'Behind the Quill' Author Interview - Patry Francis

Patry's current and first book is "The Liar's Diary".

Synopsis: What would you do if your best friend was murdered—and your teenaged son was accused of the crime? How far would you go to protect him? How many lies would you tell? Would you dare to admit the darkest truths—even to yourself?

Jeanne Cross is an ordinary suburban wife and mother with a seemingly "perfect" life when Ali Mather arrives on the scene, breaking all the rules and breaking hearts. Almost against her will, Jeanne is drawn to this powerfully seductive woman, a fascination that soon begins to infect Jeanne's husband as well as their teenaged son, Jamie.

Though their friendship seems unlikely and even dangerous to their mutual acquaintances, Ali and Jeanne are connected by deep emotional needs, vulnerabilities and long-held secrets that Ali has been privately recording in her diary.

The diary also holds the key to something darker. Though she can't prove it, Ali is convinced someone has been entering her house when she is not at home-and not with the usual intentions. What this burglar wants is nothing less than a piece of Ali's soul.

When Ali is found murdered, there are many suspects; but the evidence against Jamie Cross is overwhelming. Jeanne's personal probing leads her to the question none of us would ever want to face. What comes first: our loyalty to family—or the truth?"

Patry has raised 4 children and was born, and resides in Massachusetts.

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Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I am a waitress, a wife, and a mother of four who grew up in a mill town and became a writer. In other words, I'm an ordinary person who had a big dream.

What books have you written, and can you give me a summary of your most current work?

My debut novel is The Liar's Diary, published by Dutton in February of this year. It is a literary suspense novel, meant to be both a page turner and a deep character study.

Do you consider yourself to be a writer, and are you comfortable introducing yourself as one?

I have always been a writer, even when I was passing hors d'hoevres at the country club! And yes, I love introducing myself that way. Sometimes I even use the word "author!"

When did you first become aware that you wanted to write, or what inspired you to take up writing?

I was a shy kid, but when I picked up a pen, I shouted, sang, laughed and wept as loud as anyone else! It happened EARLY for me.

What was your first piece of writing that you were proud of?

It probably wasn't the first, but one time that stands out. I was in college, taking a course in the short story. The professor gave us the option of trying our hand at writing a story in lieu of writing the final paper. Since I was behind on my reading, I took her up on it. It was spring and I still remember the pleasure of sitting down under a tree and writing the story in a blue-grey notebook. It was my first short story ever.

The day after I turned it in, the professor took me aside. "Tell me the truth, and I promise I won't report you," she said. "You didn't really write that story, did you?" Once I convinced her I had, she used it as the final story in the course.

Do you write or dabble in different genres?

I write poetry, short stories, novels, blog posts, and creative non-fiction.

Is there some writing or idea that would like to explore, but haven't attempted yet?

Almost an endless supply of them!

What have you written that you are the most proud of, and why?

The new novel I'm working on right now. If I didn't think it was the best thing I've written, it would be hard to spend all day every day staring at it.

What, or whom influences your work, or inspires you?

There is so much amazing work out there; it tends to be what I'm reading right now. Today that means poetry by Mary Oliver, and a wonderful little novel called The Samurai Garden by Gail Tsukiyama. I also recently read--and loved--the work of two Gather writers:

The Scent of God by Beryl Singleton Bissell, and Double Forte by Aaron Lazar.

From where, or what, do you get your ideas?

Funny you should ask! I just wrote an article about that.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

Most of my stories seem to take place in New England where I've spent my life. Hmm...maybe I need to do some traveling? A villa in Tuscany would be a nice setting for a novel...

Do you have a process you follow for your writing?

I begin by reviewing and revising the previous days work. Then I get a fresh cup of coffee, and stretch a little before I do my daily pages.

Do you have a ritual when you write, or some quirky thing you do to get you in the right mindset?

I set a timer, and make myself write for at least an hour without getting up. You'd be surprised how much you can accomplish in just one hour if you stay focused.

Where do you write, or where do you do your best work?

In my office, chained to my computer, with lots of coffee and chocolate, my dogs at my feet, and maybe some Latin music playing in the background.

