Interview with Patricia Sands-Anis: Runner-up

Patricia’s Bio:


Patricia Sands lives in Toronto, Canada when she and her husband are not off on one of their jaunts to other parts of the world. She has degrees from the University of Waterloo and York University. With a happily blended family of seven adult children and, at last count, six grandchildren, life is full and time is short. Beginning with her first Kodak Brownie camera at the age of six, she has told stories all of her life through photography. Much to her surprise a few years ago, she began to write and her debut novel The Bridge Club will soon be published through iUniverse. Patricia joyfully admits the writing muse has possessed her and looks forward to a long and satisfying career as an author. She is particularly drawn to the rewarding friendships of women and the challenges many embrace once their families are grown. It’s never too late to begin something new she enthuses. As Nike says, just do it! Her website is under construction but you will soon be able to visit www.patriciasandsauthor.com. Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

If you haven't done so already, check out Patricia's award-winning story, and then return here for a chat with the author.


WOW!: Congratulations on placing in the Spring 2010 Flash Fiction Contest! Can you tell us how you created and developed your story, “Notes from a Rooftop in Andalucia”?

Patricia: My sister moved to Andalucia, just south of Granada, twenty years ago and I have visited with her on many occasions. The piece is a combination of the two of us and the strong feelings we share for that beautiful part of the world. She will never leave as her heart and soul truly have been captured by the culture as well as the magnificent surroundings. I go back as often as I can and my camera is always with me. I am someone who has told stories through photography all of my life and the rooftops of her village called to me from day one.

WOW!: In your bio, you say that you are a frequent traveler. How have all of your world travels inspired your creativity?

Patricia: I feel very fortunate to have had opportunities to travel the world beginning as a twenty-year-old with a backpack and Europe On $5 A Day as my bible! Whether my trips have been across oceans, within Canada and the States, or simply an hour's drive into the countryside, there is always something to take your breath away - if you are looking. My eyes are like the lens in my camera and in my mind I often hear a click like a shutter as I take in a view. Thank goodness for digital photography! In one week in Venice I snapped almost 800 shots!

WOW!: Sounds like you have many more possible stories within all of your travels and photos! If you could have dinner with one published writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Patricia: Now that's a difficult choice to make. There are so many writers who have influenced me and whose work I enjoy for a host of different reasons. I'm going to say Jane Austen. I really enjoy the period she covers in her work as well as the realism she so accurately portrays. Along with a biting social commentary she manages to inject a gentle sense of humour. I admire her style immensely. But, as I mentioned, if she can't make it to dinner, I have a long list of alternatives!

WOW!: I know that’s always a difficult question for writers and avid readers, but you can’t go wrong with Jane Austen. What is your strategy for finding or making time to write with a busy schedule?

Patricia: Once I get hooked into a piece, the writing takes over - sometimes for 12 or 14 hours a day. But often there are days when I simply have to put it aside and take care of other matters. Being retired is a huge bonus in terms of deciding what I'm going to do with my time.

WOW!: What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever received?

Patricia: The best advice I received was something I was told at a number of writers' workshops I attended when I first began to write seriously five years ago. The advice was to read Stephen King's book "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft." I highly recommend it to everyone. His advice gave me the confidence to begin my novel, The Bridge Club, which has just been published. I referred to his book many times over as I crafted my own.

WOW!: Congratulations on the recent publication of your novel. Thanks for the good advice and for your great responses!

Interviewed by: Anne Greenawalt (http://www.annegreenawalt.com/)