Meet Author Patricia Gulley

Patricia Gulley is a retired travel agent and lives on a floating home in Oregon. Her first book, Downsized To Death, is available in eBook and tradepaper from Wings E Press, Amazon and Fictionwise


Did you jump into writing and rocket to contest fame, or did the process happen over time

It happened over time. I started writing after we moved from New York City to Portland. I started with SF short stories, then actually quit work to write full time and do a romance. That didn't work, so went back to work, and when I was forced into retirement at the end of 2001, really got 'down and dirty' to write mysteries. So pretty close to 30 years.

We’re all writers, whether our efforts are emails, grocery lists, or notes to our children’s teachers. You’ve done technical writing and published a number of articles. How do the skills you learned in those endeavors contribute to your novel writing?
(?????) not me.

Writers face many challenges. What are some of yours?

Are you a Pantser or Plotter?
I am categorically a little of both, but mostly a pantser. I have to be able to write the first chapter and the ending before I'm sure there is a book there. Once I do that, I 'pantser' along through that mine field known as the middle.

Are your books plot-driven or character-driven
I honestly believe a little of both. I have to have a twisty plot, or I'm not interested. My mystery must have a puzzle, but my characters drive the story with what happens to them. I don't like characters that just feel they have to solve the mystery. I want my characters to be FORCED to solve it for many reasons that have a lot of bearing on their lives. They are amateur sleuths, and not inclined to want to get into any dangerous situations if they don't have to.

Do you go with the flow or follow a schedule
Definitely go with the flow.

Is your research in advance or as you write?
The only research I have to do is call a few friends to verify past procedures or what really happened so I can convolute it. My books are about travel agents--NOT TOUR ESCORTS--working travel agents, and since they work for a national company, they are majorly corporate women.

How do you write the best with noise or quiet?
NO noise. I hate noise, I like silence, and since I live alone, I get it.
Well, except for those nasty ducks and geese. One of these days--POW!

Our characters claim much of our time as we spend hours in front of our computers capturing their stories. However, each of us has a cast of real life characters who inspire, encourage, and support us. Who are some of the many members of Team Patricia?
Well, Team Patricia, can count on help from Barbara, Darice, Hutch , Liz, Linda and Vivian. Sometimes Rick and Christopher.

What are you working on now?
A second book in the series. My 'main character' in book one alternated with the detective trying to solve the murder. Next time 'that' main character will alternate with another woman who was also an agency manager, but retired.

What are five Things Patricia Has Around Her When She Writes?
Patricia is surrounded by SF and Fastasy Art, paintings, prints, statues and a ton of books.

Do you ever have writers block. If you do, how do you overcome it?
All the time. I can't think of a thing until I sit down and start finger babbling.

Let's talk writing mechanics. How many drafts do you do? How many books can you complete in a year?
I probably do three full drafts, and then continuously rewrite until I just have to put it away. I don't know if I can do one in a year. Someone would have to tell me I MUST before I'd try.

Do you have a method for promoting your books?
Tons and tons, but so far not many are working the way I want.

Was writing fiction something you have always wanted to do? Did you write stories as a child?
The first thing I wanted to do is get out of the small town I was born in and see the world. Then I decided I might want to write about it, but didn't feel qualified. Then I started going to SF conventions and decided I wanted to write short stories.

To write requires discipline. Do you follow any writing schedule or particular process that works best for you?
Nope

In your writing career, anything you would do differently?
Probably would have forced myself to write more, but I have to admit that until I had my computer it was a tough slog. The computer totally set me free.

What is next for you?
I actually have three books working. Next should be to hunker down and finish one of them, especially the second in the series. But I have a vampire story bugging me, and I've always wanted to do a Jane Austen sequel.