1. What inspired you to become a writer?
When I was a young kid, I was always buried in a book because I used fiction as a way to cope with things that happened around me. Somewhere along the way, I guess I was so moved by the stories I read and watched on screen that I decided it HAD to be what I did someday. Ever since then I had my nose shoved in notebooks as well.
2. What's your favourite book of all time?
My favorite book of all time is definitely tough, but I'll say either The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein or The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald as I'm not sure which one I've read more!
3. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
1: Don't wait for the inspiration to come. If you just start putting words down, then the rest will follow.
2: Always keep a small journal or notepad in your pocket so you can write things down as you think of them.
3: You probably don't need more notebooks, even though they are on sale for only 10 cents.
4. What is the most frustrating thing about being an author?
Impostor Syndrome can be a real pain. All you can do is keep reminding yourself "Yes, I write. Yes, it's out there. I am an author."
5. What's your favourite movie?
My favorite movie is Alien, because it influenced my taste in Horror and Science Fiction early on in my life, but there are several movies I can drop everything and watch.
6. What's better, dogs or cats?
I think dogs are better, because they are typically more enthusiastic to be around you. But when a cat decides it's time to cuddle, you know it's special.
7. If money was no object, how would you spend your life?
I would have a nice apartment in a not-too-big city, with plenty of room for my son. I would also spend the rest of my life telling stories in every medium; writing books, making movies, and even developing games. I would just create until I couldn't anymore.
8. Do you draw from personal experiences when you write?
Occasionally I will draw from personal experience, but often I prefer to draw off of my personal emotions. Maybe I can't capture the experience of something perfectly but by putting myself in the right emotional state, I feel a much more profound result is made.
9. What is more important? Strong characters or a strong storyline?
I think strong characters can carry a story, even if the story line itself is kind of weak. For example, you can keep retelling an old story we've heard a hundred times, but if we still care about the people in it, we'll keep listening.
10. What advice would you give to first time writers when submitting their work to publishers or literary agents?
Networking is very helpful. Try and make friends with other writers and authors on social media, or locally. You can work together on your stories and your pitch to make it even more appealing. Just surround yourself with colleagues you can call friends.
Check out Patrick Tillett's latest title, Arc City Stories by clicking here.
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