would never have gotten published without the direction of the NOLA STARs and the contest they sponsor. I would never have submitted my first book to Harlequin Historicals if the owner of this website had not kicked my shins and made me do it.

All writers have heard pros and cons about critique groups.Does a critique group fit into your writing processes?
Not very well. I march to a rather different drummer, and I am rather stubborn about it. However, I need a lot of positive reinforcement, and my friends that read part of my work give me that.

You've recently been nominated for one of Romance Writers of America's RITA awards, Best First Book with A PERILOUS ATTRACTION.How does being in the finals for this award affect your writing? Your promotion efforts and/or sales?
It has increased my confidence. It may surprise my friends to know that I ever lack confidence (see "stubborn", above), but I have times when I say, "Nobody will ever buy this!" The success of A Perilous Attraction has been a real confidence booster. It remains to be seen whether it will improve sales. It does give me something to announce to my friends, groups, and fans.

When can we expect the next new Patricia Frances Rowell book?
My second book, A Dangerous Seduction, will be out in August of 2003. As you may know, I am working on a group of four books with the themes of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. APA is the Fire book. ADS is the Water story, and I am working on the Air book now.

Thanks, Patti. We'll be anxiously awaiting your next release!

You may purchase Patti's books from Amazon.com by clicking on the bookcovers.

Interviews may not be copied or distributed, except for personal use, without permission of both Connie Cox and the interviewee.