Author Ernesto Patino Shares Their Story
I am a former schoolteacher, FBI agent and private investigator. My hobbies include playing Flamenco guitar and ballroom dancing. When I am not working on a book, you can usually find me at a local dance studio, practicing my steps.
About the Author
I am a former schoolteacher, FBI agent and private investigator. My hobbies include playing Flamenco guitar and ballroom dancing. When I am not working on a book, you can usually find me at a local dance studio, practicing my steps.
What inspires you to write romance books?
Though I write mostly mysteries, I was inspired to write a romance novel after reading a story about a woman who had received a heart transplant. A short time later, I developed a story that centers around a young woman (a transplant recipient) and the young man who came into her life. The novel is set in the world of ballroom dancing, which happens to be my principal hobby.
Tell us about how you write:
I carry a notebook to jot down ideas for plots, characters etc. After staring a novel, I'll write a brief summary of what the next chapter should reveal: new characters, setting and key plot points. I'll continue the process, chapter by chapter until I've finished the book. I'm mostly a seat of the pants writer because I never know how the story will end.
Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I don't listen to or talk to my characters, but I do read out loud what each character is saying. It helps to improve the quality of my dialogue, making it sound as natural as possible.
What advice would you give other writers?
The best advice I can give is to have fun writing your story or novel. It is a hobby, so enjoy it as you would any other activity, like golfing, fishing or dancing. It kind of takes the pressure away from trying to be the next Diana Gabaldon or Nicholas Sparks.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I've often heard that timing is everything. And it certainly was for me when I submitted the manuscript for my first novel, In the Shadow of a Stranger, to a publisher in England. They were looking for a thriller to add to their list and and quickly offered me a contract.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think that we will continue to see more and more books by self-published writers. This is good in some ways, but bad in other ways: too many books are being published without the benefit of a good editor.
What genres do you write:: Romance, mystery
What formats are your books in: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Author Home Page Link
