In 140 words or less, tell readers a little about Patricia Haley.
-          My bio reads, PATRICIA HALEY is the trailblazing, #1 Essence bestselling author of seven faith-based novels. She’s a project manager with an engineering degree from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. She is a born-again believer and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Patricia lives in Philadelphia. Those are my public credentials, but people who know me well would probably say that I’m funny (crazy really), love being around family and friends, easy going, but tough when it comes to business. I have shy tendencies although you’d never know it because I appear very outspoken. My husband and I LOVE traveling and have been to 5 continents, 14 countries, and 35 states together. I’m quite creative and my daughter loves when we do arts and crafts, which most people don’t know.
 
In 140 words or less, tell readers why Destined would make a great addition to our personal library.
-          Chosen started the war between brothers for ultimate control of their father’s multimillion-dollar ministry. Destined continues the feud, combining spiritual themes, family tension, corporate intrigue, and romance, making it a nice addition to anyone’s personal library who is seeking a blend of drama, sprinkles of comedy, and an inspirational message subtly woven into the fibers of the story. The series is inspired by the biblical kings David and Solomon. My modern-day interpretation will hopefully keep readers riveted until the stunning conclusion, when the entire fate of a family rests on their ability and willingness to forgive.
 
How did you come up with the plot for Destined?
-          At the conclusion of Chosen, readers weren’t satisfied with only an epilogue ending. They wanted more. So, Destined was born. The story picks up where Chosen left off, in the lobby of the family’s business. The oldest brother, Don, has returned from his exile in South Africa at the pleading of his mother and former love interest. Don is torn between coming back and wholeheartedly battling his younger, out of control, half brother Joel for the ministry or maintaining his livelihood on another shore. Ultimately he comes to realize that certain wars are inevitable if one is to fulfill their destiny.
Are you working on another book and, if so, can you share a brief summary with us?
-          I’m currently working on the third book in the Chosen series, titled Broken. The family battle takes a twist when the estranged daughter returns to stake her claim. Whatever whiff of peace the family garnered in Destined is quickly evaporated.
Thus far, what has been your favorite 2010 moment ?
-          One of my favorite moments in 2010 is watching President Barack Obama sign the healthcare bill.  It was monumental, trail blazing, and an unprecedented accomplishment that no other president, congressman, or other leader has been able to achieve. Hats off to our president for having vision, wisdom, and commitment to doing what he was destined to do.
Which living person do you most admire?
-          Of all the people living, I most admire my mother, Fannie Haley Rome. After my parents divorced during my childhood, she worked incredibly hard, two jobs most of the time, to raise her three children. She has always been very independent, relying on no one but God and her willingness to work. Her unconditional love and support throughout my life has been priceless.

 What are your most overused words or phrases?
-          One of my most overused words is ‘opportunity’. I recently found myself using it at work repeatedly. My challenge now is in finding a comparable replacement, which isn’t that easy for ‘opportunity’.  Thank goodness for a Thesaurus.
If you could meet any historical character, who would it be and what would you say to him or her?
-          If I could meet any historical character, it would be one of my great grandfathers. I’d have so many questions for my maternal great grandfather, starting with, “As an African American man in Mississippi, how did he get a car in the early 20’s?”  I’d like to hear firsthand what was Mississippi like back then? How did he make his money?  My paternal great grandfather was born at the tail end of slavery. After emancipation, I’m told that he owned a cotton gin.  I’d ask him, “How did that happen?  Where did he get the funds?  What was it like for African Americans during the early days of emancipation in Arkansas and Louisiana?” So many questions.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
-          Two of my biggest pet peeves are people not flushing the toilet and not washing their hands.  Ugh!
What is your most surprising talent or interest – the one that makes people say “I didn’t know you (did/liked/knew)…”?
-          Once people get to know me, they’re often surprised at what a good cook I am. Because of my crazy schedule and professional background, many assume that I have no domestic abilities.  What they don’t know is that growing up with a single mom, I started cooking full meals by age nine, ironing at age seven, and washing dishes at four years old. Nowadays, I don’t iron AT ALL. You could say that I’m retired. My clothes come straight out of the dryer, or go to the cleaners.  Every now and then there will be an ‘emergency’ wrinkled situation and my wonderful husband will iron for me.  Thank goodness for a great husband and dry cleaners.
What’s one song that people would be surprised to know is on your IPod (or in your music collection)?
-          People may be surprised to know that I have Good Morning Heartache in my music collection. I personally love jazz, and Billie Holiday is a legend.  I played Strange Fruit and Good Morning Heartache incessantly when I was writing my fourth novel, Still Waters.  There was a part of the story where the depressed husband contemplated suicide.  Quite honestly, Good Morning Heartache set the right mood for writing those ‘dark’ yet vivid scenes.
 Name five things that make your world go round.
-          Five things that make my world go round are my marriage to my wonderful soul mate – Jeffrey, my family including my amazing daughter, my faith in Christ, my wealth of close friends, and traveling to new places.
Patricia thanks for taking time out of your busy schedules and spending a few with APOOO. 

 Visit Patricia on www.patriciahaley.com or become a fan of Author Patricia Haley on Facebook

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