Interview with Author Patricia PacJac Carroll

Welcome to Readers Write to Know!  I asked you, my readers, what questions they would ask their favorite authors if given the chance.  This week, today I’m so happy to introduce you to Patricia PacJac Carroll. Like me, Patricia loves road trips. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve just packed up and gone on a road trip adventure. She’s also a lover of the old West, and it looks like that love has been translated into her stories. I hope you enjoy her interview as much as I did.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’m Patricia PacJac Carroll. I am a Christian and blessed beyond my imagination. The PacJac is my initials and my husbands. I live in Texas and love road trips. I grew up watching the westerns on TV and have always loved the old West. Not sure I would have liked to actually live back then. I love horses but enjoy my Starbucks and air conditioning.

Tell us about your current release: Lady and the Scamp is my latest release.

She’s not a lady. He’s not a Scamp. Let the fun begin.

Here is the blurb: Hank leaned his chair back, set his feet on the sheriff’s desk, and tried not to think of Lilly, but her memory and words persisted. “You’re worth it.” He could hear her voice as clear as if she were still in Hickory Stick and not traipsing through saloons telling anyone who would stand still long enough about her Good Shepherd.

Shrill barks and loud knocks stole his attention.

“Now what?” Annoyed by a dog’s yipes, he threw open the door. “Shut that dog up.”

A beautiful woman stepped away from him while her jade, green eyes flashed alarm. She recovered. Her head went up, her shoulders straightened and her face set with an expression that said he wasn’t worth her time.

If you knew ahead of time your book would benefit only one person on their spiritual journey, would you still write it? Yes. I believe the Lord has given me the gift of story. And I also believe he gives me the stories. My job ~ write and publish them. If He wants it for one person, I’m good with that.

With all those characters in your head screaming to get out how do you write fast enough to get it all down? That is a problem. I have finally come to the conclusion I can only write on one new one at a time although I can edit another at night. Actually, I am sure there are times my characters have stood around tapping their fingers waiting on their pokey author to get with the program.

How do you push past the fear of your writing being average and be bold enough to sell it to your audience? First, I have to like it. Then ~ it’s faith. Do all I can do to make it the best and then trust. Nothing is guaranteed.

What is your personal, most effective way to get past writer’s block? Just write. I believe writing is an act of faith. So when staring at the blank computer screen, I gather up my courage and start writing.

How did you determine whether to self-publish or seek a traditional publisher? I started out trying to be published with a traditional publisher but couldn’t break in, and then in 2011, I saw the opportunity to go Indie. Once I jumped that fence there was no looking back. I love the freedom.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers? Write. Find a critique group either in person or online. And write. Keep writing. When you’re ready, there is nothing stopping you, but do make sure you have learned the techniques and craft of writing.

Which of your characters most reflects your personality? The first book I published is Liberty Belle. I had no idea how impulsive I was until I wrote that book. My character –Libby – is very much me. She taught me who I really am. I never saw it coming.

Find Patricia online: Website, email, Facebook, sign up for her newsletter

Find Patricia’s book online:

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