My 'Space'!

Do you face a challenge when you write, or is there something that frustrates you or impedes your ability in some way?

Email impedes me! It's so much more fun to see if I have a message than to actually work!

Ha Ha... I think we can all relate to that! When you're not reading email, how often do you write, and how much time do you spend?

I write nearly every day for about three hours when you include revision time.

You appear to be very athletic. What other interests do you have outside of writing?

I love hiking, music, drawing (though I do it badly), singing (even worse), dancing (I think I'm pretty good, but may well be deluded). I also enjoy lifting weights and feeling strong, though I'm not very consistent about it; I adore animals of all kinds, and I also like eating Italian food and drinking a little wine. Life is good! 

What books or writers have influenced your life the most?

Too many to list, but two of my favorites were Madame Bovary and Les Miserables.

If you were to choose one word to describe you as a writer, what would it be, and why?

Compassionate, because I try to empathize with every character I create.

Is there something in your life, beyond writing, that you are the most proud of?

I laugh every day, and when I see someone who needs something I have, I try to give it.

What advice would you give to a writer just starting out, or someone that may want to try their hand at writing for the first time?

Let it rip! Don't be afraid of it. You can always edit later.

Do you think that writing a general rough draft fairly quickly, and then revising over a longer period of time is a better approach for newer writers?

I know some writers who couldn't possibly work that way. It would bother them too much to leave whole sections of their fledgling novel in such a tumultuous state. But the quick--and very rough-- first draft works well for me. It allows me to spill out the story before self-doubt has a chance to rear it's ugly head. And once I've got a solid story, no matter how unpolished and messy it might be, I feel much less intimidated by the revisions to come.

What would you like to accomplish in the next 5 years, as it relates to your writing?

I would like to write several more books, and I want to grow through each one of them.

Has your participation on Gather helped you, or influenced your writing in some way?

I've met some incredible people, and gotten some great feedback. Thank you, Gather!

How can someone purchase your book, or see other work you have written?

The Liar's Diary is available through Amazon, Powell's and Barnes & Noble online, also in most book stores.

Editor's Note(s): The "Liar's Diary" is also available in audio formats, and Patry also has published an Amazon Short titled "My Women".

What is so special about the characters Maddy, Junie, Sadie. J., and Sandra from your Amazon Short, "My Women"?

None of them have had easy lives, but they nurture huge dreams. They bring passion and gusto to what could otherwise be a bleak landscape, and when I'm writing about them, they share it with me, too. I guess that's why I've been so reluctant to let them go.

What in particular draws you to Sandra, and prompted you to to continue her character in your current novel in progress?

Sandra is a strong, vivid character who possesses a special brand of tough wisdom. She will do anything for those she cares about, but won't hesitate to tell them off when they need it. She's not a major character in the new book, but her spunk and sharp honesty transformed it as soon as she showed up in her salmon colored pants and matching spike heels.

In what way did the ending of "My Women" surprise you?

I knew that Sadie J. would die at the end of that story, but her death surprised me anyway--just as death always does, even when we think we're prepared for it. She was that real to me. I was also surprised by what Stuart revealed about her life. I had been writing about Sadie for three years by then, but until I wrote "My Women," I never knew her terrible secret .

In your current novel in progress, have you changed the character Sandra in any way, or has she gone through some changes since her appearance in "My Women"?

Sandra was a victim of her own poor choices in "My Women." She's older when she makes her appearance in the novel and her life has been tempered by tragedy. Sandra is no one's victim anymore.

In "My Women", or "The Liar's Diary" which of your characters can you most readily identify with, and why?

I probably identify most strongly with Junie. He is soft-spoken, but his drawings speak with a loud voice; he is also highly susceptible to falling in love--with people of all kinds, with trees, with the stories he hears and the images that appear in his sketchbook. I relate to thata lot.

In the "Liar's Diary", was there some part of this novel where you felt that you stretched yourself as a writer?

I had never created such a complex plot before; and halfway through the first draft, I had some serious doubts if I could pull all the narrative threads together. It was a huge feeling of satisfaction when the characters took over and did it for me.

