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Author Interview: J.T. Patten

2/28/2014

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Meet J.T. Patten, Author of Safe Havens: Shadow Masters

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"J.T. Patten" has worked with the intelligence and special operations community in support of national defense and policy. He has a degree in Foreign Language, a Masters in Strategic Intelligence, graduate studies in Counter Terrorism from the University of St. Andrews, and numerous expertise certifications in forensics, fraud, and financial crime investigations. Patten shares these unique experiences with readers to give them a taste of "the black."

While writing primarily fiction and using a pen name, all of J.T. Patten's writings have been properly submitted to the appropriate federal entities for professional security review and authorization under true name to mitigate risk of information breech. The importance of this is significant. While readers may get a feeling that situations in the book are beyond contrived, that is the fun of the books. But the stark reality is there are limits and boundaries of national security that will not be crossed. Even in fiction.

Patten's intent in writing is to give readers a reality escape if only for a few minutes, hours, pages, or chapters at a time. Ideally, the situations are close enough to reality where readers can see themselves in scenes if "they" were "that" person. Patten's style, prose, and twists are less linear than many authors in the same genre, but with a pace and action of those readers expect to entertain. It ends up being a cross of a Clancy, Ludlum, Flynn, DeMille, and Higgins. Five in one like a Porsche crossover---speed, style, performance, functionality, and a kick ass ride. (Amazon)

BBB: What inspired you to become a writer?
 
JTP:
I've been writing for years as a professional thought contributor sharing ideas and concepts in many articles and features for the special operations and intelligence community, but the aspect of becoming a published writer happened through a dare.  A friend and I had been discussing a number of lack-luster thrillers, and thinking we could do better, he simply dared me to write a novel.  I traveled a lot at the time, and found myself with a lot of evenings away from home, so to use an hour or two here and there in a hotel or airplane didn't seem like a very daunting task.  Once I embarked on saving face to pen a novel, I found that I absolutely loved it.  I also found that writing a book was much harder than I imagined.  When I thought that I had finished the manuscript, I learned that I had only just begun.  I won't be so quick to judge another authors' work in the future.  I've certainly found new humility through the process.  
  


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BBB: How did you come up with the idea for Safe Havens: Shadow Masters?
 
JTP: My job has been in understanding safe havens or discovering illicit actors' safe havens.  The safe havens in my world can be front companies, safe houses, operational platforms, cover legends, trusted assets, etc.  To create a fabrication around a world that I am familiar with was easy, as long as I could do it without disclosing anything inappropriate or classified.  Even in real life, the job requires imagination, so to come up with another fantasy idea was not much of a risk. The real shadow masters are often the quiet guys coming up with the ideas that are passed to superiors or mission planners.  Most often they end up on a cutting room floor, or they are too dangerous to implement.  
 
I haven't read too many novels where the roles in operations and intelligence were closer to reality, and I read a lot.  You either have an espionage novel with the classic cocktail party and meet and greet backdrop, or you have the action military thriller that is chocked up with requisite hardware and unbreakable hero.  I believe that the two are inseperable, so to create a character like Sean Havens, who ironically worked in that same space, and who could also become sucked up by other shadow masters seemed like a fun story to tell.  I wanted the story to be a classic cat and mouse where hunter could become the hunted, and vice versa with many struggles for an upper hand.  

BBB: Tell us about your main character, Sean Havens.
 
JTP:
I think the best way to describe Sean is through the eyes of many of the readers.  They see him as a righteous man caught up in an extremely dirty business, but who also has to maintain a grip on family affairs.  Sean knows the danger of his business and wants to have the trills and satisfaction of that adventure-type job, but he also wants to be married with children.  Naively, he thinks he can manage both, and keep the two very different worlds seperate.   Sean, as a hero, personifies that unrelenting desire to see a mission through, but like a human, there are times that he just wants to quit, curl up in a ball, grab a beer or coffee and wish it away.  The hero part comes in where he can overcome his own fears and doubt to step up regardless do what is the right thing to do.  That "right" can be a patriotic duty, a family obligation, or any other compelling moral compass call.  Sean is that broken fighter knocked down on the mat who will always get up before the bell rings, even if it means he'll be knocked back down again.   He is a classic underdog like the original Rocky.  Some have likened him to the first season of 24 with the introduction of Jack Bauer.  I think Sean Havens is more of a regular guy, but I certainly see some of the similarities.   

