A Conversation with Author Patricia Asedegbega

This evening in the Library we have Patricia Asedegbega, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

You are very welcome, Patricia, please introduce yourself: 

I live in sunny Spain and have been writing for about six years now. I started with a collection of cat stories to raise funds for a shelter and then moved on to my first suspense novel. I write both in Spanish and English and have series in both languages. Though I am a biologist, writing is my true passion. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love.

Did you read much as a child? Are you an avid reader now? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?

I devoured books as a child and read everything I could get my hands on. I still enjoy doing so now although I have less time. I like discovering new authors in my favourite genre which is suspense.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

My first two books were co-published but I can´t say the results were satisfactory, so I have been self-published since then. I like being able to control everything in the creative process.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I write suspense with a touch of my particular brand of humour. I´ve always liked reading mystery novels with the ability to surprise me. so choosing to write in that genre was something that came very natural to me.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Definitely Agatha Christie, I started reading her wok when I was quite young and through the years I have reread most of her books. I think her writing style has stood the passage of time.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

I am half Spanish and half Nigerian and I´ve been lucky to have lived in both countries. Their diverse cultures have enriched my life and as a result, my writing. I do hope this comes across to the reader when they read my books.

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

I enjoy almost every part of the writing process, even when I get blocked. For me the difficulty lies in what comes afterwards. I do not at all enjoy the marketing aspect, I wish I could just write and write, but I do want to get my work out there.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

For now I have to write in my spare time when I´m done with my day job so I do so mostly at weekends.

What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?

I love developing an idea, creating characters and somehow bringing the plot to life. Getting feedback from readers is something that makes my day as it has been mainly positive; they encourage me to go on. The worst part for me would be dealing with marketing the book.

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?

Definitely a chore because it takes time away from writing or doing other things, but I know it is a necessity and a good tool to use to reach and inform readers. I guess Facebook would be my favourite.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

I would have loved to follow my second passion and become a chef.

It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?

The Bible.

Please tell us about  your latest published work.

I just released Class of 2008 for pre-order. It is the sequel to I stand corrected and is a suspense series co-narrated by a cat and his mistress from their very different points of view.

After surviving the near-death experience at the hands of her husband, “cold eyes,” Rosario and her feline friend Balou are trying to get some semblance of normality back into their lives A new home, new surroundings, old friends, and plenty of rest is just what the doctor ordered, had he been consulted. Balou’s law of minimum effort means days spent licking his paws in the sun, but Balou’s practice is soon shaken to its very foundation. When a dear friend’s innocent class reunion goes horribly wrong, their peace is shattered. In a race against time, the amateur sleuths navigate the muddy waters of old secrets and friendships to try to save the day, but the clock is ticking and it might very well be too late…

This gripping new tale of suspense is the second in the Rosario and Balou series, from the author of I Stand Corrected.

Class of 2008 is now available for pre-order. Click here.

If you would like to know more about Patricia and her work, please see the links below: