Author Interview: ME! Patty W Warren!
My dear friend, Author Debra Borchert, posted my interview for Feisty Deeds in her newsletter!
Debra wrote: “I am honored my short story, Love Makes One Brave, is included in the anthology published by the Women's Fiction Writers Association. The following interview is with a fellow author, Patty W. Warren. This is Patty's debut in publishing, and I loved her contribution. My review: "It takes great courage to commit to a life-risking promise. Brava Junebug!" Congratulations, Patty!
An Interview with Fellow Author of Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women
Patty W. Warren
Author of "Junebug," a short story included in Feisty Deeds.
Junebug
"My grandfather would catch real Junebugs and give them to me on a string to play with. Poor bugs would fly and fly to get away until I finally let them off the string. That memory solidified my character’s nickname and the title."
How did this story come to you and how did you get the idea for your Feisty Female Character?
I read an article in my local newspaper, “The Brunswick Beacon,” about Camp Davis and the WASP stationed there during World War II. The base was erected close to the town of Holly Ridge and Topsail Island, which is 60 miles from my house. The base grew to over 100K people at the height of the war. The article discussed the female pilots who were stationed on the now, non-existent base. I had no idea there was such a huge base here in my home state or the amazing bravery of the WASP’s – Women Airforce Service Pilots. I started reading everything I could find, and a feisty, young woman began to whisper in my ear.
What’s your writing process/routine?
I love my office! We were able to dedicate an entire room to me when we retired and moved into this house in 2019. I have a gorgeous wooden desk, soft chair and purple bookcases. I usually sit or stand at my desk at least four days a week, working on a project. I set an alarm to remind myself to take breaks and move or I’m get into a groove and not move for hours. I sneak into my office to write or work on social media other days. I’m a pantser, but I’m keeping an outline as I write my second novel. It helps me with revisions. My current manuscript is dual timeline and one of the timelines starts in 1943. I have to do more research for historical fiction, which was true of this short story for the anthology. I read books and articles to learn about the people, time period and place, but sit down and write as the story grows in my head.
What was the hardest part of writing this story?
By far, the hardest part was the research. I wanted to give justice to these women pilots. As I read more and more about them, their bravery stood out. They had to pay their own way to training, after which they received a small stipend. They ferried new, untested planes to their future location and sometimes patched-up aircraft to train male pilots for combat. They pulled banners behind their planes for soldiers to practice shooting live artillery. During all of this, they faced much of bias and resentment from their fellow male soldiers. If the planes weren’t dangerous enough, they would sometimes become the victim of sabotage. Some of the women died on duty. The group was not recognized as being part of the US Army until November 23, 1977, when President Carter signed Public Law 95-202, Title IV. It only granted former WASPs veteran status with limited benefits. They did not receive money for GI Benefits or retirement.
How do you select your character’s names?
The names of my characters usually come to me as I’m writing the story. When June yelled her name in my head, I immediately flashed back to me as a young girl spending summers under the big oak trees in my grandparent’s yard. My grandfather would catch real Junebugs and give them to me on a string to play with. Poor bugs would fly and fly to get away until I finally let them off the string. That memory solidified my character’s nickname and the title.
Describe your writing space.
I love to write at the desk in my office. After my husband and I sold our small business, we retired and moved to a beach town in North Carolina. In this house, I have a dedicated room for my writing and books. It’s so cozy with a comfy chair, bookshelves, and a big double window which I can look out and daydream when I need to regroup. Sometimes I take my notebook or laptop to our porch, but usually I’m in my office.
Do you only write Historical Fiction or do you write other genres?
My first manuscript is contemporary women’s fiction. My current one is a dual-timeline women’s fiction with historical fiction and contemporary timelines. I’ve written short stories in both genres. I also like to add a little mystery to my stories. I consider “Junebug” both women’s fiction and historical fiction. However, I wouldn’t rule out writing in another genre.
What question do you wish someone would ask you about yourself or your story and no one has?
I would love it if someone asked me if I could see “Junebug” as a novel? The answer would be a resounding “Yes!” I’m researching the WASPs and the era now. If there was a time period in history that I could visit, I’d pick the 1940’s during World War II. I’d love to go back and see my parents and grandparents in the prime of their lives. Even though I shudder at the limitations on women during this time, I’d love to think that I would be that “feisty” woman who could make a difference for those around me and/or myself.
Debra published an amazing book today to help other authors promote their work. She is definitely ‘paying it forward’ in so many ways! This is an awesome book!
Debra Borchert launched, Give 'Em Something to Talk About, Word-of-Mouth Drives Book Sales, A Marketing Workbook for Spreading the Word, on National Read A Book Day, Sept. 6. It's available now:
https://www.amazon.com/GIVE-SOMETHING-ABOUT-Word-Mouth-ebook/dp/B0DDW3HJL7
BOOK REVIEW:
Her Own War #1 best seller
Debra is the author of the Château de Verzat series—following headstrong and independent women and the four-hundred loyal families who protect a Loire Valley château and vineyard during the French Revolution. Her Own Legacy, was published in 2022, Her Own Revolution, published in 2023, and Her Own War, just published in July 2024. There is also a companion cookbook to the series, Soups of Château de Verzat. They are available where books are sold. Check out Debra’s website: https://debraborchert.com/
My Review:
Debra Borchert’s new book, “Her Own War,” stars the feisty Genevieve whose bravery and vulnerability set the stage for action, romance and tension. I loved how the winery was a family and the people from the top down worked together to help it succeed in the trying times after the French Revolution. The imagery Debra wove through her story, the fashions, the landscape, and the food descriptions made the tale come alive. But this book, is so much more than the history and sights and sounds of the times. The love story pulls you along. Their fight for freedom on both fronts for Genevieve, Louis, and their family and friends built an amazing story that kept me reading. Don’t miss the chance to read this book and the entire series of Debra’s Chateau de Verzat! I give it a feisty, full 5 Stars!