Pat's Pages - Blog

November 09th, 2016

11/9/2016

Utah! What a beautiful area we live in. Hubby and I have been enjoying the incredible scenery that surrounds us. Mild, sunny, low humidity days and cool nights are a delight, and makes being outdoors a true gift. We are located close to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Escalante National Parks, so have access to unending opportunities to see wonderful landscapes, not to mention our own back yard. Many of the familiar westerns with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood (to name a few) were filmed here, so when we're out and about, it's eerily familiar!

Now that we've settled in a bit more, our rescue dogs have made themselves at home, and my MS (Multiple Sclerosis) is behaving a bit better, I will attempt to post monthly, or at least every other month. I have some recipes, travel, and other diverse ideas to share, so check us out whenever you are out along the Treasure Trail.

KMCH Guest of the Day

1/7/2015

Photo by Sharon Dalton

Thanks to KMCH Mix 94.7 Manchester Radio for inviting me to be Guest of the Day. Mike Johnson graciously hosted this author discussing my novel DAN, as well as touching on the subject of MS. Not only was the interview enjoyable but we had a book give-a-way! That was really fun. Once again, thanks to Janelle Tucker for the invite, and host Mike Johnson for making it a pleasure to visit KMCH.

December 12th, 2014

12/12/2014

Christmas is fast approaching and I have not sent out one card, put up one light--I did get the Christmas Angel gifts delivered in time--but I am way behind. Let me take this moment and let you folks who visit my web site, who've purchased my novel DAN, who've encouraged, critiqued, and blessed me through this past year--let me say with gratitude--THANK YOU! I pray all of you have a blessed Christmas and that you are touched by the true meaning of Christ's gift to us, and that your New Year will be full of life that brings you closer to your family, friends, but most of all, closer to your Savior, Jesus Christ. Because, our Redeemer lives!

Sleigh ride with the family. "Oh what fun...."

CONTEST WINNERS!!

11/29/2014

WINNERS: SUE MILES AND MARY JOHANNSEN. Both ladies will be named as characters in GORDIE: Book 2 of the Hilldale Series. Sue requests to be a "good" girl and Mary has requested to be a "naughty" girl! Congratulations ladies. See you in my next novel--hopefully Fall of 2015 or sooner!

What fun! The winners of my "Become a Character" in Book 2 of the Hilldale Series are looking forward to seeing who they will be portrayed as. Their names will become characters in GORDIE--and I have plans for them! The book will be another suspense/thriller as DAN is, so look out ladies--you never know what might happen to you--in the story, of course! Thank you for participating, and to all of you who signed up, a big THANK YOU!

The West Union book signing was so much fun. I met a lot of interesting folks and I hope those of you who bought DAN: Book One in the Hilldale Series are enjoying it.

DAN has gone national with Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Books-a-Million.com and Goodreads.com. Please feel free to write reviews for DAN. I appreciate your input.

Christmas will soon be here for those who celebrate the season. Love is the greatest gift you can give. I pray a blessed upcoming year for you all.

#contestwinners #patjaegerspages #dan

James Kennedy Public Library Presentation and Signing!

11/20/2014

Author Pat Jaeger presenting Librarian Dawn Schrandt with a copy of DAN: Book One of the Hilldale Series.

I must say, doing the book presentation (reading a passage from DAN, giving a short bio, answering questions) and signing at James Kennedy Public Library in Dyersville, Iowa highlighted my day! A big thank you to Dawn and those at the library who helped make this a wonderful evening for myself and all who attended. The treats were yummy and there weren't many leftovers!

Many of you shared humbling and kind sentiments when you purchased DAN, and I am grateful to every one of you. Your kind encouragement is a blessing to me!

My next signing will be at Nov. 22nd in West Union, Iowa at the Echo Valley Reception Center craft/vendor show on Hwy 18. It will be open from 9am until 3pm. Come say hello!

FUN at GROOVY GROUNDS!

11/15/2014

Pat Jaeger and Groovy Grounds owner Anne Reitzler.

I was privileged to be invited to a Meet and Greet the Author at Groovy Grounds in downtown Dyersville, Iowa. Our gracious hostess, Anne Reitzler made us feel right at home in the comfortable, friendly atmosphere of this multifaceted coffee house that provides a great place for breakfast or lunch, a place to sit and relax and enjoy coffee, tea, and a variety of delicious drinks while using their WiFi.

The seeds of DAN were noted down while I "hid" out for a couple of hours of down time sipping tea and enjoying scones or a great sandwich and cup of soup. I wrote many of my first ideas down and then began to flesh them out while recouping from care-giving. I've still got my notebook and much of what I wrote down several years ago, are now a large part of the story of DAN and also of GORDIE: Book 2 of the Hilldale Series which I hope to have out by early Fall of 2015. It was a lot of fun returning to the "scene of the crime" and closing the circle--from scribbled notes, to finished product! Thanks Anne!

