Name –Patrick O’Scheen

Age—I hate personal details. I am almost 3 cat years old.

Where are you from—I was born…no, I was not hatched.

A little about your self `ie your education Family life ect– I have no formal education in writing. I am a product of a reader gone mad. I write stories that I would like to read. I prefer to think of myself as a grey tabby.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

 “Kris,” my third book, was released last month. It’s a mystery story seen through the eyes of an orphan and a cat.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

 I had a sudden change of direction dictated by my health. As a captive in my own house, I was at the mercy of popular authors. I began writing because I had ideas to voice, and too much time. My books are my legacy, my gift to the world.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

 I’m not sure how to answer this question. When did Pinocchio first become a real boy? I was a writer the first day I sat down and put pen to paper. It’s a calling. I couldn’t stop if I wanted to.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

 All of my books encompass aspects of my own life. Prejudice inspired me. Games inspired me. People inspired me. Too many factors were in play to point to any one thing. I had things to say…and I still like to ramble.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I rely heavily on multiple points of view to move a story along.  My stories are emotional, often poignant and usually will strike a chord in a reader’s heart.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Dreamer, my first book, is about a man who holds on to his future and his ideals against all odds. He is a dreamer.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I always have a great deal to say about the world. While I touch on many subjects included in my personal philosophy, I think Dreamer is about family, and just what that means to me.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Dreamer is part of a series called ‘the Chronicles of Marithe’ that takes place in a realistic setting as well as a fantasy world. Many of the things that happen to the characters, I have taken from personal experiences. How they feel is very real, even when circumstances are fiction.

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

 As a writer, I rely heavily on my own life for details and emotions.  It doesn’t mean I have been in a world filled with monsters. However, I understand aspects of the characters– prejudice, love, betrayal, and innocence…their lives.

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Charles Dickens

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

 The Key of Amatahns by Elizabeth Wheatley

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Several new authors I have found are worth reading. Neil Orr, S CuAnam Policar, Anastacia Moore are among them.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

 I am editing the next installment of the Marithe series, Dancer, as well as writing a young adult novel called Newling Traveler. I expect to have the next Charles the Cat book available within the coming year.

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

 I think internal passion plays a role in my work. I have a limited time to express my perspective on life.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Writing is a calling. The words burn in my soul. A career implies that I expect an income. I write because I am driven to do so…not because there will be any remuneration. I can touch lives and that is the ultimate reward.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I read several of the recent releases available in the grocery. I wanted something different…something personal. I have stories to tell.

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

An excerpt from Newling Traveler:

Candice had expected to wake in the laboratory under Thomas Bauer’s supervision. However, when she opened her eyes, she was aware that sharp teeth were very near her face. The dragon’s warm breath smelled of something unrecognizable but not totally unpleasant. She pushed back from his chest slightly and stared at his sleeping form.

            “Breath taking,” the words escaped her lips as a soft sigh. The creature beside her was amazingly striking. The detail of his scales, his shades of color, his long whiskers and…he had hair. Candice almost laughed aloud. If she were going to imagine a frighteningly beautiful being, she had done well. The dream dragon was beyond her expectations. When she realized that he was staring at her, Candice pushed him farther away. She straightened what remained of her peasant dress and sat up.

            “I…I…I never meant to fall asleep.” The beast began, but she raised a hand to silence him, remembering the weight of the necklace that hung from her throat.

            “It feels somehow lighter now…” Candice ran her fingers over the blood-red jewels.

            “They said you would adjust.” He offered following her lead to avoid any mention of the previous night’s rest. “We have a very long walk ahead.”

            “You can fly, can you not?” She frowned at him. “Why would a dragon choose to walk anywhere…?”

            “It is the Seph, a pilgrimage. It cannot be made by flying…or so I am told.” He climbed from the bed and stood beside her as she turned to a mirror. Their reflections caught the light and for just an instant, Candice saw a man behind her.  Spinning around to find the scaly dragon, she moved away.

            “You are human?” She tried to keep her voice level.

            “Does that surprise you? I had a human form…once.” He stared down at his feet.

            “No, I suppose it doesn’t since I would have made you perfect. We…” Candice shot a quick glance at the bed and then looked into his eyes.

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

 Getting up each morning and facing the future. I would like a bigger fan base, but if I touch only one person, I am a success.

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I’m not certain I have a favorite. Terry Goodkind is high on my list because he gives me escape from my everyday life.

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I can’t/don’t travel.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Matthew Riggenbach designed Seer and Kris.

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

 The most difficult thing about writing is letting it go to be read by anyone else. My work is very personal. It’s disconcerting to have people looking into my soul.

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

 People will not always see what I see, feel what I feel. I may write with one intention and accomplish something completely different.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Believe in yourself. Especially when no one else seems to believe in you.

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

 I would take this and any opportunity to say how much I appreciate you, my readers.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I was read to at an early age. The Narnia series by C.S.Lewis was among my favorites.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Writing is not a hobby. Photography is akin to a vice for me. I love to take pictures.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

 I don’t watch much television.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

 Tuna/grey-striped/ I listen to almost any type of music

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

 I would be a house cat, if I wasn’t a dragon.

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

 patrickoscheen@wordpress.com is where I ramble about the mysteries of dragons and other things