CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: Is This All There Is? by Patricia Mann
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
When I was in second grade, I loved writing so much that my teacher allowed me to pen my autobiography for extra credit. Can you just imagine how scintillating the autobiography of a seven year old would be? I have it right here so hold on to your hat while reading the following excerpts… Page four: “I like to eat.” Page five: “I have a pet kitten.”
How would you describe your books?
I love to write women’s fiction/chicklit that takes readers on a painfully truthful journey into the depths of the main character’s mind. I want to reveal the kinds of thoughts, desires, choices, fears, and reactions that people don’t easily talk about. I like to make people squirm while they’re reading, especially when it’s because they have to admit they’ve felt or done what’s happening in the story. Kinda weird, maybe, but that’s my thing. I think I did pretty well in Is This All There Is?, as a start, but I’m going to even deeper, more honest and more sexual places in the book I’m working on now.
Why was Is This All There Is? a book you wanted to write?
I’ve dreamed of writing a book all my life. About ten years ago, I was a busy wife, mother, and professor dying for a creative outlet. I joined a weekly writing group and there’s simply no way to explain how much I learned and how thrilling it was. I wanted to write a story that was fundamentally about how difficult it is for contemporary women to balance it all. Why? Because that’s exactly where I was in my life: trying to be a good mother to my two sons, keep my marriage strong, build a successful professional career, get healthy, maintain important friendships and family connections, and on and on. I was completely depleted and writing about it was cathartic. I hoped other women would relate, even if their circumstances were different. The part of the story where my main character gets drawn into an affair with a former student just sort of took on a life of its own so I went with it.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
When I was writing Is This All There Is?, it was staying honest when it came to the shameful, ugly parts. But the story had to be told and there was no going back when I was that far in. There were a number of scenes I seriously considered deleting or softening, but didn’t in the end. Ironically, many readers told me those were their favorite parts of the book. Oh, and editing. Yuck.
As far as book # 2 is concerned, the only hard part is taking it one step at a time and trusting that it will eventually be an entire book. Right now, all I can think about is chapter four.
What are your favorite genres to read?
My favorite books are self-help/spiritual books. I also love women’s fiction and chicklit, but for very different reasons, of course. I’m a little obsessed with the search for happiness, contentment, finding meaning in life, and trying to slow down and relax (still unable at present J). So books that help me in those areas are my first choice. The fiction is a fun escape from my busy, over-committed life, which is why I’m always reading a great novel by one of my many fabulous author pals.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
We’re all human. We all make mistakes. Even the best of us can stray from the path if the right conditions present themselves. Be honest with yourself and others. Forgive yourself and others. Things are rarely what they appear to be on the surface. The grass is not greener elsewhere. Choose to be happy with what you have or make a change.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
It’s HUGE! A dear friend who is a journalism professor and PR consultant recommended a book when I was first learning about how to promote Is This All There Is?. It’s called The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use News Releases, Blogs, Podcasting, Viral Marketing, and Online Media to Reach Buyers Directly. All I can say is that it changed my life and shaped the direction of my strategies as an author more than anything else. And though I never, ever thought I would feel this way – I have come to enjoy blogging – most of the time. Facebook and Twitter make me anxious, because I feel I can’t keep up, but I realize they are essential and try to have fun with them.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Write what you’re most passionate about and think about the message you want to send. Join supportive online communities and ask lots of questions! Take one small step at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by huge goals. As I mentioned earlier, I’m only on chapter four of my next book, and that’s okay. Most importantly: don’t give up, ever. No matter what other people say. Work on your book and when you get sick of it, take a break but during that time write a short story or a blog, anything to keep writing. If you have the calling, you must follow it.
**Excerpt**
“You have great arms.”
“You must be kidding. I haven’t worked out in ages.”
“No really. Look.”
He ran his fingers along the curve of my bicep and the tiny blond hairs on my forearm stood at attention. I could see what he meant. There was some definition there.
“Yeah, well that’s probably just from carrying my little one around all day.”
“I bet you’re a great mom.”
“I try to be, but… ” I stopped myself.
“What? Tell me, Beth.”
“It’s just hard sometimes, it takes everything out of you. But I love… I mean my kids are… I don’t even know how to explain it to you.”
He just nodded and looked into me with those eyes. The heat was getting worse. But he seemed so cool and calm.
“Enough about me. We were talking about your troubles with women.”
“Actually, I’d love to get your input on my situation. I could use an honest female perspective.”
The noise level was increasing by the moment. I pulled my chair a little closer to his and our knees touched. More electricity. I noticed that he didn’t pull back, so I didn’t either.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Is This All There Is? before August 26 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Patricia Mann is a university professor. She lives in California with her husband, their two kids, and a sweet, silly old dog.
Connect with Patricia!
Website/Blog (New posts every Thursday): http://www.patriciamann.me
Book trailer video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT6uSuyFIuM
Facebook Friend Page: http://www.facebook.com/patricia.mann.969
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Mann/325125214262516?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatriciaMann11
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17190494-is-this-all-there-is
Buy the Book – only 99 cents while on tour!
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ASDTQQI
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/is-this-all-there-is-patricia-mann/1114038095?ean=9780983154433
