Interview with Coleen Patrick
Published 2013-11-04.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
My dad was in the U.S. Coast Guard, so we moved around a lot as a family. Having a sort of nomadic experience growing up led me to write about characters who live life in one place (but maybe dream of travel and far away places).
What's the story behind your latest book?
Growing up, I became completely fascinated with the idea of falling in love with the boy next door (maybe because we moved so much). I wrote about it, read books about it, and even hoped to one day fall in love with a boy next door myself. So I made it happen for my character Grace in The Art of Chasing Normal.
When did you first start writing?
I remember writing stories as early as third grade. My dad would bring home scrap printer paper and I'd tape them together to make my books. One of the first was titled, How Mr. Pelican Got His Hat.
Who are your favorite authors?
John Green, Sarah Dessen, Stephanie Perkins, Megan McCafferty, Lucy Christopher, Nora Roberts, Stephen King, Jennifer Brown, Laurie Halse Anderson, Lynne Reid Banks, Susan Beth Pfeffer, Jennifer Donnelly
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Taking pictures! I'm a wannabe photographer. I also love road trips, hanging out with family, baking, and crafty things.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
A book becomes a favorite when my mind just can't let it go.
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
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