BBB: What do you think readers will enjoy most about your book?
 
JTP:
I know a book can't be everything to everyone, yet I think many different readers will find a little something that they like throughout the book.  It really is a beach-bound book that you can pick up and enjoy to escape your reality even if it isn't your usual genre brand.  Feedback so far has been that the fast and furious action lovers like the pace and brutality of the military side.  Espionage lovers will enjoy the tradecraft but will also be drawn to the portrait of Cold War Jerry who trained Sean Havens to be more like the OSS.  Dad's who enjoy a thriller will be drawn to the father and child relationships that personalizes the failing movie hero guy like Liam Neeson where Sean Havens is a bad-assed character we all want to be but who isn't too far out of reach for the average Joe to relate to.  I know many women who have enjoyed the view into the emotionally scarred minds of the warriors in the story, and how even a moderate tough guy like Sean deeply loves his wife and family, yet we know he's going to forget to take out the garbage before he deploys.  It's the falibility, vulnerability and blind patriotism that makes the characters real, so even if you hate them, you can feel empathy for them.  Someone like Sean will relate to many as the guy on the screen that you yell at not to do something stupid, but you know he will, and you know you will be cheering him on moments later since he will come out of that fire saving someone.    


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BBB: Are you currently working on another book?

JTP:
I actually have two books going.  In Mister Mortimer, I have a 90 year old Nazi hunter who has almost completed a life long mission when a young boy enters his life creating a real problem for Mister Mortimer, his Mossad handler, the CIA, and a still active Nazi SS Waffen legacy.  That, however, will have to be put on hold as I knock out the second Safe Havens thriller, Black Smoke White Smoke (I may change the title).  As a newbie, I need to keep up the momentum with a growing fan base before they forget who I am.  There is already a small following of Sean Havens enthusiasts who want to see what happens next.  A writer's got to give the people what they want, right?  Who knows, maybe a publisher will even call so I can pay my editor.  Hint, hint, Thomas & Mercer.     


You can find out more about J.T. Patten by visiting www.safe-havens.com.

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Author Interview, Blog Tour & Giveaway: Holly Lauren

2/18/2014

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BBB: What inspired you to become a writer? 

HL: I've been writing since as early as I can remember. My first short story was about a girl named Kelsey (because I thought that was the coolest name ever) whose babysitter was killed by a man named the Peanut Butter and Jelly Murderer.  Every time he claimed another victim, he would eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at their house, then leave. So, yeah. I was a weird kid.

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BBB: Can you give us a synopsis of your book, Tempus?

HL:
Tempus is about a high school senior named Chapel Ryan who has grown up having hallucinations. Chapel has been made to believe that her hallucinations are a result of the PTSD she suffered from after her father was murdered. But when something about her hallucinations changes, Chapel begins to question her diagnosis. What follows is a story of mystery, friendship, and, yes, love. (Cue mood music: I'm thinking something off the Dirty Dancing soundtrack?)

BBB: What do you think readers will like most about your book?

HL:
Almost every reader who emails me mentions how much they like the characters of Tempus. Chapel has a hilarious, nerd-ish friend named Timmy who wears shirts that say stuff like "Smart Mass" on the front. Then there's the wildly inappropriate friend named Erica who lovingly calls Chapel "Steel Magnolia" and encourages her to flirt with cute teachers (bad idea, FYI).  And, of course, there's Isaiah Zay Halstead, who is handsome and smart and witty and (sigh) funny. I set out to write a story about people, not about a specific plot. I think people's enthusiasm for the characters of Tempus reflect that!


