Getting to Know Jessica R. Patch

Award-winning author Jessica R. Patch recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life, plus the back cover copy of her most recent romantic suspense, Cold Case Takedown.

When do you find time to write?
I make sure to treat it as a business. I set work hours and then I don’t deviate from those hours. When my husband is out of town, I work nights. The house is quiet after 5 and that gives me uninterrupted time. If my deadline is tight, I will add couple of writing sessions—two hours each session—during the day plus my nightly writing time.

How do you come up with titles for your books?
To be honest, I stopped titling my books! When I send a proposal to Love Inspired for a new suspense series, I may title the series but I write Book 1, 2 & 3. They will end up asking for more suggestions to go along with some of their own and pull from that list. I rarely, if ever, keep my original title.

What’s the weirdest way someone has died or been killed in your novels?
I did throw someone in the woodchipper but my editor said it was too violent, so I threw her in but she was rescued in the nick of time. My latest I’m writing is pretty tough since it’s a thriller about a serial killer—but he’s knocking them out, surgically taking their eyes then suturing their lids shut so when they awake…well you can imagine. It’s not for shock value, there’s a twisted reason for him to do this. And it always happens off page, so readers don’t have to experience it in real time, for those who might be shying away right now. It’s a trade book through Love Inspired Trade.

Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
Most of my inspiration comes from the Bible if I’m honest. I’ll read a scripture and see how a killer might twist this in his mind as motive, then I get the pleasure of taking that scripture and making it clear and straight and bringing a message of hope! Sometimes an author friend will send me a text with a link and tell me, “You need to write this.” I’m talking to you, Jodie Bailey!

How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
It just comes to me when I’m thinking about the story, then I research it, visit, or am already familiar. Sometimes depending on the plot, I’ll google places to see how they fit. For example: if it’s a serial killer who feeds women to alligators, I’m heading to the Bayou. I’d research until I found the perfect spot and I know that spot when I read about it or see it.

What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)?
I wanted to be a missionary. And I do believe it came true. My books go all over the world with the message of hope in Jesus!

What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
Probably on my Facebook Author page. I post and interact with readers there often.

What are some of the questions you hear when you say you write romantic suspense?
“Oh, I have a story you’ll want to write.” LOL

How do you ensure your books are accurate?
I have resources through people, books, Google and groups of industrial professionals in law enforcement. I may google that profession, then call someone and they are always happy to help. Plus, we have fact checkers who read through our books. But sometimes we do stretch the accuracy for story sake—it is fiction!

About Jessica R. Patch
Publishers Weekly bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense, a cold case thriller, or a small-town romance. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.

Connect w/Jessica
Website: www.jessicarpatch.com.

Cold Case Takedown by Jessica R. Patch
Exposing a murderer is a deadly game.

When cold case podcast host Georgia Maxwell’s investigation into her friend’s decade-old murder unveils corruption in small-town football, she’s thrust into a deadly conspiracy. And it’s put her on the radar of Colt McCoy—cold case unit chief and her high school sweetheart—who wants her help solving the crime. But every clue brings them one step closer to someone who will kill to keep the truth hidden.