This is Patrice! But you probably guessed that. 
Today, I’m interviewing Patrice Caldwell–book blogger, writer, and all-around cool gal. I only met her recently, but she’s got to be one of the brightest, most positive people I know. Read on to see just what makes her tick.
Hi! Can you introduce yourself and your book?
Hi, my name is Patrice Caldwell, blogger extraordinaire of Whimsically Yours, book lover + fashionista for life, college student, decorator of cakes, professional dancer in the confines of my room and various parties as well as a writer!!!
My completed manuscript (my Beta Readers are currently reading it) is BLOOD OF ISIS. It’s a story about a girl—Aziza Harper—who discovers she is the descendant of the Egyptian Goddess Isis and her journey (with her friends) to unlock ancient secrets in order to defeat the evil God Seth who wants to rule over their world . . . muwhahahaha!
My WIPs are CONFESSIONS OF A PRE-TEEN WITCH & THE OTHERWORLDLY CHRONICLES!
What is your favorite place to write?
Probably my room, in my bed (with my stuffed animals) or in my dorm’s common room in this comfy chair that is surrounded by three windows overlooking a gorgeous mini-forest.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Whew . . . now that’s a tough one . . . jk. I’ve been a writer from the moment I could read (if not before that). It stemmed from my desire to write stories better (i.e. ones with endings, etc., I liked better) than the ones I read, as well as a way for me to express myself, my true feelings, thoughts, etc., without anyone else finding out.
Why did you decide to write Young Adult/Middle Grade Fiction?
I first started writing YA because, well, I don’t exactly remember. The book idea came to me from bits and pieces of my own past experiences, and I instantly knew it was a YA book. As for MG, I started writing it because I grew up reading MG; MG started my love for literature (that, and Anne Rice). Also, in MG life isn’t as concerned about finding your “true love.” MG, to me, is more real, more honest and wayyy more fun!
If you could be any one of your characters, or any character from a novel, which would it be & why?
Haha! I am my characters; bits and pieces (sometimes very large chunks) of me are in them and vice versa.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
It came from Stephen King (in his book On Writing) and it was/is to “just write.” Stop talking about it, planning so much, etc., and just write. And yes, I’m mostly a pantser, even though outlining can be very helpful and necessary at times.
“Just Write” is also my advice to other writers; it can be applied (with variation) to other fields and activities.
How do you overcome “writer’s block?”
I write (I also take breaks to dance and sing obnoxiously).
Coffee or tea?
Tea—but I promised Ilana I’d have a story about this, so here it goes. I love tea, especially getting tea or cold fraps (without coffee or hot chocolate) from Starbucks. However, I don’t drink coffee . . . the most I’ve had is a mocha.
So why do I love Starbucks so much when I mostly buy tea? Well A) Their tea is awesome and B) I always find Europeans in Starbucks, I suppose because it’s the closest thing to a café in most places around the USA, and I speak/am continuously improving my French. And my friend and I love going and listening to conversations and people watching . . . call me a creep, but I love it! 
If you had an animal spirit, which animal would it be and Why?
I do have spirit animals, or at least, I like to think I do. They are the Owl and the Jaguar. The Owl because it is wise and quiet, always watching, and I feel I have a very quiet side to me. I love watching others and situations before I interact with them/enter the situation, and I hope to one day be very wise.
As for the Jaguar, they are the third fastest cat in the world, they are sleek and beautiful, and they are predators. The Jaguar is my spirit animal because I love it, I connect with its “predatorness,” and aim to be as sleek and cunning as it is. Lastly, while it isn’t the fastest or the top of the top, it is still a fierce predator which shows you don’t always have to be the best or fastest in order to dominate and be successful.
What is your favorite book and Why?
Harry Potter . . . no post on Sundays, nuff said.
What is your favorite movie and Why?
Harry Potter . . . I grew up with the books, yes, but especially with the movies.
What is the next book you want to write?
No sure yet, but I would like to finish CONFESSIONS OF A PRE-TEEN WITCH by Halloween. Also for NaNoWriMo, I aspire to finish the sequel to BLOOD OF ISIS.
Imagine you are writing your memoir . . . what is its title?
The Whimsical Life of an Aquarius.
Last words?
Thanks so much for having me, Ilana!
And thank you, Patrice. I especially love your cure for writer’s block.
Can’t get enough of the writer and blogger, Patrice Caldwell?
You can find out more about Patrice the blogger by visiting:
If you want to query Patrice, her book review policy can be found here. She also does author interviews, guests posts, and giveaways.
You can find out more about Patrice the writer by visiting her official author site. Her writer (not blogger) social media links are: Twitter, Goodreads, and LinkedIn.
(Top image credit: Patrice Caldwell)