Patricia Buck interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

I'm Patricia Buck, a writer, aspiring speaker and entrepreneur. I use my words, which are rooted in the Word of God, to encourage and inspire anyone who feels deflated over life's circumstances. My novel, "God Revealed My Husband Was Leaving" under my pen name Lewisa DeBlake was published and released September 2021. My first book, an inspirational work, "You Are Not Alone: A Personal Testimonial" by Patricia A. Buck was published in 2003. They are available at Amazon.com, most online Bookstores, and Walmart.com, etc. Currently, my children's story, "The Burgundy Tiger" is in the process of being published by Austin Macauley Publishers. 

When did your love of books begin?

I grew up in a household with a few college graduates, but aside from reading the Bible, I didn't see a lot of reading for pleasure among my family members. That being the case, with the hope of increasing my vocabulary and comprehension, I began reading leisurely after high school. My goal was to read at least three books a year, which I did. Then I married a college graduate and both he and his family were avid readers. Therefore, after I had our first child, I began reading children's stories to her everyday. It amazed me seeing how captivated and mesmerized she was each time I opened a book. It was during that time while seeing her reaction that my love of books began. 

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

My desire to blend, carve, colorsplash, knit, and frame written words together was born immediately after seeing how addicted my daughter and later my two sons were to the books I read. Each time we read together, their attentiveness and enthusiasm warmed my heart. Plus, whenever we went to Barnes & Noble my children behaved like children do in a candy store. It was those moments that guided me into the direction of becoming an author.   

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

For me, the process of becoming an author has been a long journey of learning how to be more expressive both in my writing and thinking. For example, writing my first novel took a long time to write. I'm talking about three years. It was three years of writing through disappointment, devastation, and pain because my husband who I loved dearly and our marriage that I cherished beyond measure ended in a heart wrenching divorce. Nevertheless, surprisingly, penning my woes into my story turned out to be therapeutic for me and aided in my healing process. As to be expected as a writer, I also encountered times when what I wanted to share flowed from me like water from a fountain. And yes, I experienced what many of my fellow scribble comrades face as well, which is the dreaded writer's block. Even though the writing process has been long and time consuming, it has also been rewarding too. However, in the end, everything came together, and I completed a project that many people only talk about.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

I would tell aspiring authors to believe in themselves and look for ways to connect with and learn from their superior and peers in the field. Also, many bookstores have writing groups that meet in their facilities, so inquire about it. Of course, due to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc, anyone interested in becoming a writer/author can join writing groups and writing communities for comradery. I'm new to the #WritingCommunity on Twitter, which has been a wonderful experience because a kind man named Dave Westfall has been so helpful and welcoming to me. He introduced me to the community by asking them to follow me and many people did. This is something he does for many writers,authors, and bloggers. Thank you, Dave! 

In conclusion, I believe the main thing I would tell new writers is to not become overly discouraged. If you find yourself struggling with disappointment while writing, think about the children's story, "The Tortoise and the Hare." It's okay if your writing is unfolding at an extremely slow pace. As we learned from the story, consistency will get you to the finish line. Just like in most professions people pursue, writing takes time and endurance to reach the end goal of being published. However, once you reach that milestone, you will see that it was worth the wait.

Tell us about your book/books:

My newly released novel, "God Revealed My Husband Was Leaving" under my pen name Lewisa DeBlake came out September 2021. It's a story about a lady who maneuvered through life's unexpected obstacles from her childhood through adult life by relying on her faith in God. As a little child, she was taught to stand up for what she believed in. Yet, she just about came unglued when her belief caused the man she loved and planned to glow old with to reject her and chase after other women. The remarkable thing about this unique novel is that it's based on a true story. 

My first inspirational book, "You Are Not Alone: A Personal Testimonial" by Patricia A. Buck was released in 2003. It's a book of encouragement for people who are facing difficult situations in their lives. This book was designed to reassure people that God hears and still answers prayers. That is done through Bible scriptures, prayers, and testimonies of answered prayers. Presently, I'm in the process of having my children's story called, "The Burgundy Tiger" published. It is a story about a tiger who is kindhearted, has supernatural abilities, and goes around various places helping others.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

I love the vastness of the writing community on Twitter. I am so grateful to be a part of it because on an extremely microscale it connects me to the best of the best authors known to man. In addition to that, the writing community makes it possible to rub cyber elbows with every other level of authors and writers worldwide all at the same time. Being able to communicate with agents, authors, editors, publishers, publicists, and writers on your computer from the comfort of home is priceless. And as I have mentioned before, there are kind and helpful people in the writing community like Dave Westfall.     

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

First of all, I would like to thank you for buying and reading my books! It is my dream that my story will deposit hope in your spirit after sorrow, especially if you are brokenhearted. I pray that I have inspired you to take the lemons in your lives and turn them into lemonade like I did with my novel and inspirational book. After reading my stories, after you close the book, if you walk away with just one thing to help you weather the storms in your life, then I have accomplished my goal in writing. 

Where can people connect with you?

They can connect with me on Facebook: @patricia.buck.334; Instagram: @patricia.buck.334; Twitter: Patricia Buck @Patrici59586272; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgXeXhv8UCPmqewnCI7ZSWA/featured: Goodreads: Patricia A. Buck and Goodreads: Lewisa DeBlake; GoFundMe: Marketing Fund to Promote Upcoming Novel; and author website: https://www.patriciabucklewisadeblake.com.