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Meet a new author:  Kimberly Patterson and her YA Western RED ROCK

5/28/2014

8 Comments

 
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I’ve interviewed Alaskan authors on my blog in the past, but I’m going to take some time today to introduce a new author I recently met in California.

My husband and I dropped by Temecula, California, a city that plays up its cowboy past.  During a costumed reenactment of a very loud gunfight, I noticed a lovely young woman sitting at a table on the sidewalk, advertising a book, with a sign that said “Talk to the author.”  Well, who can resist talking to an author?

The author was Kimberley Patterson, whose first novel RED ROCK is a young adult western--not a genre you encounter every day.  Meet her here:




Kimberly, it was a pleasure to meet you in Temecula.  First, tell us about yourself.  How did your background lead you to become a writer?

I have always enjoyed writing since I was a small child. Initially, I wrote short stories, poems and plays before venturing into fiction. I still have one of the first stories I wrote about a bear who lost his homework when I was 8 years old. I would like to think I have improved a great deal since then. 

Tell us about RED ROCK.  What’s the story about?  Where did the story idea come from?

RED ROCK is a Young Adult western that focuses on Rachel Hunter, a high spirited teen, is struggling to take care of her ill mother. Her mother’s illness soon forces the family to sell everything, and move to a new town seeking a cure they can't afford. Along the way, they stumble onto a fortune and, in financial desperation, decide to keep it. Upon arrival in Red Rock, she quickly settles in to their new life, with Rachel's mother receiving the care she needs from the town doctor. Rachel even finds herself with two suitors, one that she is very likely falling in love with -- and one who annoys and irritates her at every turn. Though there is some guilt associated with the secret of their fortune, she is content -- until one night someone throws a rock through the Hunter family's window, threatening to take back what is theirs. Lies, deceit, and betrayal plague Rachel and her entire family as they struggle to keep their secret, and find out who is behind the devious plan. With every secret comes consequences, and Rachel will soon find out that not everything or everyone is what they seem to be. 

The story itself I started at age 17, and finished only three chapters until my computer crashed. I had printed out the story and given it to my grandmother but she had lost them. I basically gave up on the story. Over ten years later, after my grandma had passed away, my mom and I were feeling sentimental and started going through boxes that were at my grandmothers house. To our surprise, in the bottom of one of the boxes - there were the chapters. My mom encouraged me to finally finish it, and I did.

What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

The main thing I would like readers to take away from the book is that no matter what struggles come your way, you have the inner strength to overcome them. The main character, Rachel, learns this about herself as she is transformed from a bratty, immature child to a strong, capable young woman. I strongly believe that the struggles we are faced with in life shape us into who we are

Are any of the characters in RED ROCK based on you or people you know in real life?

Initially, Rachel may have been loosely based on me as a teenager, mainly with some of the physical attributes and personality traits and some of my own personal experiences weaved into the story line. I was heavily involved in rodeo and horses as a teenager so a lot of that was based on my life. The other characters weren't really based on anyone in particular, but some of their actions or sayings did come from personal situations.

PictureKimberly Patterson

I understand that RED ROCK is a Young Adult Western.  That sounds like a very unique genre.  Why did you decide to write in this genre?

I initially wanted RED ROCK to just be a western, but because my main lead was only 17 a group of other authors I was working with suggested young adult. Some of the scenes in the book had to be cut to fit into this category, but because there weren't a lot of young adult westerns (if any) I felt that it would make the book unique. The book has a great message behind it, and you don't have to be a "western" fan to really enjoy the book. I have hope that the western genre can be reintroduced to the younger generation.

Do you have other books in the works?

My second book, THE THREE MONTH PLAN, which is a YA Romance was released in 2013. This one is a light, fun read with another positive message. I am working on my third book, titles BURNED which is a paranormal thriller, and it will hopefully be released the end of this year. 

How can readers find out more about you and your book?

Readers can visit my webpage www.kimberleypatterson.com, www.redrockbook.com, or www.thethreemonthplan.com, follow me on twitter @redrockbook, or on facebook at www.facebook.com/redrockauthor. My books can also be found on Amazon and Smashwords, in addition to Barnes and Noble. 


8 Comments
Kimberley link
5/28/2014 08:22:23 am

Thank you for this amazing interview! It was so great to meet you at the event!

Reply
Stephanie link
5/29/2014 12:53:36 am

Kimberley, it was a pleasure to interview you. I wish you all the best with your new projects, and lots of success with RED ROCK.

Reply
Josh Weiselberg link
5/28/2014 10:24:34 am

What a great interview! I liked the story within a story about how you found your manuscript in your grandma's things. But also enjoyed hearing about how you were always inspired to be an author and you're working on a new project now.

Reply
Richard Patterson
5/29/2014 02:52:45 am

I think your book, Red Rock was great. I am not really into the romance type books but yours was nice. I can't wait to read the next one you have coming out, BURNED. That is a book I can really get into. Thanks. You are very talented.

Reply
Temecula, CA link
12/27/2024 11:55:46 am

The article introduces Kimberly Patterson, a new author in the YA genre, particularly her book Red Rock, which is a Western novel. It highlights her inspiration and the themes within the book, offering readers a look at what they can expect from this exciting debut. Kimberly's background and writing journey are shared, making this post a great introduction to her work.

Reply
Clark link
2/2/2025 07:28:51 am

Your interview with Kimberly Patterson offers an engaging introduction to her debut YA Western novel, "Red Rock." The discussion provides valuable insights into Kimberly's creative process, inspirations, and the challenges she faced while writing her first book. Highlighting her transition from a career in education to becoming an author adds a personal touch that readers can relate to. Your thoughtful questions and the depth of the conversation not only shed light on Kimberly's journey but also offer aspiring writers a glimpse into the dedication and passion required to bring a story to life. Thank you for sharing this inspiring interview; it serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the diverse paths that lead to authorship.

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Nicholas link
2/14/2025 11:02:24 pm

Your introduction to Kimberly Patterson and her YA Western, Red Rock, is both engaging and insightful. The way you highlight her passion for storytelling and her background in equestrian life adds depth to her authorial journey. It’s wonderful to see a platform that not only celebrates new authors but also provides readers with a glimpse into their inspirations and creative process. This post is a fantastic way to connect book lovers with fresh voices in literature!

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Dee link
3/28/2025 04:39:30 pm

This post is a wonderful introduction to Kimberly Patterson and her exciting YA Western Red Rock. I truly appreciate how the article gives readers an insightful look into both the author’s background and the unique elements of the story. Highlighting Patterson’s passion for the genre and her fresh approach to storytelling makes this a compelling read for those interested in Westerns with a modern twist. The article does a fantastic job of building anticipation for the book, and I’m sure it will leave readers eager to dive into the world of Red Rock. The personal touch in introducing new authors is an excellent way to create connections between writers and readers.

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