It’s safe to say that Pat Tucker is the personification of the word “boss”. She has accomplished so much, she has plenty of books under her belts, and she still gives back to her community and aspiring writers. Most of all, she remains humble and exemplifies the true beauty that you can only find in a classy boss lady. I had the pleasure of interviewing her about a few of her accolades, including one of her books being adapted into a movie! She was able to share exciting news about her projects and very insightful advice with us.
With 13 novels under your belt, you have gained massive accomplishments. What has been your most memorable accomplishment to this day?
Including my self-published works, I have completed more than 13 novels, but each story offers a memorable milestone for me. Whether it was the very first story I self-published, or those written under my pen name PL Wilson, I was thrilled to be able to create characters that people remain excited about. I would have to say to date, my most memorable accomplishment has been, seeing my characters take on another life, as I’m currently reading the screenplay based on one of my novels.
Aside from being a successful writer and radio news director, you’re also very active in your sorority Sigma Gamma Rho. What advice would you give someone who is trying to choose the best Sorority for her?
I think the Black Greek Lettered organizations are the perfect way to give back to the community and encourage young women to seek higher education. The best way to pick an organization in my opinion is to start on your college campus. If you see an organization’s members striving for educational excellence, being active in the community, and on campus, that’s a great place to start. I think all of the Black Greek lettered organizations do a huge service to the community and I love being an active member of my Sorority because through it, I am able to pay it forward in ways that are meaningful and impactful.
You have very interesting books from Daddy’s Maybe to Football Widows. You certainly have a niche for creating stories that make it hard to stop reading. Where do you get your inspiration for these page turning novels?
The inspiration for most of my stories are ripped from today’s headlines. I love pop-culture and am intrigued by real life that reads more unbelievable than fiction. Often times, a single headline is intriguing enough for me to explore an idea and create stories that I hope will both educate and entertain my readers.
It’s always great to give back, and you do give back to aspiring writers with your private writing sessions. Can you please describe these sessions and what writers can get out of the information that you provide for them?
Experience is the best educator possible, and I believe that reaching out to people who have taken the path you hope to follow is the best way to learn. When I consult with aspiring writers I share my personal experiences, my journey and the pitfalls as well as the successes that helped me reach my ultimate goal of becoming a nationally published author.
I mentioned your book Football Widows earlier, and I was so happy to learn that we can look forward to seeing it on the big screen. That’s exciting news for your fans! Do you have any updates about this project? What were some of the steps that were made to turn Football Widows into a movie?
The book to film adaptation is lengthy and requires lots and lots of patience. While I was proud of this accomplishment, I was equally blessed when the opportunity for a second adaptation came along. I’m so thrilled to see my characters from Daddy by Default taking on a life beyond the pages. I hope to share additional information about this project soon. I ask my readers to keep me and both of these projects in prayer as I take this long journey.
Do you have any future projects or events that you’re a part of that you can share with our readers?
One of my next forthcoming novels, Free Fridays explores the idea of just how long a marriage needs to last before it’s considered a success. Currently, I’m writing Guarding Secrets a story about an inmate whose successful drug smuggling business turns a county jail upside down. Behind bars, he fathers several children by correctional officers who are loyal to him and the bond they develop. I’m gearing up for my next child support saga, with the release of Somebody Has to Pay (Nov. ’15) I’m very excited about this story because it once again tackles the issue of child support, delinquent child support and what, if anything, should happen to a woman who knowingly fingers the wrong father. I try to remain busy with stories that I feel represent the pulse of pop-culture and themes and ideas that will keep us all entertained and educated along the way.
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