Interview with Author Patricia Gligor by Jacqueline Seewald

I have the pleasure of interviewing author Patricia Gligor who is a Cincinnati native. She enjoys reading mystery/suspense novels, touring and photographing old houses and traveling. She has worked as an administrative assistant, the sole proprietor of a resume writing service and the manager of a sporting goods department but her passion has always been writing fiction.

Question: What is the title and genre of your most recent novel?  Why did you select them?

Answer: Marnie Malone is my fifth Malone mystery. The genre is mystery/suspense. I selected the title because Marnie plays an important role in two of the first four books in the series and I decided she deserved a book (and a title) of her own.

Question:   What inspired this novel? How did it come about?

Answer: This book will be the last Malone mystery (at least for now) and there were unresolved issues in the series that needed to be addressed. Although each book may be read as a standalone and closes with what I hope is a satisfactory ending, I wanted to tie up all loose ends.

Question:  Could you tell us a little bit about the heroine and/or hero of your novel?

Answer:  Marnie Malone is the older sister of Ann Malone Kern, the main character in the first four Malone mysteries. Like Ann, Marnie was born and raised in Cincinnati but, ever since she was a little girl, she dreamed of living near the ocean. After completing law school, she moved to South Carolina where she could be close to the water. She’s a very independent woman who relies almost solely on her own ability to take care of herself. But, as she discovers in this book, that can be a blessing and a curse.

Question:   Can you tell us about some of your other published novels or work?

Answer:  The first three Malone mysteries take place in Cincinnati. In Mixed Messages and Unfinished Business, there’s a serial killer on the loose in Ann’s neighborhood and, in Desperate Deeds, Ann’s young son goes missing.

The last two novels are set in South Carolina. In Mistaken Identity, Ann discovers the body of a young woman on the beach and, determined to find the killer, she enlists the help of Marnie and their friend, Clara. That brings us to Marnie Malone.

Question:   What are you working on now?

Answer:  I’m in the process of writing a standalone suspense novel told in the first person. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and, as with my Malone mystery series, I’m having a lot of fun writing it.

Question:   What made you start writing?

Answer: Actually, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t write. I think for many of us it’s something we’re born with – the need to express ourselves through the written word.

I wrote short stories and short shorts for years. I always wanted to write a novel but the thought of writing 70,000 to 80,000 words intimidated me. Thanks to the encouragement from family and friends, I finally “bit the bullet” and I’m so glad I did.

Question:   What advice would you offer to those who are currently writing novels?

Answer: I would advise them to create a blog and actively participate in social media before they send their manuscript out. It’s crucial that they get their name out there because the first thing publishers and agents will do is Google their name. If they come up blank, even The Great American Novel will most probably go unnoticed – and unpublished.

Question:  Where and when will readers be able to obtain your novel?

Answer: My books may be ordered through local book stores and they’re available online at:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/8sd2cz4

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Patricia+Gligor/_/N-8qa?_requestid=305533

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?Query=Patricia%20Gligor&ac.morein=true&ac.title=Patricia%20Gligor

Note to readers: I would like to mention that I just finished reading and reviewing Patricia’s new novel. I found it gripping and recommend it to mystery/suspense readers.

Questions or comments for Patricia are welcome here!

Reading Keeps Us Healthy by Jacqueline Seewald

It turns out that reading a book may not just be an activity that we readers do for E and E (escape and/or enjoyment). Reading is actually good for our health, our mental and physical well-being.

In the November 7, 2016 issue of Time Magazine, Sarah Begley wrote an article entitled “Read a novel: it’s just what the doctor ordered.” She observes that it’s long been known  reading boosts vocabulary, sharpens our reason and expands “intellectual horizons.” However, scientists are looking to explain how fiction improves mental health.

Bibliotherapists believe that fiction can be used to change lives on a profound level. This is more art than science. The scientific evidence behind reading for mental health is limited, but researchers are continuing to explore the benefits and possibilities. Reading an uplifting romance novel, for instance, might not be a cure for depression, but can make you feel happier--which contributes to mental health and inner peace.

Kirsten Salyer wrote an interesting article entitled “It’s a mean, sometimes sad world—but reading can help.” This appeared in Time’s December 12, 2016 issue. The author notes that children’s books can help youngsters deal with anxiety, fear, and life’s problems of personal trauma and grief. She provides examples of books which offer young readers relatable characters who deal with hardships and sorrows in positive ways and guide children in facing their own struggles with resilience and hope.

So if you’re feeling depressed or just plain bored with the everyday hum-drum of life, try reading a book (preferably one of mine since I believe in happy endings). You’ll feel better.

Recommend a book to a friend as well. Nothing beats a shared experience. I prefer to read romance, mystery, or  novels that combines both attributes. However, there are many varied good choices.

Thoughts and comments most welcome!