Book Spotlight: Three Month Plan by Kimberly Patterson

How I was inspired to write or this book? 

This is a wonderful question, and one that I think is so important. As a writer, it's hard to tell what type of stories your readers are going to love. What may start off as a great idea for an award winning novel to you may sound ridiculously boring to someone else. There really is no happy medium with your writing, and not everyone is going to like it.

So then why even bother to write and publish books? Because writing is creative. It's therapeutic and worth doing. So many personal details often get written into my manuscripts, and a lot of what transpires in the story stems from real life experiences. For me, writing has always been a release of what I couldn't quite get out verbally. Maybe some of my readers can relate. I was always shy growing up and never liked being in front of a crowd. I had a hard time expressing my emotions, especially in-depth about love. The easiest way I could do that was by writing it down. That has sort of always stuck. Writing allows you to fully take the time to convey what your message is, and not react just on emotion. This way, I don't walk away thinking "Man, I wish I would've said that instead," because chances are I already did.

When I wrote my first novel, Red Rock, I joined an authors critique group. It was made of three other published authors who offered to help me with my story. The manuscript was finished, but needed some work. I can remember the first email I got back from them with the first two chapters attached and how discouraged I was to see all of the corrections they suggested. I almost wanted to give up. But, one of the other authors must've known how I was feeling because he emailed me and told me to not get discouraged. There are so many edits involved in everyone's books, but it's all for the better if the story itself is good. Overall, I feel like this is what really motivated me to keep writing. After awhile, my writing itself improved so that in my second manuscript there weren't as many errors.

The main challenges always come when your book is finished. The editing and constructive criticism is easy compared to the review process. As I mentioned, not everyone is going to love your book. And those that don't, really have no problem telling the world exactly how much they don't like it. Initially, it's very easy to get your feelings hurt, and take every review to heart. Some you might even want to cry over while you destroy a pint (or more) of Ben and Jerry's, but ultimately everyone has their own opinion. Sometimes you just have to grow a thicker shell and accept that fact. The rest of the time you just know that the story is important to you, and that you are proud of it. I am very proud to have accomplished writing and publishing both of my books. My first book was a YA western, and a little bit harder to market. Although my reviews were great (for the most part), most younger readers weren't into the western genre. My latest book, The Three Month Plan, is a YA Romance with comedy.

The Three Month Plan is a YA romantic comedy that most dating age females can relate to. In addition, any guys or anyone who has ever had that "friend" they were secretly in love with can relate. 

About the Book:

Kelly Callahan had everything going for her. Everything that is, except for a relationship. It wasn’t for the lack of trying, it just seemed like she was a magnet for all the wrong ones. But all of that was about to change the minute she laid eyes on Jake.

On a dare from her close friend, Michelle, Kelly accepts a challenge to date and become Jake’s girlfriend within three months. The consequence of losing is global humiliation, and she refuses to lose.

Enlisting the help of her childhood friend and confidant, Brian, Kelly manages to catch Jakes attention. She also unknowingly hooks Brian who tries to sabotage the plan. Kelly finds herself with a dilemma; take the final step with Jake and win the plan or follow her heart and reveal her feelings for Brian.

About the Author:

Horses were one of my first loves, and writing soon followed. As a child, I spent hours writing poems, and short stories (about horses). My parents realized that I was horse-obsessed and decided to buy me one after taking riding lessons for two years. I think they hoped that all of the hard work, and hours spent mucking stalls would help me give up this expensive hobby. They were wrong. Writing is still a passion of mine, although now I primarily write fiction. My first novel, Red Rock, was published in 2010, and big surprise, there are horses in it. My second novel, The Three Month Plan was released August 2013.

Other Loves: My family, yoga, skincare and makeup, sushi, and raising money for pediatric cancer. I have two rescue dogs and would have more if there weren't zoning restrictions. I'm always trying something new, as I tend to get bored very easily. Thankfully, my love of driving around with the gas light on fuels some excitement. I love novels with happy endings, and am a hopeful romantic. My latest obsession is browsing Netflix, and I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order in under 30 seconds. Do I feel a wager coming on?