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BBB: Tell us a little bit about your main character, Chapel Ryan?

HL:
Chapel Ryan has grown up with a secret--she suffers from hallucinations where it appears to her that she's freezing time.  Even her two best friend--Erica and Timmy--don't know about her episodes. So even though she's a warm person, outgoing and sharp-tongued, she's always felt like a bit of an outsider.

My least favorite thing about Chapel is that she weighs some decisions too heavily and others she can be impulsive about. She doesn't know when to trust herself, or when to trust others. My favorite thing about Chapel is her loyalty. Once you're in with her, you're in. Kind of like the Mafia. 

BBB: Are you currently working on another book?

HL
: I am working on the sequel to Tempus. I hope to release it before the end of 2014!


Stay connected with Holly Lauren: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


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Author Interview: Marie von Minden

2/9/2014

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Meet Marie von Minden, Author of Mysteries of the Grand Canyon, My Paws at the Grand Canyon, and The California Condor
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BBB: What inspired you to become a writer?

MVM:
 My unexpected journey to become a children's book author grew out of my passion for nature and my desire to share that passion with others.

I grew up on a small farm, and I have always loved nature. The natural world was my playground; I watched clouds journey the skies, flowers and grasses move in the wind, seasons come and go, and yes, I climbed trees! In my adult life, I spent much of my free time outdoors, often camping and hiking in state and national parks, not only enjoying nature but feeling it nourish and renew my being. 

I feel that in today’s world, many children, especially those that live in urban areas, often don’t have the opportunities I had to experience the great outdoors. I hope that my books will bring the natural world closer to my readers and encourage them to head outside to enjoy the wonders of nature.


 BBB: How did you come up with the idea for your adventure books for children?

MVM: I have always loved nature and enjoy spending time in the wilderness, especially in our national parks. I am enthralled by the fact that we have such beautiful, protected areas to enjoy. I wanted to share my love of the outdoors with children so that they can also experience the beauty of nature and be inspired to love, honor, and protect these national jewels for future generations.

When Kristi Kay joined me in my travels and became my hiking companion, her curiosity, gentleness, and delight in the outdoors  motivated me to write children’s nature stories through her eyes

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BBB: Tell us a little bit about your books, Mysteries of the Grand Canyon and My Paws at the Grand Canyon.

MVM: Mysteries of the Grand Canyon is the first interactive ebook in my adventure series set in national parks. In this story, Kristi Kay, a little Cairn Terrier, befriends two residents of the Grand Canyon, a California condor and an Abert’s squirrel. They take her on a journey to a secret place within the canyon and share the canyon’s stories with her. The interactive multimedia format of this book along with spectacular photography, sounds, and videos make this engaging adventure story a fun and educational experience.

My Paws at the Grand Canyon is a perfect introduction to the wonders of nature for younger children. The rhyming story with a ‘read aloud’ option, sounds, and opportunities for interaction on every page will keep children engaged while short video clips let them take a peek into the life of the canyon. 


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BBB: What will readers like most about your character, Kristi Kay?

MVM: I think the first thing my readers will notice about Kristi Kay is that she is extremely cute, very thoughtful, curious, and always ready for a new adventure! In real life, she is gentle and loving, and she never chases any animals! These qualities are really highlighted as she befriends animals she encounters on her journey

I hope that Kristi Kay’s inquisitiveness and appreciation of what she is experiencing and learning will captivate children, make it fun to explore our national parks, and inspire enthusiasm about our natural world.  

BBB: Do you have ideas for another book?

MVM: Yes, these ebooks are a part of a series set in America’s national parks. Each ebook will introduce children to a specific national park, and Kristi Kay will share the stage with an endangered or threatened animal who lives in that park. Specific facts and curiosities about each park are introduced in the adventure story, and more detailed information is provided in the educational section. Currently, I am working on a story set in Yellowstone National Park. 