Debut of DAN at Clinton IA Show

11/3/2014

November 2nd brought my first public presentation of my debut thriller, DAN, in Clinton, Iowa. I met so many wonderful people who stopped to chat and purchase my book. My thanks go out to Amy Bertling, my friend, sister-in-Christ, and Business Manager for her encouragement and help, and to fellow author, Carol Denekas, popular inspirational romance author and good friend. If you haven't found Carol's book, Rescuing Love, check it out on her website
www.caroldenekas.com/.
We had a great time and wish
to thank all the folks who
helped put the show together.

November 22nd we will be in West Union, Iowa for their craft show. Hope to meet and greet lots of folks there.

Dan: Book One in the Hilldale Series is now in Pre-Release!

10/7/2014

DAN, my debut thriller has been pre-released by Tate Publishing! The novel will be released nationally on November 18th to Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and whichever book stores purchase it. This is an exciting time and I'm looking forward to the many events planned to introduce myself and my novel to the public.

Please check out my events calendar to see where I'll be speaking and/or doing a book signing and come visit.

Thank all of you beta readers, family, and friends who've been a part of this adventure. You've made this journey so much easier and enjoyable! Blessings to you all.

Interview with Neva Sue Bently

8/28/2014

Neva Sue Bently sketch by Taylor Solberg

Author Pat Jaeger interviews Neva Sue Bently, a main character in her soon-to-be-released thriller/suspense novel DAN: Book One of the Hilldale Series.

Jaeger: Ms. Bently, my granddaughter, an aspiring artist gave me her idea of how you might look, but let me also give a brief description of you for our audience. You are 32 years old, single, long dark brown hair, with cascading waves down your shoulders and back, summer blue eyes, clear and sad--quite stunning, and you're certainly petite. Forgive me for being so forward but since I created you, I feel I can say, you are a very beautiful young lady, though I must also note, you appear sad, almost tragically so.

NSB: I suppose you could say my entire life is tragic, though I've never known anything different. Well, that's not true. When my mother was alive--sorry, when I talk about my mom, I always seem to cry.

Jaeger: That's okay. Here's a tissue. Do you need more time, or--??

NSB: I think we should continue. Who knows how much time I've got left before you-know-who comes after me. Oh, right--of course you do know--and I hate to criticize an author, but you didn't give that awful man any redeeming qualities. His wickedness knows no bounds.

Jaeger: Yes, you're right, but you characters still had a big say in what I wrote--your personalities, the way your lives turned out. When I started DAN, my story-line was quite different, as was the title, as you know, but look how you refused to follow the story line I had planned. You must admit, Ms. Bently, you chose your path more than I.

NSB: True. I appreciate the fact that you listened to me--even though you argued a lot--but eventually, you saw that I was right and my life had to change. Perhaps we'd best not go any further with this--spoil alert, and all that?

Jaeger: Goodness, you're right again. Thanks for reminding me. Hmmmm, what can we talk about that won't reveal important episodes in DAN and give our readers and inside look that isn't in the book?

NSB: Could I tell you about my mother? She was the best and you really wrote very little about her. My mom was funny, kind, and a wonderful cook. She and her best friend, Wanda Harmon, would get together to can green beans, apples, whatever, and they'd make each other laugh so hard they'd forget what they were doing. Wanda's daughter, Sarah Elaine--oh, you have her in the second book of the Hilldale series--Sarah Elaine was my best friend and we'd watch our mothers be silly and laugh right along with them. I really miss my mom. I was only seven and I saw what happened to her--

Jaeger: Guess we should stop there, Ms. Bently--another potential spoiler. Yes, Sarah Elaine's in the second book so we won't go into detail about her now. Changing the subject, did you know Sheriff Dan when you were in school?

NSB: Yes, a little. I'm shy, but then you know that, you wrote me that way. Danny--we called him Danny--was quiet and stayed to himself. Being the only black kid in our small school couldn't have been easy. But the only guy I really remember giving Danny a hard time was Arden Wickem. Let's don't talk about Arden, okay? He really wasn't very nice to Danny, well, honestly, to anyone who was a little different, or didn't run with his crowd. But, I'd trust Danny with my life.

Jaeger: Thanks, Neva Sue. You remind me that I do call the shots a lot, but don't forget, it was you who made me---oh, wait--that would ruin part of the story. Anything else you want to share with our friends?

NSB: Just that I'm so grateful that you made Muley Burger such a sweet old man, and though I really didn't know Mr. Billy Sumday, his kind ways go before him wherever he goes. Say, there's a storm coming and I'd better get going. Pa will skin me alive if he finds me gone--you know how it is.

Jaeger: Unfortunately, I do. I hated to write about your father, but you and I know he's an integral part of DAN. The story has to be told and I'm sorry if it's painful for you.

NSB: Yes, well, thanks. I really have to go. Will I be in the second book?

