Interview: Patrick C. Greene, Author of Progeny

Please welcome my special guest, horror novelist and short story writer Patrick C. Greene, whose latest book, Progeny, just came out from Hobbes Ends Publishing. Living in the rural periphery of Asheville, North Carolina with his wife, youngest son and an ever-growing army of cats, Greene still trains in martial arts when he’s not giving birth to demons via his pen and keyboard. 

Visit the author’s website at http://www.PatrickCGreene.com

Congratulations on the release of your latest book, Progeny. What was your inspiration for it?

I’ve always been interested in the mysteries of the wilderness, and Bigfoot is one of the greatest. However, I didn’t want to just do another Bigfoot-as-slasher piece, with the bodycount being the plot points. I saw an opportunity for a more complex story. My relationship with my son Deklan has presented its share of challenges, and I saw this as a good backdrop to address those, as I know they are common to most parents.

Tell us something about your protagonist that my readers won’t be able to resist.

Owen Sterling loves peace and quiet — but he can’t resist a good mystery.

How was your creative process like during the writing of this book and how long did it take you to complete it? Did you face any bumps along the way?

Progeny began as a screenplay, but I began to feel there was enough depth there that it could be expanded. When my publishers at Hobbes End suggested I try my hand at writing a novel, Progeny seemed the perfect candidate. The screenplay was a quick write — maybe two weeks. The novel version went on a bit longer, maybe as much as three months before it was submission-ready.

How do you keep your narrative exciting throughout the creation of a novel?

Screenwriter Keith Strandberg (American Shaolin) once gave me some great advice: start your scenes at the very last reasonable moment and end them at the first. This keeps the pace pretty brisk I think. I like the idea of a reader almost being throw out of one chapter and immediately plummeting into the action of the next, like an Indiana Jones movie.

What is your writing schedule like and how do you balance it with your other work and family time?

I write at night now, when the rest of the house sleeps. I’m able to write at my place of employ as well so in that regard I am particularly fortunate.

How do you define success?

Being able to reach people who will be as affected by my stories as I am by their telling. The freedom of doing something I love to do. The flexibility to have time with my family.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers whose spouses or partners don’t support their dreams of becoming an author?

I’ve been very fortunate in that regard — but I’ve known some who are not. I feel that as long as you’re meeting your obligations to your partner, whatever you feel those to reasonably be, your pursuits are yours, and you should not suppress the desire to follow them; it can be very unhealthy. If you stick to your guns, eventually your mate is going to see your passion and come to share it. 

Anything else you’d like to tell my readers?

Check out my short stories in The Endlands collections and on Amazon — and send me some feedback! I love connecting with readers. Also, be on the lookout for two upcoming films I’m writing; A Shotgun Wedding at www.ashotgunwedding.com, and also something VERY unusual coming from Wild Dream Productions (www.wild-dream.com)

Thanks Everybody!

Purchase Progeny from Amazon.