Why do you write?  

Being somewhat of an introvert, it’s my catharsis. . .a way of telling the world what I think and feel in a way I couldn’t do face-to-face.

What’s your favorite genre? Do you have a favorite author (if so, please tell us the name)? 

Romance, but with a sub-genre, such as mystery, paranormal, thriller. I don’t have one particular favorite author. When I’m not writing, I’m reading. All I ask of an author is to entertain me–and for heaven’s sake, don’t make grammatical errors.

To be successful as an author, what do you see as the main goal? 

Well, I think of successful authors as being those who make money on their works. I am happy just to be published. It took sixty-six years to get there! I hope my novels speak to readers, but hey, a little spending money doesn’t hurt, either.

What inspires you and how do you channel it when you need inspiration?

That’s a hard one. Inspiration can come from anywhere, usually when you aren’t looking for it: The glance of a stranger, a sound bite, a sentence in a book…the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

What advice can you give to aspiring authors?  

The most important thing is to be a bookworm. You have to read, read, read.  And you have to want to write more than you want to breathe. Writing is hard. You are putting yourself out there without knowing if anyone will ever read it, or if they’ll like or hate it if they do read it.  But you do it because you are compelled to tell your story. And, yes, it is always your story. Somewhere in each of your works, no matter the subject, is a part of who you are.

What advice would you give to the youth of today (not just authors)?

The world has changed so much since I was a youth, I wouldn’t know where to begin.

What’s on your bucket list?

 To visit my ancestral home–Ireland.

Tell us about your book:

Heart of the Wild Beast is a sci-fi/fantasy romance centered around an expedition to search for Sasquatch. Here is the Blurb: Andie Carrington jumps at the opportunity of a lifetime to join an expedition in search of Sasquatch. While she has no idea that she will meet her destiny, David Wolfe does. He began to teach and prepare her for her future when she was a mere child.

David is the expedition’s guide, part of a plan put in place by the Tansensu, the Sasquatch name for themselves. David knows Andie is his soul mate. She is less certain, but feels a connection to David that transcends time. When she is faced with a bizarre request, one that will put an end to any hope of a life with David, she must decide whether to do what is asked of her or pursue a forbidden relationship with him. David must decide if he will be true to his duty to the Tansensu and his own destiny. Or will he deny the very reason for his existence to be with Andie and save her from a fate she can’t begin to imagine?

HEART OF THE WILD BEAST – EXCERPT

David looked deeply into Andie’s eyes. “I love you. I have loved you through all time and will love you until time ends. I will protect you with my life. If it were up to me, we would be as one, forever, eternally.”

He paused and sighed, as if barely able to continue. “My heart, mind, and soul are open to you at this moment. Reach into me with your soul and understand at your instinctive level all I feel for you, and all you are to me. Do it now, because I can’t maintain it for long.”

“What should I do?”

“Just close your eyes and let me lead you.”

David felt something tugging at her, carrying her away from her body and into his. At the same time, he was merging with her. “Do you feel it, Andie?” Neither body stirred. Only their essences moved, flowing into each other effortlessly. It was as though they were no longer two people, but had become one, fusing at the molecular level and beyond. There was a split second of impossibly dazzling light before David led her back beside the campfire.

“Remember what occurred here and never doubt it will always be the same between us, no matter what happens.”

“That sounds like a warning.”

“Perhaps it is. What we have is powerful, but there are other forces at work that may be even more powerful.”

What would you like readers to know about you? I have been an inveterate reader since first grade. My love of writing began in fifth grade when I won the county essay contest. At age ten, I began to develop what would be a lifelong interest in the world beyond our five senses. While working day jobs and raising a family, I still found time to take classes and read every book I could get my hands on concerning all things paranormal. I enjoy writing books with paranormal themes, hoping my readers will ask themselves, “What if. . .?” I’m also passionate about saving the earth. I’m an avid recycler and staunch advocate of the Going Green movement. I live with my husband of fifty-one years (talk about romance!) in San Diego, California.
Patricia Harreld, Author of
HEART OF THE WILD BEAST

RED, WHITE, AND YOU (a time travel novella)

FOR THE LOVE OF LAUREL (a romantic mystery/suspense)

Available as ebooks on Amazon.com