BLM: Thank you for taking the time to talk with me! If I’m not mistaken “A Social Affair” is book number 15 for you (not including your short stories)? Many authors don’t make it to that number. Where can you attribute your longevity in the industry?
I’d like to think my longevity is based on my willingness to give the reader what they like. I hope to more than double that number. These are challenging times for authors and I think those of us who are willing to adapt to change will remain. I also take learning the craft very seriously. I pay attention to feedback and strive to make the next story better than the last.
BLM: Your book “A Social Affair” is based around an online relationship that goes awry. Is the story drawn from a true story?
I’d like to think most of my stories are someone’s true story. It’s never , or that of those I know personally, but I think the best stories are those that could belong to people we all know.
BLM: What do you think are the biggest misconceptions of online dating? Where do think most people go wrong?
The biggest misconceptions of online dating centers around the fact that many people have unrealistic expectations. I think people go wrong when they fail to realize that just like in real life, you must be careful because what you see isn’t always what you get.
BLM: Codi starts to seek out attention and excitement when her relationship with her husband goes cold. How do you think couples can prevent this from happening? Can it be prevented?
I’m no relationship expert by any means, but I think between work, children, and other outside forces, it’s easy for couples to take each other for granted. Everyone is different and their needs are different. I think the best way to avoid taking each other for granted is to make each other a priority. I believe in date nights, adult only escapes, vacations without the children, and doing what your spouse or significant other likes simply because they like it. All of this may not prevent you from drifting apart, but I think it would help keep distance at bay.
BLM: Most people tend to have a completely different persona online than they do in real life. Why do you think this happens? What do you feel are some ways to see through it?
I think in some cases the online world is like the wild wild west where anything is possible and almost anything goes. People create that different persona because it’s the one place they feel they have total control. The best ways to see through this is to exercise common sense. If and when something or someone seems too good to be true, in most case they are, or it is. If people keep their expectations realistic, and avoid sharing personal information with the person they think they know especially if they’ve, never met face to face, they should be able to see a fraud when one arises.
BLM: Who is your favorite character in the book?
I’m torn on my favorite character in this story because I can appreciate a little bit about each one. I understand Codi and Quinn 
feeling like they’d like a do-over, but I think Larry and Calvin are hilarious. I also love Linda because she’s unique in her passion for the color orange. And I appreciate Katina because she’s a go-getter, and Tammecia because she’s so ghetto that it’s funny. To me, these are the traits that make these characters memorable.
BLM: What authors do you like to read?
I love to read period, I find value in the written word, so it never matters to me who the author is, as long as the story is good. I read tons of stories by seasoned authors as well as new authors, I simply appreciate a great story and I don’t care who writes it.
BLM: It seems like almost everything is moving online, especially in the literary world. Brick and mortar stores are closing and in-person book signings are slowly becoming scarce. How are you dealing with the shift in the industry?
The shift to online is coming whether we are ready or prepared. I’m dealing with it by making the shift right along with the industry. My work is available both in print and electronic format. I’m also taking the leap and making my stories available as digitally downloadable audio books. I’ve produced several stories that are now available for smartphones, computers or as mp3s. It feels good to tell people they can find my work on iTunes.
BLM: A point of debate amongst our readers has been the topic of 99-cent books. What is your opinion on this pricing strategy? Do you feel it devalues the work or is a valid marketing tool?
I understand both sides in the debate over .99 cent books. However, as an author who thinks we can train the buyer to always expect something for nothing, I think it does more harm than good. Personally, I can’t see myself selling a full-length novel for .99 cents, but that’s only me. If other authors feel like it works for them, I try not to judge their choice. What works for me, may not work for them. But overall I think we are setting a horrible trend in which we teach the reader that a full price for a full-length book is too expensive.
BLM: What can we expect from you in the future?
Readers can expect even more stories that are ripped from the headlines and spiced up just right to keep you turning the pages. Up next is, drops this fall, Sideline Scandals. I love football and this is going to be another Football Widows tale. I’m so excited about the story because it’s drama-packed and centers on women of the NFL. Earl and I are also gearing up for Loyalty Among Friends where the main character’s childhood friend begins a torrid affair with her best friend’s husband! I know right! Also you can learn more about me at www.authorpattucker.com friend me on Facebook and follow me @authorpattucker on twitter.
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Hurry! Contest ends April 30th!
