Hi Patricia and thank you for being our interview for Debbie’s Den this month. It’s been a while since I have been able to do an interview in the Den, so let’s get comfy and chat a bit, shall we?
First of all, can you tell me a little about yourself? What makes up Patricia Grasso, the award winning author?
Like everyone else in the world, Patricia Grasso is a mixture of good traits and flaws. I have an optimistic nature and always see the glass as half full. I like people, especially children, and animals. I have hopes and dream while suffering loss and failure. I couldn't write about loss or failure if I hadn't experienced them at some point or other as most people have. I think we'll save a discussion of my flaws for another interview.
How long did it take to get your first book published? How did you celebrate when you got “the call”?
I was a full-time teacher. After finishing teaching for the day, I would go home and write. I wrote 365 days per year for 5 years before I sold my first book. I celebrated alone and writing at my desk.
You have written 14 historical novels as well as 2 more in e-book format. Do you find a vast difference working with a paper book publisher vs. an e-book publisher? Do you think e-books are going to be the way to go in the future? This has been such a big debate with authors.
I have never written a book exclusively for an e-publisher. "Highland Belle" and "Courting An Angel" are actually two of my out-of-print older novels. As for the future.... I love to lie on the couch with a cat cuddled on top of me and read my paperbacks so I hope the future is not solely electronic.
Your writing is in the form of the historical genre, Regency; my personal favorite. What draws you to this time period?
To tell you the truth, I wasn't drawn to this time period. A former editor yanked me forward from my Elizabethan Age settings to the Regency. I did, however, enjoy reading the Regency historical writers like Judith McNaught.
Have you ever considered writing about a different time period or genre?
I have had many readers ask for more in my Elizabethan Age Devereux series and would love to write a few more set in that time period. I would also like to write a contemporary sometime, but I would also continue with the historicals.
I loved Seducing the Prince. Your characters are so life like and easy to fall in love with. Have you ever created a character around someone you know?
I "killed" my sister off in my third book. I also have a recurring personality in most of my books based on a real person. In the Kazanov series, that character is the Duchess of Inverary. The real woman is just as flamboyant as the fictional duchess.
Seducing the Prince has met with wonderful reviews. You have another book in the series coming out in April 2006; can you give us a little hint about what that book will be about?
"Pleasuring The Prince" ( April 2006) tells the story of Prince Stepan Kazanov and Miss Fancy Flambeau. Prince Stepan is the most romantic hero I've ever written, and I have fallen in love with him. Fancy Flambeau is the opera singer he loves. Unfortunately, Fancy despises all aristocrats. And, a serial killer is targeting London's singers, dancers, and actresses.
Seducing the Prince is just one story in the Kazanov series. Can you give us a list, in order, of the books, in case any of our readers have missed the first few?
"To Charm A Prince" is technically the first but was also part of the Douglas Trilogy before I knew there would be a Kazanov series. "To Love A Princess" is the second book, concerning the Kazanov cousin Princess Amber. The third, of course is "Seducing The Prince", and the next installment is "Pleasuring The Prince". I am working on Prince Mikhail's story now, tentatively titled "Desiring The Prince".
Patricia, what do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?
Writing novels is fun! I love reading, visiting friends and family. Caring for my four cats (Pip, Reggie, Cosmo, Sidney) takes time. At the moment, I am in the process of renovating the house I inherited when my father passed away last winter. So within a few months, I will be living in a haunted house as there are 5 spirits in residence, most of whom are deceased relatives. There is nothing threatening though, doors opening and closing, lights going on, footsteps when no one is there.
When you find time to relax and read, what types of books do you enjoy? Do you have any favorite authors?
I love most fiction and nonfiction and devour Harlequin Presents every month. A few of my favorite authors are Sandra Marton and Michelle Reid (Presents authors), Linda Howard, Suzanne Brockmann to name a few. I apologize to all the other authors I enjoy but fail to mention here.
How can your fans get in touch with you?
My fans can email me via my website (see the link below.. Ed.) and I always reply in a timely fashion. I love praise but will accept constructive criticism couched in kind words. Suggestions are always welcome.
Patricia, thank you so much for visiting with me today. I have enjoyed talking to you and getting to know you better. I look forward to reading all of your upcoming books and I speak for all of us at ARR, that we wish you the best in everything that you do.
Contributed by Debbie, November 2005
