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Meet Pat

I've always been a dreamer, making up stories in my head, even as a kid.  As I’d stare out the window during history class, stories of romance, adventure and intrigue would distract me from lectures on the Civil War.

Years later, with a degree in journalism, I started my career by writing for newspapers and magazines, then working as public relations manager for various non-profit organizations.

But the stories continued to haunt me so in the late 90’s I decided to try my hand at fiction. I wrote three romantic suspense novels and three traditional romances before I made my first sale to Silhouette Romance in 2002. This was followed by the sale of Got a Hold on You (Dorchester), the first in my romantic comedy series set in professional wresting. The second book in the series, Ring Around My Heart, received the Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Contemporary Romance from Romantic Times Magazine. The pro wrestling books are comedies but they have one other thing in common: an element of mystery.

While writing the comedies, I was also writing the darker books, wanting to thrill and surprise my readers.  My debut Harlequin Intrigue, Silent Memories hit the shelves in September 2006, followed by a three book Intrigue series in January, February and March 2007 featuring The Blackwell Group, a team of investigators led by a former British Inspector.

When not at my computer, you’ll find me hiding out in a movie theater, hiking in the Cascade Mountains, walking my cats and dogs, or investigating new forms of exercise (kick-boxing, anyone?)


I had the privilege of meeting Blake Snyder, author of “Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need” who spoke about story structure.


Hey, I thought you said we were going camping!


Fun at a Valentine's signing with friends, Shannon McKelden and Gerri Russell.


I was honored that Stella Cameron came out to my Bellevue booksigning!

hiking
Here’s the view from halfway up Rattlesnake Mountain in Washington. 
I need a hat!

Don’t mess with a girl holding a machine gun!
 
 


Celebrating a successful conference with friend Jenni Conner!


Reminding my son he forgot to clean up his room.

Hanging out with Chicago Friends: Beverly Long, Mary Micheff and Blythe Gifford


A fabulous book signing in Redmond!


A shot taken from a relaxing ferry ride.