Self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Patrick Shannon, is taking his latest book, Letters From Wheatfield, on tour – a virtual tour, that is. He will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about him and his book.
Luckily for us, Patrick was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Letters From Wheatfield.
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OP: Tell us a little bit about Letters From Wheatfield. What is it about?
PS: It’s about a couple from Manhattan who retire to a tiny Montana town and discover a virtual “parallel universe” of eccentric folks and wacky situations. They send letters to a cousin back in Manhattan, vividly describing their hilarious encounters.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
PS: Actually, from living here in my adopted town of Conrad, Montana. Approximately 40% of the stories in the book are based on actual events here, gussied up by my imagination, of course.
You see, Montanans, in general, are very witty people, and the residents of Conrad just seem to have a greater share of that trait. So when you have a town full of congenial, fun-loving characters like that, you have a community that is one heckuva good time.
And there is another factor. Like my fictitious town of Wheatfield, Conrad lies within the “Pixie Triangle” – an area where loony things just sort of happen. For example, there was an incident recently, in a nearby town, that would have been a surefire candidate for the Wheatfield Book Of World Record Vegetables. (I swear this is the truth. I have the newspaper clipping to prove it.) A black bear was trying to force its way through a woman’s kitchen door, and she successfully beat it off with a giant, 14-inch zucchini from her garden. The article included a picture of the zucchini and a yardstick. Now, if you can live in a place like this and not write a book, there’s something wrong with you.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
PS: I think anyone who has a sense of humor and likes to laugh will find it worth their time. If they happen to come from or reside in a small town like Wheatfield, I think they will readily identify with the crazy stuff that can happen.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
PS: I think the fact that so much of it is based on actual situations gives it an authenticity that otherwise wouldn’t be there. Several of my reviewers who have small town backgrounds have commented on this.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
PS: My first book was for young readers in the 10 to 14 age group. Its title is Viva Cisco and, in keeping with my style, it is humorous. I have a third book ready to go. Its called Viva Laughter, and I like to think of it as my tour de force as a humorist. If I can get the necessary releases for my use of a few well-known names, I will try to get it published.
OP: Thanks for your time, Patrick! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patrick Shannon, author of the young reader’s book, Viva Cisco, currently resides in Conrad, Montana. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, he worked thirty-three years for a major oil company, bringing him rich experiences from traveling in Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. Born and raised in Southern California, Shannon attended East Carolina and Oklahoma Universities and UCLA. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi scholarship society.
For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/wheatfield.
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking the book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
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