Yesterday was launch day for Patsy Collins. Her collection of 7 short stories, Not A Drop To Drink, has been published under the Smiling Dog imprint at Alfie Dog
Here’s the blurb.
Scientists say the human body is around 70% water. We know that’s not true.
Oh, we could drink ‘straight’ H20, but usually we don’t. More likely it’s vitamin rich juice or teeth rotting cola. We like a nice cup of tea to calm us down or cheer us up. Perhaps a nice glass of wine to celebrate or drown our sorrows. Two glasses. Too many glasses.
Our bodies do contain liquid of course. Never just water. What’s in yours; acid and bile or the milk of human kindness? Blood, sweat and tears of joy or sorrow?
It’s these waters you’ll find running through these stories.
I’m a huge fan of Patsy’s (*whispers* Not only is she a great writer but she’s a lovely lady too!), so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to ask her a few questions 🙂
1. What made you decide to release a book of short stories after having 2 successful novels?
It seemed like a good idea at the time! Actually ‘Not a Drop to Drink ‘ really did start as just a vague idea. I mentioned it to Rosemary at Alfie Dog Fiction and she offered to edit and publish the book under the Smiling Dog imprint to help promote my writing and the Alfie Dog website – where you can download around 600 truly excellent short stories by authors who write in a wide range of genres. My husband agreed to produce a cover so I didn’t have to do anything really, except email Rosemary a selection to pick from and agree with her excellent suggestions on layout etc.
2. What inspires you?
I often get idea when I’m carrying camera gear along the beach, climbing hills or working on my allotment, so probably it’s getting puffed out in the fresh air. Just in case I’m wrong and cake is my real inspiration, I eat loads of that.
3. How much time do you spend on research?
It depends. I tend to base stories in areas I know and give characters jobs I’ve done which helps quite a lot. I’ve worked in shops and offices, on a ship, as a waitress, on a farm and as a telephone operator, so I’ve already done a fair bit of research. When I do need to research anything new, I do it as thoroughly as possible. I’ve attended inquests, got lost on the underground and sang carols in order to write about these things.
4. Describe your average day?
If I’m working – drink tea, go to work, write in my lunch break, come home and check emails etc, submit to a magazine, cook dinner, drink wine, read, sleep. If away in the van – drink tea, climb a hill, photograph ships, visit a castle (or all three), write, cook dinner, drink wine, read, sleep.
5. What book are YOU currently reading?
I’ve almost finished Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier and am really enjoying it.
6. Any advice for aspiring authors?
Write! Having a go is the best way to learn. Reading books of advice, attending classes and learning the rules are all a good idea, but you need to actually do the writing, not just know the theory.
7. How do people get hold of your book?
‘Not a Drop to Drink’ is available from the Alfie Dog website.
Thank you so much Patsy for stopping by today. Good luck with the new release, you know I’ll be downloading a copy don’t you! 🙂
Do check out Patsy’s other work. Escape to The Country and Paint Me a Picture both available on Kindle. I promise, you won’t be disappointed 🙂
Patsy is one of many Indie authors, who have decided to go down the Kindle route, and I wish her every success. My own thoughts on this are that if you’re a “good” writer, your work will shine, no matter how, or where its published. So please support our indie authors. It’s authors like Patsy who are paving the way for writers like me 🙂
And don’t forget to check out the Alfie Dog website (link above). Is it something YOU would consider?
Great post, Vikki. I’ll certainly be checking out the website:)
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Thanks Dianne 🙂
Xx
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I checked out the site but it looks like this book isn’t available for kindle. Is that right?
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Hi Mary 🙂
If you click on the Alfie Dog link above it will take you directly to the page and then a drop down box will let you choose the Kindle option 🙂
Xx
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I did that but when I got to checkout it says not suitable for Kindle. Am I being really dim here?
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Ok, let me do it again myself 🙂
Select product – mobi for kindle
Add to cart
Click on checkout at the top – takes me to page to complete purchase (I’ve already signed up so all my details are filled in)
Done
They then send you an e mail with the book as an attachment.
Ahhhhh, hold on, what device are you using Mary?
Xx
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I’ve got a kindle. I haven’t used this site before so it might be I’m being really dim. 😦
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I’ve e mailed you Mary 🙂
I’m accessing it on my iPad which has Kindle installed, so not sure if that makes a difference or what.
Xx
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Mary, it worked fine with my kindle app so I think it should be OK with a kindle.
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Make sure you select the .mobi format and you shouldn’t have a problem. It will work on any kindle device.
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Thanks so much, Vikki (even though you’ve made me blush!)
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You are very welcome Patsy, anytime 🙂
Xx
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btw, Not a Drop to Drink is now also available on Smashwords. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/245814
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Might be better for Mary to try downloading it from there then Patsy, thanks 🙂
Xx
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Thanks for all your help. Hopefully I will have success later. 🙂
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I hope so, Mary. I know how frustrating it is when you’re sure something should work but somehow it just won’t seem too. (Gosh, hope you think it was worth all the hassle too!)
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Never heard of Patsy Collins…must give a book a try!!
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Oh do Lisa! 🙂
Patsy is lovely and so are her books!
Xx
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Oooh, my poor ego! 😉
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Thanks, Vicki and Patsy … I am a lover of short stories and it sadened me when they seemsed to go out of favor. Gladly, they are gaining a new readership … lots of good
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Sorry … I was knocked out before I could finish … lots of good readership will now find your stories, Patsy 🙂
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Thanks Florence 🙂
Yes, short stories do seem to go in and out of fashion don’t they 😦
Xx
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