Monday, May 4, 2015

Meet the Blogger with Patti J. Smith








This month's Meet the Blogger features author and blogger Patti J. Smith. This sweet writer is an avid football fan and has traveled the globe. Her books include devotionals and fiction including The San Francisco Wedding Planner Series III. 

Welcome Patti! Thanks for stopping to see us. Why did you start blogging? 

My publisher suggested blogging after my first book was released as a way for readers to get acquainted with me, not just as a writer but a person. 

That is good advice, it is an excellent way to do that. How long have you had your current blog

My first blog post went “live” on October 2, 2013.

What is your blog about? 

If you look up “variety” in the dictionary, the link to my blog should be there!  I write about personal experiences in all aspects of my life … faith, family and, of course, FOOTBALL.  I throw in book reviews, interviews with authors and even a mini-concert or two.  

It sounds like a good reflection of you. What better way for readers to get to know the real you! What benefits have you gained through blogging? 

I find myself paying more attention to what is happening around me. Life is full of blog-worthy moments if we take the time to observe and listen. 

I agree; ideas and topics are everywhere. What project/s are you working on right now? 

I’m finishing up Unholy Vengeance, Volume IV of my Christian Suspense series and setting up scriptures for a devotional about grief.  

What might people be surprised to learn about you?  

I shouldn’t be alive!  I wasn’t expected to live past the age of one due to a mystery illness which turned out to be a heart defect.  Diagnostics in the early 50’s weren’t as advanced as they are today.  I had open-heart surgery in 1964 and was given a 40% chance of surviving.  When I was twenty-three, I was hit in the head with a baseball bat, resulting in four skull fractures and a laceration on my forehead.  Once again, my parents were told I may not make it through the night.  Then seven years ago I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and after a thyroidectomy and radiation, I remain cancer free.  Evidently, God had other plans for me. :)

Wow, I would say so. I am glad you are still here. :) What advice would you share with a newbie blogger? 

Be fearless, diverse, and speak from the heart. 

Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Patti. Wishing you all the best with your books! 

Thanks for inviting me, Karen! 

More About Patti: 

Patti J. Smith writes devotionals, light romance, and suspense.  She was born to a military family in Wimpole Park, England and traveled extensively during her childhood. She is a member of the Association of Christian Therapists, serves as Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign and co-leads Rachel's Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats.  Patti publicly shares her story of redemption in a variety of venues and appeared in the newly-released documentary, “The Sidewalk Chronicles”.  Patti lives in Vista, CA with her husband and has three beautiful granddaughters.  She is a prolific blogger and reader, and proudly admits to being a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and Fantasy Football fanatic. Her travel adventures include Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Fiji, South Korea and almost all states - including Hawaii and Alaska.

Visit Patti



Is your blog fearless and diverse? Do you have any questions for Patti?

Happy writing,

Karen 


Photo Credit: Free Images

34 comments :

  1. Great meeting Patti. And so glad she's overcome all her health challenges. Those were a lot to deal with.

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  2. Loved meeting Patti, amigo. WOW, talk about a lot on your plate. She does seem ever so sweet. I agree. Life is filled with blog-worthy moments. I will stop by and get acquainted with her. Thanks for introducing her, amigo. xoxo

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  3. Great interview! Looking at someone else's life and ideals helps us with our own.

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  4. Life sure has many blog worthy moments, although some may be rather embarrassing to those that aren't crazy haha

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  5. God definitely has plans for you if he's kept you alive through all of that!

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  6. Good to meet you. Glad God has watched over you . jrs362 at hotmail dot com

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  7. "My publisher suggested blogging after my first book was released as a way for readers to get acquainted with me, not just as a writer but a person."

    I read this with alarm. I love to write and would like to be published one day, but I don't want people to get acquainted with me. Can't authors be reclusive these days?? ;-)

    I love how you live. All these things doctors have said are wind in your sails. Roar!

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    1. You can still write and be reclusive! That can add an air of "mystery" around you! Thanks!!!

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  8. Natalie,
    She did have a lot to deal with. So happy to introduce the two of you! :)

    Robyn,
    Patti is sweet and I knew you would like her! :) She's a testimony to perseverance and determination, and God's grace, of course.

    T. Powell,
    Thanks so much! Patti makes it easy; she's a great guest. :) Glad you stopped by!

    Patt,
    It sure does! So we opt not to share the embarrassing ones, right? lol :) Thanks for stopping over!

    Alex,
    I would have to agree with you on that! :) Glad you got to meet Patti!

    SquiresSJ,
    He has been watching over Patti, hasn't He? Thanks for coming by to meet her! :)

    Sandi,
    I think that if you are careful you can allow others a small peek into your life without giving everything up. I share prudently here and other social media keeping my privacy in mind. After all, I still want to go to the grocery store without being mobbed by the masses! lol :) Glad you got to meet Patti.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  9. Great interview! Nice to meet you.

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  10. Patti, Patti! So nice to see you here. Wow! I had no idea you went through so much physical stuff. I'm glad you're still around, my friend. :)

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  11. God definitely has plans for you! Love your attitude!

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  12. Kelly,
    Thanks so much! I'm glad you got to meet Patti. :)

    Susan,
    Patti is a walking miracle, isn't she? :) I too, am glad she is still around!

    Tyrean,
    I would have to agree that He has plans for her! :) It is inspiring to see how He keeps His hand on us.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  13. Karen: Thank you for introducing us to Patti. I look forward to having some time to read her blog.

    Patti: It's nice to meet you. You have definitely been blessed by God.

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  14. Wonderful blogger spotlight. I'd like to bring more variety to my blog.

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  15. Cecelia,
    You are welcome! I am glad you had the chance to meet her. :)

    Medeia,
    Thank you. It's nice to meet others from the writing and blogging world, isn't it? :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  16. Great interview. I especially liked "Speak from the heart." Excellent advice.

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  17. Patti, You blog like I do - a bit of everything. Fearless, diverse and heartfelt. There's no better advice to a writer than that. Keep it going and God bless.

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  18. Nice to meet you, Patti. With all of the health challenges you mentioned, I thought not only of you but of your parents. Tough stuff to go through, with that threat being voiced. But as you said, God has other plans for you! And part of that includes sharing your experiences. Thanks, Karen, for hosting a great interview.

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    1. Thanks Lisa! Yes, my parents went through quite a bit....but on the humorous side, when I had my head injury, my mom was standing next to me as they stitched me up and they had to cut off my sweatshirt...I squeezed mom's hand and said, "Don't worry Mom, I have a clean bra on!".

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  19. Joylene,
    Thanks so much! Happy to introduce you to Patti! :)

    Susan,
    It's been fun getting to know you through your blog! :) Thanks for stopping to see us.

    Lisa,
    That's right, her parents must have had a wild ride. Didn't initially think about that. So glad Patti's up and running now! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!