Q&A with Author Patricia D Eddy
I was a fan of Patricia Eddy long before I read anything by her. Maybe it was the introvert in me recognizing the introvert in her, but we became friends before I became one of her readers. When I first met her, I thought she was an adorable (she’s gonna hate me for that) little pixie of a human, with her petite stature, multicolored hair, and bright smile. But like most pixies, she quickly showed her fierce and fiery side when in her comfort zone (as introverts often do). I love our conversations about everything from pets to plot lines, bookish events to global chaos. She’s been an ear for me in many situations, and a comfortable presence to “just be” in others. She’s a knowledgeable advocate for indie authors, a fellow editor, and a very dear friend.
I dove into her stories with Storm of Sin on audiobook and she pulled me back into that paranormal romance lair I'd loved and left (not because I didn't like it anymore, but because I'd discovered contemporary and romantic suspense). And I was hooked on those characters. Then I dove into her protector romance short stories. And was hooked even more. In fact, once I dove into her stories, I found an appreciation and joy for her work on an entirely new level.
Patricia's backlist is as eclectic and beautiful as she is. Dipping into multiple subgenres, she really has so much to offer any and every romance reader. Want a standalone? She's got them. Interconnected extended series? Yep, that too. Full-length novels, short stories, and audiobooks? Check, check, and check. And they're all wonderfully deep with serious heart and beautiful sensuality.
And did you know she makes gorgeous jewelry? And it's inspired by her stories. You really should check it out. I wear mine as often as I can. I know it's going to sound hokey, but something about it infuses me with a sense of strength and confidence. Like I can do and overcome all the things her amazing characters do because I'm connected to Patricia, and she's connected to them.
But anyway. I know you're not here to read about me. You want the skinny from Patricia. All the fun details these Q&A blogs have brought us about so many incredible humans. So I won't keep you from that.
I will just say that I can't wait to see Patricia at Charm City Romanticon in a few months. I'm missing her energy and her hugs.
How did you get started writing?
I’ve always been a writer. I used to sit at the kitchen counter as a kid with a typewriter (yes, I’m of *that* age) and make up stories. I stopped sometime before high school, but started up again a little before my 30th birthday.
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
Breaking His Code, On His Six, or Storm of Sin. Honestly, I can’t pick between those three. They’re my favorites for very different reasons.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?
Yes! In Braving His Past, the biggest, baddest, grumpiest hero I’ve ever written, Ryker McCabe (On His Six is his book), gets basically taken down by a tiny orange kitten. It’s the best scene ever. I even had art made of it.
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
It’s all difficult and it’s all wonderful. The more books I write, the harder it gets because I want to be better, do better. I want to learn and grow in my writing and with my characters. But that puts a lot of pressure on me–maybe a little too much. That said, when I pull it off, it’s the best feeling.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?
I am a sucker for grumpy/sunshine and damaged characters. I write “beautifully broken” romances. Sometimes the characters are physically disabled, other times they have mental health challenges, still other times, they have both. But someone’s almost always grumpy in there somewhere.
What is your favorite part about being an author?
I can’t pick just one part. But I’ll narrow it down to two.
Meeting (in person or online) readers. It’s amazing to me that people want to read the stories in my head. And I’ve been so lucky that my readers are simply the absolute best people.
Meeting my characters and getting to know them. They live as fully formed people in my head all the time. I talk to them, and they talk back. Even years after I finish a character’s book, they’re still around. I get to see them grow and change and evolve and it’s the most exciting thing.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
I don’t read the genre I’m currently writing. So if I’m writing protector romance, I’ll read PNR or SFR. If I’m writing PNR, I’ll read MM romantic suspense or a thriller or even non-fiction.
I love Sloane Kennedy for MM romances. She writes some MF stories too, but it’s her MM series that are just…*chef’s kiss* perfection. They’re the only books that always make me cry.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
I tend to be a “go my own way” type of person. I’m not great at following the rules–except when I am because I was always the good kid who never got in trouble. Basically, I get very frustrated when I feel like I’m boxed in. Which is probably why I have at least one book where the two love interests don’t meet for over 100 pages. (There’s a reason. I swear. A good one. And it’s only one book. The rest have the love interests meeting quickly. But still…ask me about that one book sometime.
Wait. there was a question back there somewhere. I wouldn’t be self-published without Lindsay Buroker. She has a ton of different books, but The Emperor’s Edge was the very first book I got when I got my very first Kindle. She self-published, and the book was so freaking good I couldn’t put it down. It’s a steampunk adventure with an ensemble cast. The series is seven books, and there’s an undercurrent of a romance running through them all. But what I loved the most is that they’re all dual POV. But the second POV changes with each book. So it’s a band of “criminals” with Amaranthe as the leader. She’s the main POV in every book, but each one of her compatriots gets their own book with their own POV. Anyway, I’m rambling again, but Lindsay is the nicest person. She responded to me on Twitter way back in the day about something book related, and I decided I wanted to be like her. Kind. Welcoming to other authors. Encouraging. I hope I’ve achieved that.
I met her once at a conference. It took me at least three tries, but I managed to stumble through thanking her for inspiring me. I am nothing if not awkward.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
I write a lot of my life experiences into my books. There’s a part of me in every character and every story. Cara in Fighting For Valor and Wren from On His Six are the most “me” of any of my heroines. But it’s Quinton from Braving His Past who has the most “me” in him. His story…well, it’s mostly mine. There are lines he says (and that were said to him) that I took directly from my life.
I can’t not include me in my writing. I think that’s why my books resonate with readers. Because so much in them is real. Or could be. Sure, I do sometimes write about vampires and shifters and angels, but even those characters have very real, very human emotions and experiences. I think that’s what makes them relatable.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback - Kobo
Beach or Mountain Vacation - Mountain
Dogs or Cats - Cats
Ice Cream or Cake - Depends on the cake.
Action Flick or Rom-Com - Action all the way
Tea or Coffee - Coffee in the morning, tea at night
Road Trip or Air Travel - Do I get to fly first class?
Connect with Patricia D Eddy
You can find more information about Patricia, her books and jewelry, and how to connect with her on social media here:
