PATRICK O'SCHEEN an Exclusive Interview

I got a chance to interview Patrick O’Scheen and his roomate Charles The Cat. Patrick is the author of the awesome and inspiring book Magic and the soon to be released Seer, the first two books in the Chronicles of Marithe.

Q - When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Patrick - Writing was not something that I planned. I have always had an active busy life. One day, in the middle catching my breath, things suddenly changed. I found myself unable to keep up. Writing suited my insanity. When you get knocked down…not much else to do but get up again, and change direction. I have always loved storytelling and I simply expanded that into a written form. I eat, sleep and dream stories.
　
Q - Charles, did you know he was a writer when you adopted him? How does it feel to be a writer's assistant
? Charles - The human? He’s a writer? I always wondered what he was doing on that computer…I didn’t understand when he wasn’t sitting on it. I don’t assist…I create…and sleep on the keyboard.
　　
Q - What’s the hardest thing about being a writer? Did you ever feel like giving up? What kept you going?
Patrick - I think when family and friends look at you like you have gone totally insane, you are finally a writer. Don’t expect support from the people closest to you…they will interrupt at the moment you think of the best line, be incapable of understanding why you have spent hours alone at your desk doing research, or simply be angry with you for being different.
For me, giving up is not an option. Maybe I’m stubborn that way. Writing is a part of who I am, and I couldn’t quit if I tried.  
Q - Charles, I know you hack Patrick’s Facebook page on occasion. Did you ever consider writing your own book?
Charles - I don’t read or write in human well…I have written a number of manuscripts in cat, however. Perhaps you have read a few? If not I can arrange to leave one for you… in your kitchen, or perhaps your favorite shoe?
　
Q - I love the juxtaposition of the contemporary story with the fantasy world. It’s a very original approach. Had you planned it like that from the onset? Did you ever consider writing it as simply a fantasy book or simply a contemporary book?
Patrick -The story of Magic always took place in two worlds. I was asked to write it simply as a fantasy, but that was not how I envisioned it, not how the story was meant to be told. Being true to an inner guide is a rule for me. I listen to my muse, and follow the passion.
　
Q - Seer, the second book in the Marithe series will be our very soon. Do you have a third in the works? Or is that top secret?
Patrick - A book can truly be a very personal window into a writer’s soul. There’s no secret that the third and fourth book are already written. It’s a matter of preparation, editing and patience on my part for the remaining titles… It took me five years to decide to share Dreamer with the world. The dam is broken. Let the books spill out!
　
Charles, is there anything else you would like to add?
Have you noticed how cute I am?
　　

Yes. Charles is absolutely the cutest cat. Go check him out on Patrick's facebook page. Thank you Charles The Cat. I just have Three Final Questions for Patrick:
Q - What was your favorite book when you were a young child? Do you think it influenced what you like to read and write today?
Patrick - I had two favorites. Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights and The Wolves of Willoughby Chase! Now, I like to read just about anything available. I think I have always loved storytelling. There is no doubt that Scheherazade influenced my ideas about the power of a good tale. Stories touch lives.
　　
Q - Dreamer has two, parallel stories going on about men from different worlds staying best friends no matter what. How important is having a friend like that?
Patrick - Loving unconditionally is perhaps the most amazing thing one can imagine. To give and share in such a relationship is life changing.
　
Q - If you could have lunch with any author, who would you choose, and why?
Patrick - Lunch? Do I get to ask questions? Are hugs involved? Can I bring Charles? What’s on the menu?
I usually eat lunch alone. I think I’d eat with someone who cared enough about me to make time for lunch. I wouldn’t ask to resurrect Shakespeare, or impose on an author who might find me less than interesting. Rather I’d enjoy lunch with anyone who had the same love of storytelling that lives in my own heart.

You can find Dreamer here:
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
Follow Patrick (and Charles the Cat) here:
Amazon
Goodreads
Facebook

Kelly's review of Dreamer: 
Dreamer is an amazing story of love and friendship that transcends worlds. I wasn’t sure at first when and where the story takes place but it was quickly evident that two stories were happening. One is a contemporary story of the love that two very different friends share through thick and thin. The other is an amazing tale of adventure and throughout it all themes of love and friendship so deep that they call themselves family. This is a fascinating book that will enchant younger readers who will identify with the fantasy tale and to older readers looking for a story with deeper themes. I highly recommend this book for all ages 11 and up. The violence in the story is lightly treated with the characters expressing regret and remorse, something not usually found in fantasy adventure stories. If I could, I would love to rate this book six stars. I love that this is a stand alone book, no cliffhanger ending. Still, I eagerly away the release of the next book in the series by this wonderful new author.
And watch for the second book in the series, to be released very soon.