Author Patricia Sands – A Favourite France Author

Patricia Sands is a favourite France author who brings the magic of France alive on every page of her books, and also in real life on her South of France Memories Tours. I know, that if you don't already love Patricia's novels or haven't yet toured with my lovely dynamo of a friend, you're going to love getting to know her in this meet-the-author post.

Author Patricia Sands - A Favourite France Author

Patricia lives two hours north of Toronto, but her heart's other home is the South of France where she spends part of each year on the Côte d'Azur. Patricia’s work has been described as “Celebrating the rewarding friendships and bonds women share, [with] stories that examine the challenges life often throws in our paths. Location features prominently in all of her novels. Her philosophy is that it's never too late to begin something new, to seize each day and be a possibilitarian! As the saying goes, just do it!” – Amazon bio

Found in good bookstores, on Amazon and other online book outlets are Patricia's books: The Bridge Club, Love in Provence Series, Drawing Lessons, Les Villa des Violettes Series and The Secrets We Hide. Now let's meet the gorgeous Patricia Sands…

Going back to the beginning of it all and the start of your writing career, what inspired you to write ‘The Bridge Club’?

I began writing by accident! I began writing The Bridge Club just for my real-life bridge group. Ten women who have been friends since we were in our late teens/early twenties. And still are friends, I might add. My husband had recently retired and sadly some health issues had become a problem and we were home a lot. I had time on my hands and began the book. It was really only after the women’s encouragement to publish it because they said I was “telling women’s stories that their book club’s would want to read”. I began taking writing courses and workshops and became seriously involved with the craft of writing.

After ‘The Bridge Club’, you transported us all to Provence with your ‘Love in Provence’ book series. This includes three novels that centre around Katherine and her bold move to Provence, her newfound love Philippe, and the test of where her heart calls home. Had you travelled to Provence often before writing this series? And if so, how did you narrow down what towns and locations to include in your books?

Yes, since 1998, my husband and I had been spending extended times in the south of France, mainly through home exchange or rentals. Once I realized I wanted to write another novel after The Bridge Club was published, I knew I would set it in the south of France. I was intimately knowledgeable about the Côte d’Azur and Provence by then. Antibes stole my heart during my first visit there and we returned often.

Readers who wrote me about The Bridge Club mentioned they loved seeing main characters who were mature and not just 30-somethings. So the lives of women over fifty became my focus. My love affair with that part of the world actually began in 1967 when I backpacked with friends after university. It has only grown stronger every year since then.

‘Drawing Lessons’ set in Arles with its “fields of poppies and sunflowers that inspired Van Gogh” beautifully brings together human relationships, failing health, art and historical characters. The raw emotion of your characters as they journey through life is powerful and thought provoking. Do you find writing about such strong characters difficult or uplifting. As a writer do you also feel what your characters are experiencing, even if just a little?

There are difficult moments and uplifting ones in writing every story. I was widowed when I was forty-three with two young children, so I have experienced grief and the challenges that accompany it. That often helps me identify with struggles my characters are facing. And yes, the emotions my characters are experiencing definitely live inside me as I write. I may be smiling, laughing, muttering or crying at any given time.

I must say that the artwork of the covers of your four books in the ‘Villa des Violettes’ series is simply gorgeous, and that just by looking at the book covers I was itching to start reading. Spending time in Provence you must have seen your fair share of stunning villas and buildings. Do you have a favourite (or few favourite) locations you like to stay in when in the South of France?

Thank you. The artwork was actually done by two women who were on one of my tours. They heard me talking about some difficulties with the artwork and asked if they could give it a try. They understood what I wanted right away and voilà, they created covers for all four books.

Well, of course Nice and Antibes are where I stay most often. However, I also love the Luberon and have rented in St. Remy de Provence several times. There are so many beautiful villages all close by.

When looking at the timeline of your book publication dates, I’m sure I am not the only person who wonders how you ever fit everything you do into 365 days a year! You are a prolific writer, blogger and tour guide taking groups of ladies to the south of France every year. How do you find time to do what you love? And do you have any suggestions for us on how to follow our passion, or creative outlet, while maintaining our busy everyday lives?

My goodness, Annette, I could say the same to you. I’ve always admired how you are living your dream in France and keeping up with travel, your newsletter and your family. If we are doing what we love, we find the time. Life is short (pardon the cliché) but, as I approach another birthday, I’m reminded that every day is a gift. It is never too late to follow a dream. Take chances. Believe in yourself.

Can you tell us a bit about your South of France Memories Tours and what guests can expect when joining you on a tour?

I’ve been doing this tour for ten years now and it has been the loveliest gift to come from my writing. We only change hotels once, spending six days in Nice and then six in Arles. We do short day trips to the most beautiful and interesting places. Everyone loves it and year after year I love watching a new group of ladies become friends. We have one spot left for this September, sharing a room with a fabulous woman I happen to know. So, if anyone reading this is interested, I can guarantee you will have the time of your life.

Here is the link with all the information on the details of the trip and how to register.

Annette, merci mille fois for this wonderful invitation to spend time with you and your readers. It is such a pleasure to consider you a friend and I hope one day we will sit together in France and reminisce over a coupe or two.

Big thanks to Patricia

A big thanks to Patricia, popular author and tour leader for sharing her thoughts on her writing and how we can be inspired to follow our hearts too. How wonderful to have such delightful and talented tour guests who also create beautiful book cover artwork! Find out more about touring with Patricia on a trip of a lifetime to the Côte d’Azur, Provence, Camargue & Occitanie HERE

To find out more about Patricia and her books visit her website www.patriciasandsauthor.com and follow her travels on Instagram @psands.stories

Books by Patricia Sands available on Amazon

To easily purchase your own copies, I've included links to all books available on Amazon below. If you purchase from my carefully curated collections, including my book collection, it does not cost you anymore and as an Amazon Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you and enjoy reading!

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