What is the title of your book?
Roses are Red, Diamonds are Blue
Where did the idea come from for the book?
My friend, Judy Nickles, is totally responsible for this book! She saw a contest at one publisher and encouraged (nagged?) me to enter. The contest had certain criteria – it had to include a blue diamond and the main character had to be in danger. I’d always wanted to write a ‘puzzle’ mystery and this just happened to appeal to me.
What is the genre of your book?
Suspense with a hint of romance thrown in to keep it interesting.
What actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Okay, this is going to be hard since I rarely go to the movies. For Laura Barkley, the main character, would be Mag Ruffman (a Canadian actress who played in Avonlea the series awhile back even though she isn’t blond) for the male lead – Sean Murray (NCIS) with a dark beard and very brooding in this role. Then the other male lead – how about Stephen Baldwin? He makes such a great villain.
Provide a one-sentence synopsis of your book.
Anastasia Diamond—missing
Museum Curator—murdered
A cryptic clue, kidnapped child, time running out. . . as the snow deepens.
Will your book be self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
Published by MuseItUp Publishing an independent publisher.
How long did it take you to write your first draft of your manuscript?
Hm – hard to say. I should probably keep track? It took about a year to get it into a book form with all the drafts, another three months to take out 20K words to submit to one publisher who rejected it. After that it took two more months to put in all the 20K I took out and submit it to the publisher who accepted it.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I’d compare it to some of Mary Higgins Clark’s finest – whether or not anyone else does . . . SMILE!
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Again – Judy Nickles – kept after me until I did! But I’d have to say someone else ‘inspired’ me to write it and that’s Laura Ingalls Wilder. I’ve loved her books since I was a child and this was the perfect opportunity to use some “Laura Lore” in the mystery. Also some of the inspiration came from the Blizzard of ’78.
What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
The book is set during the 1970’s and I think it’s as historically accurate as I can write it. Hopefully, it’s like stepping back in time – whether you were there or not!
Promotional and Giveaway information, Donna?
Roses are Red, Diamonds are Blue can be purchased online at the MuseItUp bookstore as a pdf or ebook. Since I can't offer a blue diamond as a gift or an actual book, if you want to comment on this blog I will offer a prize. On April 22 I'll draw a name (that's my birthday and I'm sure Carole would love you to keep commenting until then.) Prize will be something nice so be sure to include your email so if you will I can get in touch with you. Maybe some chocolate roses?? Suggestions welcome!
Donna has two children's books published (The Search for Madonna and The Gift of Summer Snow). She makes her home in southern Ohio and enjoys time with her family and writing friends. Her beloved nephew is pictured above with her.
To buy Donna's book, go here:
Thank you, Donna, for joining us!
Folks, be sure to leave your comments and email addresses.
Blessings!
6 comments:
Donna, I love your work and am excited to read this one. I love hearing/reading about your writing process. My daughter loves to read and wants to write stories. I keep showing her even great writers (you) have to rewrite and rewrite when she gets a little discouraged.
brkolenich@hotmail.com
Fun interview with one of my favorite writers, Donna Patton. The story kept me on the edge of my seat, turning pages. And a great ending--which is a major accomplishment since so many good stories fall apart at the end. Not this one. Loved it.
I've seen your title before and it intrigued me. Now I guess I really need to get it after reading more about it. On my way. . .
Congratulations, Donna. Your children's books were both delightful and suspenseful, so I'm excited to see your new book for adults.
Love the title and the concept for the story. Suspense--my fave genre. So happy to hear of your writing success, with much more to come I'm sure.
Thanks for visiting and commenting, dear friends. I'm sure it made Donna's day!
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