BookWenches

Interviewed by Bobby

Today we’re talking with Pat McDermott, author of “A Band of Roses” which we reviewed in May 2009. Thank you, Pat, for taking the time to visit with us and share a little bit about yourself with our readers.

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Tell me a little bit about your affinity for the Emerald Isle. Besides your name, what draws you to Ireland?

My grandparents emigrated to the US from County Sligo in the 1920’s, and I grew up hearing the stories, loving the music, wanting to go. I finally did after my kids were in college, and I’ve been visiting at least once a year since.  The people are so friendly.  They’ll jump in your car and take you somewhere if you stop and ask directions.  The scenery is gorgeous.  You’re never far from the sea, and the castles and abandoned homesteads that dot the countryside are reminders that Ireland has been around a long, long time.

Thinking about your wonderful novel “A Band of Roses,” there are so many places in history where you could have changed the tides for Ireland. What drew you to Brian Boru that made you want to change his tale?

Those stories again.  When I was a little girl, my O’Brien aunts entertained me with all sorts of legends and assured me we were descended from Irish royalty. (Isn’t everyone who’s Irish?) Their tales of High King Brian Boru captivated me, and as I explored his history, I couldn’t help noting the number of authors and scholars who felt that if he had survived the Battle of Clontarf, Ireland would be a very different place today. So, I started thinking . . . what if he had survived?

Where did you draw inspiration for Talty and the rest of the Boru family in “A Band of Roses”?

The Boru clan is a cast of completely imaginary characters who sprang unbidden from a blend of old legends and current events.  The first to appear was Prince Liam.  The others evolved as the story unfurled over a period of several years.

Your depiction of Japan is quite vivid in the novel. What caused you to choose to send Talty to Japan instead of someplace else?

Japan is another land teeming with legends.  It struck me as an exotic counterpart to Ireland, a place where even in isolation,Talty could relate to family and tradition and still have access to the warrior training she sought and the gardens she loved. 

Rumor has it that there will be a sequel to “A Band of Roses.” Do tell!

“Fiery Roses” is in the editor’s queue now.  An excerpt is available on my web site.  Right now the blurb reads: The discovery of gas off the coast of Ireland ensnares Irish Crown Princess Talty Boru and her devoted champion, Neil Boru, in a web of blackmail and murder.  Intent on convincing County Mayo’s residents to allow a pipeline to cross their pristine boglands, an arsonist is setting homes and land ablaze.  One of his fires sends Talty and Neil to an ancient world at the mercy of a waking volcano. While they struggle to outwit a tyrant with a shocking secret, King Brian locks horns with a ruthless tycoon who will stop at nothing to become a high roller in the oil and gas game.  The resulting conflict proves fatal for the Boru clan, whose members once again close ranks to thwart the latest threat to the kingdom they are sworn to protect.

What are you working on right now? What can your fans expect to see in the near future from you?

I’m nearly finished with “Salty Roses,” the third book in the trilogy, a pirate story I’m having great fun writing.  

What kind of writing schedule do you set for yourself? Are you pretty regimented, or do you just wing it?

I write every day, early in the morning when it’s quiet and I have no interruptions but a cat or two in need of a hug.  I host a writers’ group on Monday evenings, which gives me a deadline to get at least a few pages spruced up, and I attend a writing class on Tuesday nights to give some extra polish to those pages.

And now for something a little different. What’s your favorite movie?  Why?

My all time favorite flick is an oldie - Casablanca.  My kind of story, as it has a touch of everything: action/adventure, romance, mystery, comedy.  I named my son Rick after Humphrey Bogart’s character.

Tell me about your library at home. What would I find if I stuck my nose in there?

Lots of cookbooks!  Books on writing, of course.  The non-fiction I read for research includes history, biography, geography, law, oceanography, travel, music, and a whole range of the “For Dummies” books I can’t do without.  For fiction, you might help yourself to mystery, sci-fi, westerns, historical romance, and a classic or two. 

If you had an extra hour in each day, how would you spend it?

Cooking, most likely.  One of the most relaxing and rewarding dishes I do is risotto, and I make all kinds.

Thank you for inviting me here today, BD.  I love hearing from readers and welcome them to contact me through my web site.

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If you would like to know more about Pat and her work, please visit her website at http://www.patmcdermott.net/  Along with information about Pat her novel, you can find a number of her short stories posted there. “A Band of Roses” can be purchased at from Red Rose Publishers right here: http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=384 

COMMENTS: (Comments are closed due to webmaster errror. And yes, that means Bobby!)

Nicole North:
Awesome interview Pat!! I enjoyed reading it!!

Pat McDermott:
Good morning, Nicole. You're up early. Thanks for stopping by!

Martha:
Great interview Pat!

Shag:
I agree, awesome interview! I can't wait to read "Fiery Roses"!

Debra Kayn:
Great interview! Ireland and Japan instantly get my attention with their exotic appeal...thanks!

Pat McDermott:
Martha and Shag, Thanks for visiting. You too, Debra! So nice to "see" you here!

Kathleen:
Very interesting! Rick is lucky you didn't name him Humphrey!

Kate Appleton:
Wow - a trilogy! I can't imagine weaving all the characters and plots together for that many pages.

How do you think that far in advance? Do you have any advice for budding authors who have never undertaken such an epic project?

Heather:
Such an interesting and informative interview. I enjoyed learning about the author and the links to her wonderful book trailer and blog. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!

Mike:
I enjoyed this interview very much. The author sounds well versed in so many subjects, and the notion of Irish royalty existing in modern times is intriguing. Time to acquire this novel and find out how the story unfolds.

Pat McDermott:
Hi Kathleen! I'm sure Rick would agree with you. Hello Kate. My advice for budding authors who have never undertaken such an epic project is to become part of a critique/writers' group. Good critique partners are priceless. Thanks for your kind comments, Heather and Mike. And thanks to all of you for stopping by.

Shirin:
I love alternate history and a hot Irish hunk (my Mom's word) can't hurt either. Great interview Pat!

Pat McDermott:
Hi, Shirin! Thanks so much for commenting. I'm sure your mother was referring to a hunk of Irish soda bread!

Pat McDermott:
Bobby, I want to thank you and Book Wenches again for inviting me here today, for telling everyone about A Band of Roses, and for the wonderful interview you posted earlier this month. I enjoyed visiting your gorgeous five-star site and hope to see you again soon. My best, Pat

Bobby D Whitney:
Pat, I spoke from the heart when I said how much I loved reading "A Band of Roses." You are beyond talented, and I'm eagerly awaiting "Fiery Roses," that's for sure! We're thrilled and honored that you took the time to visit with us like this.

Can't wait until your blog date! :-)

Bobby