Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a
series?
The Reason I Stay is a standalone
book and tells the story of Matt and Lexie. They’re complete opposites in
pretty much every aspect of their personalities, which causes a lot of conflict
and animosity between them. As much as they dislike each other with a passion, they
also have this pull between them that doesn’t allow them to stop thinking about
each other.
It’s a story about love and
self-discovery, and about what happens when both things happen together.
Do you have a favorite character?
I really love The Reason I Stay’s
lead female, Lexie. She’s fun, spunky and a really tough cookie, which I admire.
Writing her was a lot of fun and honestly, I really miss her in my head. Also,
I have a special place in my heart Kodee. I had a blast writing that kid.
Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that
change the direction of the novel at all?
Absolutely. In my early outlines
of The Reason I Stay, the character Lea appeared in a single flashback scene in
chapter six. Her presence was a way to show the reader how Matt behaved towards
women and the change Lexie was already inflicting on him. However, as the story
progressed the importance of that flashback, and of Lea, evolved in such a way
it completely changed the plot—seriously, I had to rewrite sixty percent of the
book. In the end, Lea became this turning point, not only in Matt’s life but
also in Lexie’s. I loved writing her so much that I’m thinking about writing a
novella about her.
If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were
you during the creative process for your cover?
Actually, my involvement in the
cover creation was minimal. This was the second time I worked with the
amazingly talented Sarah Hansen from Okay Creations, and since I’m completely
obsessed with every single cover she designs, I decided to leave all the
decisions in her capable hands. I really think that was the wisest decision I
ever made.
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your
writing?
I don’t belong to a critique
group, but I have an amazing writing partner with whom I share every stage of
my writing process—*waves a hand to JL Durfey*.
I’ve been working with JL for
almost two years and the partnership has been invaluable to me. We have very
different styles and strengths as writers, which makes us a perfect team. Her
feedback allows me to see my weaknesses and grow from them, as well as
recognize my strengths and perfect them. I honestly can’t imagine writing
without JL anymore, which is why The Reason I Stay was dedicated to her.
What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like
silence?
My writing process is pretty
basic. It usually takes me a while to get the idea for the story mapped out in
my head, but once that happens, I get my butt in a chair, the cat on my lap, my
fingers on the keyboard and I just let things flow.
I definitely need music to write—and
tea, lots and lots of tea—it helps to get me into the right mood for each
scene. However, with the exception of music I need absolute silence, otherwise
I can’t stay immerged in my fictional world. Since I write at my dining table,
I have this “Do Not Disturb” sign that I place beside my computer so my husband
knows he’s not allowed to talk to me while I’m working. He freaking hates the
thing.
Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
I have a really temperamental
muse, which makes outlines a necessity. However, I’m not opposed to changing my
outline if the muse whispers a better idea. I changed The Reason I Stay’s
outline six or seven times. *laughs*
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
Yes, I did. Out of all the add-ons
involved in getting a book published, I honestly believe that professional
editing is the most important one. As a reader there’s nothing worse than
finding errors and misspelling in books. Sure, no book is ever perfect, but I
think that putting the effort into making your book as good as it can possibly
be for your audience is like saying “thank you” when someone holds a door open
for you—polite and respectful of someone’s time.
Besides Amazon, are there any
other sites where your books are for sale?
The Reason I Stay is also
available at Barnes & Noble and Kobo. My debut novel, Exception, is
currently only available at Amazon Worldwide—which includes the lending library
for Prime and Unlimited users.
How about some fun facts-which do you prefer? Dogs or cats, coffee or
tea, vanilla or chocolate, morning or night?
Awesome. Let’s do this . . .
With the exception of my own dogs,
definitely cats.
Tea—English breakfast, no sugar
and a splash of almond milk.
Can I say strawberry?
Night—everything is more fun at
night. *winks*
Book & Author details:
The
Reason I Stay by Patty Maximini
Publication date: September 10th 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:
Publication date: September 10th 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:
Jack Daniels is the cure to
all evils.
Sex should be casual and, preferably, anonymous.
Giving a damn is for nurses, philanthropists and suicide hotlines.
Those are the values Mathew Rogers built his adult life on and plans to spend the rest of his days honoring. In his pursuit of happiness, he embarks on a one year journey where he’ll have to prove he can live by his values and rely only on himself.
Four months and thirteen days later, due to a series of unfortunate events, he finds himself in the rickety town of Jolene, Alabama. There, he meets Lexie, a waitress with some serious attitude and values of her own.
Never underestimate the healing power of chocolate chips.
If it walks and talks like a jerk, it’s definitely a jerk. Stay the hell away.
When in doubt, go with a smile and kindness. It goes a long way.
Taken by her beauty and personality, Mathew questions all he’s ever known and, much to his surprise, begins to give a damn about someone else for once in his life. The problem, however, is that Lexie seems to despise him.
Desperate to get his life back but unable to get in his car and drive to the next unplanned destination, Matt stays in Jolene. In the midst of arguments, unlikely friendships, new values and heartbreak, they’ll both try to find a reason to stay.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21942875-the-reason-i-stay?ac=1
Sex should be casual and, preferably, anonymous.
Giving a damn is for nurses, philanthropists and suicide hotlines.
Those are the values Mathew Rogers built his adult life on and plans to spend the rest of his days honoring. In his pursuit of happiness, he embarks on a one year journey where he’ll have to prove he can live by his values and rely only on himself.
Four months and thirteen days later, due to a series of unfortunate events, he finds himself in the rickety town of Jolene, Alabama. There, he meets Lexie, a waitress with some serious attitude and values of her own.
Never underestimate the healing power of chocolate chips.
If it walks and talks like a jerk, it’s definitely a jerk. Stay the hell away.
When in doubt, go with a smile and kindness. It goes a long way.
Taken by her beauty and personality, Mathew questions all he’s ever known and, much to his surprise, begins to give a damn about someone else for once in his life. The problem, however, is that Lexie seems to despise him.
Desperate to get his life back but unable to get in his car and drive to the next unplanned destination, Matt stays in Jolene. In the midst of arguments, unlikely friendships, new values and heartbreak, they’ll both try to find a reason to stay.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21942875-the-reason-i-stay?ac=1
Purchase:
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-reason-i-stay-patty-maximini/1120331944?ean=2940046260540
AUTHOR BIO:
Hopeless
dreamer, tattoo enthusiast, Disney addict and hoarder of nail polishes and
vegan recipes. Patty lives with her husband, her crazy cat, two dogs and
elderly bunny in a house frequently visited by wild birds and chipmunks.
Author links:
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