Author: Patricia Lee
Located in: Springfield Oregon
Submitted: February 05, 2018
Tell us a little about yourself. I have been writing since I first learned what words could do at the age of six. I don't remember what I wrote, but my first grade teacher was so excited she told me to keep writing. I wrote about activities at my middle and high schools and submitted the columns to the local newspaper. In college, I studied magazine article writing and graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband. We have two adult children and a couple of sleepy cats.
What was your motivation behind this project? After I'd reared my children I returned to writing. I met an agent who didn't like the book I showed her. I asked her if a fictional story on autism would be a good project. She told me the subject was too negative. Having a grown daughter afflicted with the disorder I knew it didn't have to be distasteful. When my son returned from his stint as an observer biologist in Alaska I knew I had the ingredients for a great setting, a strong plot , and a heart tugging tale.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? First, I hope they'll see it as a great read. Second, I hope to shed light on the world of autism. Finally, I hope for the reader to come away with a renewed sense of the power of God in their lives.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? A dear writing friend once told me that writing a great story means cutting an artery and letting it bleed. I had to revisit a lot of my early years as a mother and remember not only the good days but the struggles. As
I did I saw how faithfully God had carried me through those years. It was a good reminder.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? I have so many favorite authors it is difficult to name one or two. I'm fond of everything by Tamara Alexander, Lauraine Snelling, Deborah Raney, Karen Barnett, Laura Frantz, Rebecca DeMarino, to name a few.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: Let me know how my story impacted you. I'd love to hear from my readers.