Do any of your characters have traits that you admire, or wish you possessed yourself?

Ali Mather is a flawed character, admittedly selfish and vain, but I could forgive her anything because of her largeheartedness, and her courage. I admire those qualities very much. I also wouldn't mind trying on a little of her charm and charisma for a day or two.

How did you arrive at the point of view, or narrative style you used in "The Liar's Diary"?

I love to write in the first person as I did in The Liar's Diary. It gives the reader a more intimate view of the story, and really allows me to inhabit the character. I got so involved in Jeanne's mind that at times, I felt I had become her--not always a pleasant experience.

If "The Liar's Diary" were made into a movie, which actors would you like to see in the leading roles, and why?

I've always seen Nicole Kidman in the role of Ali, not only because she physically resembles her, but because she has the depth and seductiveness the part requires. George Clooney would add intelligence and brooding seriousness to the role of George Mather (my favorite character in the book)--and he has the eyes.

As for the main character, Jeanne Cross, I really didn't have an actress in mind. However, a Hollywood director, who has recently taken some interest in the book (though not yet purchased rights) thinks Hilary Swank would be perfect for the part, and has sent her a copy of the book. Needless to say, I would be thrilled to see an actress of her caliber in the role.

How did your cover selection come about?  Did you have ideas for a cover, and is the final result close to what you had originally conceptualized?

The final cover was the fourth design Dutton showed me. Honestly, I liked all of them, but I was grateful for the pains the publisher took to get it right. After the first one was vetoed by my agent, I browsed bookstores and photography sites, and came up with a few ideas which I passed on to the art department. I love the image they came up with, though rumor has it, they plan to use something else for the paperback in 2008.

Do you have any book signings or other promotions for your work coming up?

I will be at Border's on Park Avenue in Manhattan on May 29th at 7 p.m., and I will be speaking at the Backspace Writing Conference the same week. I also have three readings scheduled for June in the Boston area. Two outstanding new writers, Tish Cohen and Jennifer McMahon, will be appearing with me at the Boston events. 

A Reading in Seattle with Author Nancy Martin

Were you trying to achieve something through the writing of your novel?  Did you have a goal in mind?

I wanted to tell an entertaining story that also presented an ethical dilemma.

What message or lesson would you like readers to receive from your book?

The Liar's Diary looks at various levels of dishonesty and their consequences. Readers can draw their own conclusions about any possible lesson.

What legacy would you like to leave as a writer?

I want to entertain my readers and make them think; and I want to share my view of life: In the end, the good always wins.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in "The Liar's Diary?"

Every time I pick it up, I see something I'd like to change, but in general, I'm proud of the work as it is, and ready to move on to the next challenge.

Now that your book is published, what is the hardest part of your post-publication life?

I got to quit my job, travel the country promoting my book; and now I stay home, drink coffee and eat chocolate while working in my pajamas. What's not to love?

Cupcakes, Irish coffee, and a new friend...my St. Patrick's Day reading in Chicago

Has the publishing of your book changed you as a writer, or has it influenced you in some way?

I'm more aware of market forces, I suppose, but in the end, the life of a writer remains the same:You go into your little room and write the best, the truest, the deepest story you have to tell, and then you hope.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned that if I sat down every day and worked, and if I didn't give up or get scared, I really could write a novel.

How long did it take you to write it?

About three months to do the first draft, another year or two of revision.

What were your feelings when your novel was accepted and you saw the cover of the finished product?

What happened on that day can only be described as the five stages of happiness. I wrote a post on my blog the day my novel was accepted, which you can read here. 

Celebrating the Publication with Friends

What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

Oh, so many dreams. I got to call my family and friends and say, "I sold my novel!" I've earned my living through the work of my mind and heart for the last two years. I got to walk into my local Borders and see my book right on the front table, just where I imagined it in my wildest dreams. I saw my book translated into five languages. But best of all: I hear from readers who love some of my characters (and despise others) as much as I do.

What's next for you as a writer ?

A new novel, a collection of short stories and a children's book--and that's just to start.

Well that's quite an ambitious start, and I look forward to them all!

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