You can find our more about Marie von Minden and her books by visiting www.adventuresofdiscoverybooks.com

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Author Interview: Debbie Doctofsky-Solomon

2/5/2014

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Meet Debbie Doctofsky-Solomon, Author of Journey to the River of Perfumes and Hidden in the Himalayas 
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BBB: What inspired you to become a writer?

DDS: As a child, I always loved to write short stories. My mother used to save them in the kitchen drawer next to the fridge. She beamed when she read my stories aloud. She made sure to boast about them to everyone.  I recall the topic of one of them…my childhood love…peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Many years later, I was sorting through my closet, and found a grad school project I completed for a course called “K-12 Curriculum and materials in ESL”. It was a big book geared towards ESL students in elementary school. I pulled it out and read it to my kids. They started asking me questions about the setting, the conical hats, the food, etc. They asked me to read it again…and again…and again (who can relate to this?).  Just then I knew I had something. The story wasn’t just entertaining, but it was also educational. I was inspired to write this story after a very magical trip to Vietnam (so magical I returned two more times since then). Thirteen years later, after many modifications and additions, “Journey to the River of Perfumes” was born in its entirety.

After having children of my own with a bedtime routine of 3 books a night since they were a year old until now (you do the math), I suddenly became immersed in the world of children’s books. I became a staunch critic.  I advocated fun books, but most were superficial.

Since I spent a good portion of my life thus far traveling abroad, I wanted my kids to get a taste of the life I had. I wanted them to learn about other interesting cultures and far away lands without having to look through my photo albums. I started writing the “Exhibition of Learning” collection with this in mind. Cultural cues are embedded in the stories, so that children have the opportunity to see the world without leaving their bedrooms. 


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BBB: Tell us about your books, Journey to the River of Perfumes and Hidden in the Himalayas. 

DDS: In Journey to the River of Perfumes, Lan sets out to fulfill such a wish at the legendary River of Perfumes in Hue, Vietnam. During her joyous journey, she has the opportunity to participate in the exhilarating experience of helping others. This wish-filled, wondrous story will not only educate, but also entertain children through its rhythmic phrasing and serene simplicity. This heart-warming tale was written from a daughter’s perspective when she realized how much she appreciated her mother’s guidance throughout her life. It is a simple theme that mirrors the course of life. A child grows up at home, protected by her family. As soon as she is old enough, she ventures out and makes her own discoveries while simultaneously learning something new about herself.

In Hidden in the Himalayas, Nema loses a very special doll she received at birth from her grandmother high up in the mountains of Nepal. Not long after, a budding friendship blossoms between two young girls of vastly different worlds. The child characters in Hidden in the Himalayas are authentic and enchanting. Hidden in the Himalayas is an emotionally engaging story about loss and gain. One can be transported to a country less traveled and feel the adventure of a girl and her mom trekking on the trails of the Himalayas. The vivid imagery in the story reveals the magnificence of the landscape in Nepal and lead to a joyful ending.


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BBB: What do you think readers will enjoy most about your books? 

DDS: I think the children will enjoy the interesting cultural components I introduce about Vietnam and Nepal and the sweet storylines. There are a host of fun activities for teachers and homeschooling that correspond with the books on my website Debbiesolomon.com

BBB: What do you hope children will learn from your stories?

DDS: I hope the children will learn compassionate and respectful behavior along with interesting information about the geography, dress, landscape, food, & lifestyle of both Vietnam and Nepal!

BBB: Are you currently working on another book?

DDS: Yes, My next book will take place on the Mexican Island Of Isla Mujeres (off the Yucatan). It will be a bit different than the others. I will be introducing the unique animals of the island and they will talk!  There will Spanish words throughout and a beautiful message at the end.


You can find out more about Debbie Doctofsky-Solomon and her books by visiting http://debbiesolomon.com.

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