Romance Book Paradise: Spotlight on Patsy Collins & Firestarter!

This week's Spotlight on Author is on Patsy Collins and her latest release, Firestarter.

Tell us about yourself?

I used to have a proper job, but got made redundant. Now I write and act as assistant to my husband who's a photographer. We travel in our campervan quite a bit for his work. I use that to my advantage by visiting interesting places along the way and using the locations as settings for stories.

What inspired you to be a writer?

I got into it by accident. I meant to sign up for evening classes in local history, but the course was full. Only wine tasting or creative writing were left. As I couldn't afford to develop a taste for decent wine, I went for the writing.

How did you choose your genre?

OK, you got me. I don't stick to a single genre. All my novels feature relationships and romance often plays an important part. There's always been a bit of crime in there too and I throw some humour into the mix whenever I can.

I also write a lot of short stories. I've been fortunate enough to have had over 300 published, mostly in women's magazines. They cover a range of genres, but are generally upbeat.

What made you tell this story and why did you write this book?

I wanted to write something fun, simple as that.

Alice's adventures were a pleasure to write, she herself has fun between the disasters and I hope the reader will enjoy finding out about her, other members of the Bakewell family, Hampshire Fire Service's Red Watch, beetroot cake, seabirds and all the rest.

How did you come up with the title?

The story involves firemen, smouldering jealousy, a burning building, Alice's red hot dress sense, snuggling up in front of an open fire and igniting passion.

What is your favourite scene?

Probably the one with Alice and her dad very close to the end of the book, but I can't say more without giving away one of the storylines.

I'm pleased with the ones involving birdwatching and conservation work. I hope I've shown that although these aren't obvious interests for someone like Alice, she has good reason to give them a try and ends up genuinely interested.

I also enjoyed all the food ones, but that's mostly because of the extensive research I carried out for each one.

Tell us a little about your book?

It's really nice and available to buy now. *smiles charmingly and flutters eyelashes*