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Urban Reviews: Can you tell us what your latest book Chosen is all about?
Patricia Haley: Chosen is based on the popular biblical kings David and Solomon.
The father abandons his wife, business partner, and children for a
younger woman. Years later the father appoints his youngest son as
CEO of the multi-million dollar family ministry. The first wife and
her oldest son (Don) are outraged because they feel like the
rightful heirs. An all out war erupts between the wives and
the brothers with the father in the middle. To make matters worse,
Abigail is torn between love for one brother and loyalty to the
other.
Urban Reviews: Where did the storyline for this novel come from?
Patricia Haley: I love the
story of King David in the Bible. His life was riddled with
loads of challenges and family drama, but through it all he a master
at being able to forgive himself and not let mistakes of the past
hold him down.
Urban Reviews: What did your family think when you told them you wanted to
pursue writing?
Patricia Haley: At first my
family was surprised when I told them I was writing, but by that
time I'd practically finished my first manuscript. So, their
shock turned into pure excitement.
Urban Reviews:
You noted on your site that your work is 'faith-based'
fiction. What brought you to have your novels center
around this theme exclusively?
Patricia Haley: When I first
wrote Nobody's Perfect, it was an attempt to write what I wanted to
read: a modern story with realistic struggles, woven around a theme
of inspirational, clean fiction filled with dynamic yet authentic
African American characters.
Urban Reviews: What was the best advice that you've ever received from another
fellow author?
Patricia Haley: Eric Jerome
Dickey gave me the best advice in 1999. At the time I was leaning
towards going with a world renowned literary agency and was
surprised about the reaction from someone in the industry. Eric
basically told me to stay true to myself and not get caught up in
what others have to say when it comes to what I need to do. His
advice made a world of difference at the time and has stayed with me
ever since.
Urban Reviews: If there was one thing you would've done differently at the
beginning of your career, what would it be?
Patricia Haley: Nothing.
The early years of self publishing, as time consuming as it was,
were necessary for my development. I'm grateful for that boot
camp experience.
Urban Reviews: Can we get a sneak peak at what upcoming books you have in store
for the world?
Patricia Haley: Destined
(Jan. 2010) is the sequel to Chosen and centers around Don (the
oldest brother) returning from South Africa to reignite the war with
his brother Joel. This time he isn't backing down because of a
very special reason. Readers can expect the missing sister to
not be so missing any longer. After all, she is the oldest
child.
Urban Reviews: What has been your biggest challenge...writing your novel,
publishing your novel, or promoting your novel?
Patricia Haley: The writing
comes easily. It takes me about 5-6 weeks to write a novel.
Publishing, however, was initially a challenge (self-publishing
backing the late 90s was a lot of work), and promoting is always
something we authors have to constantly refine as technology and the
distribution channel evolves.
Urban Reviews: What do you ultimately want to accomplish as a writer?
Patricia Haley: To write
books that glorify God while entertaining and reaching every single
person that needs to be encouraged and/or inspired.
Urban Reviews: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you
or your books?
Patricia Haley: I'm married
to an amazingly supportive husband and blessed with a beautiful
daughter who has helped make this literary journey fun and exciting.
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