About the Author

From heartbreak to a new writing career.  When most turn to retail therapy and buy a new wardrobe after a broken heart,  Patti Roberts bought a new laptop and started writing fantasy. 

Two years later, the Paradox Series was born.

Have you ever wondered about Guardian Angels, Heaven, and what happens when we die? Have you ever just clicked with someone, and felt like you’ve known them all your life? I have, all the time. So with all that in mind, whilst nursing a broken heart, I began writing the Paradox Series, a dark fantasy series where the past and the present collide… Where enchanting beings from other worlds come out of the shadows and walk among us. Some are friend – some are foe!

Where do you call home? I consider 2 places home. Darwin In Australia, where I grew up – My heart will always think of Darwin as home. And Cairns Australia where I have now lived for over 20 years.

Do you have plans for a new book? My next book which is part 3 in the Paradox Series – Bound By Blood, will be released this year – 2012. I’m really excited about this 3rd book. It’s deep, dark and very evil and explores more of the Ancient Kingdom of Altair.

What inspired you to write your first book? A broken heart. I really wanted to pick myself up and do something positive for me – writing was my own personal therapy for the last 2 years. Heart all fixed now!

How did you come up with the title and cover design? I like the word Paradox and the meaning. It makes you think, see things from other perspectives. And the cover I used for book 1 is kind of dark and mystic, gothic I thought. I liked it, it suited the story. The cover is by the talented artist Hazel Brown from Overland Park, United States.

Have you based any of your story or been inspired by any real events or people? Yes… And there is lots of trivia and secret meanings throughout the series that mostly only I know about… Like the little friend of Grace’s Patrick Wheat, that dies in book 1 for example. I used the name Patrick to honor the life & death of Patrick Swayze. And the boys surname “Wheat” was the surname of the character the Patrick Swayze plays in the movie “Ghost”… That is just one example.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why? You know I would have to say, and don’t shoot me, that movies have influenced me more. I see a great movie and it makes me want to read the book. Know more about the story and characters as only a book can do. And more currently – The Game Of Thrones – the best TV series on television! I have found the TV series and the books incredibly inspiring!

My blog has a selection of music clips etc that have also inspired me – https://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/music/

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why? From some of my readers/reviewers’ comments I would have to say that “Abaddon” – you will understand when you read it – should have played a bigger part in the story. People LOVE HIM. But readers will have to wait until book 2 because book 2 (The Progeny Of Innocence) is where Abaddon begins wreaking his havoc in the New World.

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to your writing? Time! There isn’t enough time. As an indie author you can spend just as much time, if not more, promoting your books as you do writing them.

Do you have a book trailer? Oh yes, it took me forever and I still would like to tweak it some more, but you have to stop somewhere. https://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/book-trailer-book-1/

Do you have any advice for other writers? Never say never. Never give up. Never stop reading. Never stop dreaming… Because dreams can come true.

More interview questions:

Q1.  Who inspired or influenced you to write?

A.            A broken heart actually.  And now, having found something [writing] that I enjoy doing so much.  Every cloud really does have a silver lining!  The end of the relationship most certainly paved the way for my new writing career, and I couldn’t be happier of more fulfilled than I am right now.

Q2.  Paradox: The Angels Are Here – Book 1 is your debut novel.  What writing experience had you gained before deciding to write the series?

A.            Absolutely none.  Other than many hours of reading.

Q3.  You have written Books 1 and 2 (Paradox: The Progeny of Innocence) and Book 3 will be published late next year.  Are you planning more books in this series?

A.            I will definitely be able to answer that question at the completion of book 3.  However, having said that, I would love there to be many more books to follow should the series warrant it and especially if the readers want more!

Q4.  Who or what inspired you to write the books about Angels?  Do you have specific beliefs?

A.            I have always wondered, as I’m sure many people do, if there is an afterlife.  What happens to our souls after we have died?  If there are beings, good and bad, that interacts with our lives here on earth.  I also love the possibilities of ancient worlds, miracles, myths and legends.  I want to believe….

Q5.  You mention that writing was a therapeutic way for you to mend a broken heart.  In relation to the question above, did this have any influence on your choice to write a book about Angels?

A.            I have this saying:  if you have never suffered a broken heart, then you have never really known what it is to be truly alive.  And at that precise moment, when your heart breaks, all you want to do is lie down and die.   At times like that you want to believe there is something out there that you can hold onto to get you through another day.  A Guardian Angel if you like that can take your hand and put you back on the right path.

Q6.  You have published some musical video links on both your blog and website which include songs from The Rasmus amongst other artists.  Why those particular tracks?  Are they your favorite artists or did the songs feel appropriate to the theme of the books?

A.            There are my favorite artists now!  I found them when I was searching for musical inspiration and those particular songs related to the story beautifully.

Q7.  You have written a non-fiction, spiritual book titled I Believe (ebook) available on Smashwords published October 2011.  This has not been given as much publicity as The Paradox Series.  Why not?

A.            I have only just started to compile the information for I Believe which is an assortment of other people’s stories and beliefs.  I’m not writing the stories myself but am rather giving others the opportunity to have their true stories and beliefs published.  Therefore I Believe will always be a free downloadable ebook which is constantly being updated as new stories become available.  Eventually, when there are a suitable amount of stories, I will go ahead and publish the book in paperback at a minimal price to cover time and costs.

Q8.  Do you have a favorite genre that you like to read?

A.            I love paranormal, and fantasy.  I love myth, legend and realms outside of our own.  I love escaping into other worldly places.

Q9.  What other interests or activities do you enjoy?

A.            I love reading, watching my favorite movies, televisions shows, spending time with family and friends and… a great game of chess.

Q10.  Finally, for fun.  Music – what is your current listen?

1. Recently I have been listening to Two Steps From Hell.  Now that is some really is some great inspiration music.  Big music!  The type of music you hear in the movies during epic battle scenes to mystical moments…. Such In particular, the group’s music has been used in trailers for such films as Harry Potter, Star Trek, The Dark Knight, Avatar, 2012, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men: First Class, Inception,  The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,  and Prince of Persia, as well as television shows Game of Thrones and Blue Mountain State.  I’m also loving Ramin Djawadi the German composer of the Game Of Thrones theme song in season 1.

And last but far from least, my most favorite blessings.  My wonderful Son, Luke, whom I love and adore beyond the moon and the stars.  My lovely sisters Susan and Fay.  And my beautiful friends,  way more than I deserve, what would I do without you?  I love you all xxx

The Paradox Series Book Trailers
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ebook from Smashwords – all formats
US – ebook from Amazon
UK – ebook from Amazon
Nook – Barnes & Noble
Paperback – Createspace

Patti Roberts: Author

Find your Silver Lining!