Interview with Pat Montgomery, author of Patriot Parent
Please share about your background (where you were born, where you grew up, siblings/family dynamic, career background , where you live now, etc.)
I grew up moving around the country with my parents and my sister. Due to my dad’s job, we never lived in one place more than 4 years. Today I treasure that because I saw so many things and met so many different kinds of people, but then it was hard—especially for a teenager!
After my mother MADE me spend a summer as a Candy Striper in the local hospital (thanks, Mom) I made the decision that I wanted to be a nurse and have held a license now for 39 years. It was a great career and, when I turned into a single mom, I was able to care for my children on my own.
When I married my current husband, I left that career and we began a railroad consulting business with him. It has had its ups and downs but was a good chance for me to spread my wings and take a chance.
My writing career is my avocation. There is nothing like sitting alone and letting the words flow out of you—it is like they have a life of their own.
When did you begin your writing journey?
I dreamed of writing the great American novel when I was a child, but didn’t take writing seriously until I wanted to make a list for my children of the things I did well and things I could have done better when raising them. I wanted them to learn from my experiences so when they had their own, it would be easier for them. That list grew until it was my first book, Now You Know What I Know: Parenting Wisdom of a Grandmother which was published in 2005.
What inspired you to write this book?
The tragedy of 9/11 made all of us think and I was no exception. It was what made me consider that I might not be here to help my kids when they became parents and I wanted to leave something for them—to share a little wisdom with them.
Please share about your latest book.
My latest published book is The Patriot Parent: Still the
Best Hope for America. I looked around me and saw kids being sent home from school for wearing shirts with American flags on them, schools refusing to play the National Anthem, celebrities in a viral video pledging allegiance to a president instead of the country. It scared me. Sound familiar? So I decided to help parents help their children to understand why and how this country was founded and how exceptional it is. Not only does The Patriot Parent give parents the steps they need to take, but it also contains essays, documents such as the Declaration of Independence, and the words to patriotic songs that can be used as a starting off place for American families.
How did you decide to publish this book? Why?
I originally published it as an ebook, but then due to numerous requests, I updated it, changed a few things, and added more content and made it a paperback.
What is the best advice you have received about writing?
“Just start writing.” I was told to sit down and just start to write down my ideas, not worrying if they are in order or even in paragraphs. I found that to be true. As I wrote ideas, they flowed into sentences, then paragraphs, then chapters. It is magical what happens when you release that energy in your brain and get out of your own way.
What is your advice to beginning writers?
Not to give up. Write a blog, write articles, write a novel…just don’t stop writing. It is a muscle that needs to be exercised to operate at a maximum level. And believe in yourself. Stephen King kept writing even though no one would publish him—unitl they did. Jack Canfield got turned down everywhere he turned for his idea about the Chicken Soup books. Believe in yourself like they did and don’t quit.
Most writers are readers. What books are on your “to-read” list?
I just read King’s book, 11/22/63—amazing concept and great read. I recommend it to everyone.
I am looking forward to new Vince Flynn book coming out this spring—love the action and his writing style. Also the new Dan Brown book sounds good and I have loved his other ones.
But I also read biographies and books about American history. My bookshelf is pretty eclectic.
Where can readers find out more about you and your book?
(add in blog/website/social media links)
Below are the links to my websites (which include my blogs) and social media sites.
http://www.parentsrulewithpat.com
http://www.thepatriotparent.com
Facebook: I can be found under Parents Rule and The Patriot Parent
Twitter: I am ParentsRule http://www.twitter.com/parentsrule
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/parentsrule1
You are bringing back your blog talk radio show, Parents Rule! Please share more about that.
Thanks so much for asking!
Parents Rule! was on the air in Atlanta for 5 years then I decided to pull back and just do the blogs and You Tube. A few months ago I received an opportunity to bring Parents Rule! back but in only internet form and I could do it from home. After much thought, I agreed to do it and now I am really excited about this new venture. The first show airs on March 21 ( and then every Thursday) 3-4 pm on http://www.w4cyradio.com on the Intertainment Network.
Question for fun sake—what was your favorite childhood meal and why?
I am not sure if you are looking for a specific food or an event but here is my answer, which has both. My dad’s family has a family reunion every year and we would always come into town for it (we only got there once a year). He is one of 10 children, not to mention the many cousins. When I was little the men used to cook a hog over a pit all night, then pull the meat off the bone and that was the basis for our reunion meal. My dad let me come with him and listen to the stories the men told about their adventures and their exaggerated fish tales. It was great to be included. Then at the reunion, I had so many uncles, aunts, and cousins to hang around and I looked forward to it all year.