Jaeger: I do believe you're mentioned a time or two. You haven't been forgotten, Neva Sue. Your character is really important, so cheer up.

NSB: Great. Okay, now I really do have to go. You know what Pa'll do if he finds me gone.

Jaeger: Thanks for the interview. See you in DAN. Oh, what about children? Do you have any children? Shoot, she's already gone. Sorry folks. Guess you'll have to read the answer to that question in DAN, Book One in the Hilldale Series. And may I add, DAN has gone to print and Tate Publishing will let me know soon when the pre-release and national release dates are. I'm looking forward to sharing Sheriff Dan and Neva Sue's story with you.

Interview with Sheriff Dan Halloran

8/6/2014

Author Pat Jaeger interviews leading character in novel: Sheriff Dan Halloran

Fiction author Pat Jaeger held an interview session with Dan Halloran, sheriff of Lund County, Missouri. Sheriff Halloran has the leading role in Jaeger's soon-to-be-released thriller/suspense novel, DAN: Book one in the Hilldale series.

Jaeger: Sheriff Halloran, it's nice to meet you face-to-face. I've read a lot about you. Do you mind if I give our audience a short bio on you before we begin?

Halloran: Not at all. This is your debut novel, so whatever you need to do, I'm right behind you.

Jaeger: Thanks, Sheriff. Let's see, you are 32 years old, grew up right here in Mid-Missouri, served in the special forces branch of the Army, and upon discharge it looks like you attended the University of Missouri, in Columbia. Your bachelors is in Criminal Justice, and this is your second term as sheriff. And for you young ladies reading this, Sheriff Halloran just happens to be single! May I ask you about your heritage, Sheriff? You are African American, but do I detect a bit of Oriental background?

Halloran: Actually, my father is African American, born and raised on a Georgia tobacco farm. My mother was born on the largest island in the Pacific chain of islands commonly referred to as Palau. The islands were an American Trust after WWII, but before that it was under the control of the Germans and then the Japanese. My mother, Rikael, is of native Polynesian and Japanese descent.

Jaeger: That's fascinating. Have you ever visited your mother's village?

Halloran: No. Mom always wanted to go back to Medorm, but never made it. Both my parents have passed away.

Jaeger: I'm sorry, your parents seem to be a touchy subject for you. Let's move on. Can you give me a little insight on what it's like to be the sheriff of the smallest county in the state of Missouri? Is there a lot of crime?

Halloran: Thanks. I don't talk much about my parents. There are things you've probably written in DAN about my growing up years, so I reckon we can leave it at that. Anyway, I can't help but smile when you ask me about crime in Lund County. I've lived here all my life and know most of the folks that live in the Hilldale area. Hilldale is the county seat, though we lost some of our services back in the 80's when the economy took a nose dive. We're mostly an agricultural community, and back in the 80's our farms took a big hit. We're coming back, but many of our county services were teamed up with Boone or Cole County. We've been blessed to be able to keep our courthouse and sheriff's department intact--so far.

As far as crime goes, we're pretty laid back here. Most folks don't lock their doors, even when they go on vacation. Neighbors still look out for neighbors, and folks know if they go getting themselves into trouble, they'll be the topic of conversation for a long time up at Neely's Cafe.

Jaeger: Neely's Cafe?

Halloran: Neely's is what you might call the hub of communication here in Hilldale and the surrounding towns. Not much goes on around here that doesn't make it up to Neely's.

Jaeger: I'm not laughing at your small town cafe, but it does remind me of the old Hub Cafe that used to be a hangout for the local farmers and folks in Ashland. My mother grew up in Ashland--she's a Harmon--and said there weren't too many secrets that went untold at the round table.

Halloran: That's about right. Neely's is the next best thing to having the old telephone party lines. But folks look out for each other here, and I hope we never lose that caring attitude.

Jaeger: Well, Sheriff Halloran, I've enjoyed talking with you, and hope to read more about you in DAN. Seeing as how you're the main character, can you tell me who the bad guy is?

Halloran: I'm laughing because, you're the author, and me--I'm the poor county sheriff left in the dark. Remember, it's a thriller--you'll know who the bad guy is before I do! Somehow that doesn't seem fair, does it?

Jaeger: Sorry, you're right. I will tell you though, you live through book one and still have a starring role in book two of the Hilldale series. Thanks for giving me some of your valuable time. I know you have to get back to work, so we'll call it a day.

Halloran: You're welcome, ma'am. It's always a pleasure to talk to the author who developed my character into a good-looking, 6'2" easy-going county sheriff. I wouldn't trade my life for anything. Y'all have a good day.

Jaeger: Folks, don't you love his sense of humor? He is good-looking, and kind, and well, you'll read all about Lund County's sheriff, Dan Halloran this fall when DAN: Book one in the Hilldale series is released by Tate Publishing. Thanks for stopping by.

#danhalloran #patjaegerauthor