Author Spotlight: Patricia Gligor

Posted on by amreade

Today I’m thrilled to welcome Patricia Gligor back to Reade and Write. She’s been a guest several times, and she’s here today to talk about her new release, Murder at Maple Ridge.

Congratulations on your latest release! Tell us a little about the book, Murder at Maple Ridge.

Thank you, Amy. And, thank you for inviting me to be your guest today.

Murder at Maple Ridge is the second book in my Small Town Mystery series. Kate Morgan attends a New Year’s Eve party at Maple Ridge, the home of Chad Hollingsworth, the man she’s been dating for over a year. Although Chad warns her “there will be a lot of drinking and drama” when his extended family gets together, neither of them expects there to be a murder.

Remind readers about the first book in the Small Town Mystery series, Secrets in Storyville.

When Kate stumbles upon a long buried family secret, she’s faced with a dilemma. Should she ignore what she’s learned? Or, should she reveal the secret, which could hurt the people she loves and which would change all of their lives forever?

Tell us more about the main character of the series, Kate Morgan: what motivates her to want to be a writer, what does she do in her spare time, etc.

Kate loves a good mystery. For years, she’s dreamed of writing a novel – and she finally has. But the similarities between her manuscript and what actually happens at Maple Ridge are uncanny – and unnerving.

When she’s not at her job, Kate divides her time between her eleven-year-old daughter, Mandy, Chad Hollingsworth and writing.

What was the hardest thing about writing Murder at Maple Ridge?

I’m a morning writer. That’s when I’m most productive. If I miss that window of opportunity, I lose a day of writing. Unfortunately, due to life’s circumstances, that happened several times when I was working on the book but, other than that, the writing went well. I’m a plotter and I always create an outline before I start to write. Granted, it changes as I write but it helps to keep the story flowing. I’ve tried being a pantser – just sitting down and writing off the top of my head – but that doesn’t work for me.

Is Maple Ridge based on a real place? If so, tell us about it. Did you stick close to the original in the story? Have you made changes to fit your story?

Yes. The fictional Maple Ridge is based on a house I’ve admired and been drawn to for several years. Every time I drove to one of our state parks about an hour from where I live – to swim, hike or just sit by the lake relaxing – I would see the house and think, “I wonder who lives there.” In my book, I created characters and a plot to answer that question. Although the description of the outside of the house is accurate, I adapted the inside to fit my story.

What’s next for Kate Morgan?

There will be a third book in my Small Town Mystery series and Kate will once again be the main character but that’s all I can say at this point. However, there’s a “hint” at the end of Murder at Maple Ridge, which will provide a clue as to what will happen in the next book.

Are you working on any other writing projects right now?

No. I’m a book-a-year writer and, although I have some ideas for my next book and I look forward to writing it, I’m currently in the “I need a break” phase of the writing cycle. It’s a chance for me to catch up on the many household chores I neglected while I was focused on the book.

What’s your favorite way to promote your books?

First of all, I tell everyone I know that I have a new book out. Secondly, I use social media to promote it. My favorite place to promote is Facebook but I also post on Goodreads, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. and my books are listed on BookBub.

What is your favorite part of the writing process? Least favorite?

My favorite part of the whole process is the actual writing. When characters and plot ideas spring to life. My least favorite is waiting with bated breath to see how my “baby” will be received by readers.

Now for some fun rapid-fire questions:

Coffee, tea, or some other beverage? Coffee.

Early bird, night owl, or something in between? Early bird – but not too early. LOL

Snacks: sweet or salty? Both but mostly sweet. I love chocolate!

Favorite season? Summer, well except for the high humidity.

Favorite color? Turquoise. All shades from aqua through teal. The color makes me think of the ocean, my favorite place to be.

Where can readers find you online?

Blog: http://pat-writersforum.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.gligor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatriciaGligor

Amazon author page

     

 Thanks for visiting, Pat, and best wishes with your new book! I have it on my Kindle, and I’m eager to get started on it!

Until next time,

Amy

Published by amreade

37 thoughts on “Author Spotlight: Patricia Gligor”

  4. Hi! A turquoise-loving, early morning writer here (great interview answers, Patricia). (However I’m a pantster and you’re a plotster). The next book in your series sounds scintillating and satisfying. Writing a series is a great idea!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. I think it’s a great idea, and I hope to write a series someday. I LOVE following authors who write series. I suppose my favorite is Louise Penny (Canadian mystery writer). Keep ’em coming!

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    1. Thank you, Linda. As you may know, I was with a publisher for several years and, last year, I decided to reissue my Malone mysteries and to self-publish them and the first book in my new series. That was my first experience designing covers. Although it can be a challenge, it’s also a lot of fun. I’m so glad you like this cover.

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  7. Great interview! I look forward to reading your new book, Pat. As for writing habits—I generally write in the afternoon—and while I always write an outline, I find I’ve become somewhat of a pantser. Whatever works, right??

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Marilyn! I’ve tried outlining, no outlining, etc. I’ve found that putting down the general trajectory of the story on one page, and adding in a few details, is what works best for me. I can refer to it often to make sure I’m on the right track. Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. Great interview, Pat and Amy. I love the new series, and I’m turning to the first page of Murder at Maple Ridge tonight. I like to read the print versions of books.. One thing Pat and I have in common is that we both like to read in bed before we go to sleep.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I also love to read in bed before I fall asleep, but my book of choice, at least right before I go to sleep, is an ereader because the lighting in my bedroom is terrible. I can see much better on the screen.

      I’m eager to start Pat’s new book! I have a feeling I’m going to love it.

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  11. Fun interview! I just started the book and I wish I had more reading time. Life sometimes interferes with writing time, but it also interferes with reading time. And this is a series I don’t want to take my time with, but I want to just sit and read.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. All those extra responsibilities add up to less reading–and writing–time, don’t they? I once read an author interview (the author was popular during the mid-20th century) in which she said, “Every author needs a wife to take care of things so the author can write.” I think the same applies to reading.

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