At Patty's wedding / Pic by Louis TorresA little while ago, I got sick of answering interview questions and interviewed my Mom and Dad instead. My sister Patty read the interview and said “hmph. I’ve got a few things to add to that.” She also found a blatant error that my poor father will hear about for years. But more about that below.

And so here is Patty’s take on what makes a writer, and how a little sister survives said writer…and by the way, Patty, don’t believe Mom about the lake monsters. You know they’re real, and they’re just waiting for an unsuspecting swimmer…one who is foolish enough not to believe.

Q. I write dark things. Why? Can you shed any light on this?

You have always had an "active" imagination. As my big sister, I'm always inclined to believe you when you speak of things like lake monsters and psycho squirrels that hide in the bedroom. But then Mom usually has to remind me that I shouldn't believe everything you tell me. I wouldn't be surprised if the basis for your dark material comes from those crazy, whacked out nightmares you have!
Q. Go ahead. Tell people what it was like growing up with me!
Honestly, you were the best sister any little sister could have. Well, except for when you and your friend Amy thought it'd be fun to put your baby sis out on the patio roof. But, I was always ready and willing to be your 80's fashion model and walk the "runway" and I was always jealous that you could go out on the sailboat by yourself. Beyond that, you were a bit of a "drama queen", not only because you were the star lead in all the plays (which I attended EVERY SINGLE PERFORMANCE THANK YOU VERY MUCH), but because you tended to be a taaad over dramatic about things like failing your driver's test. Sometimes people think sisters who are far apart in age couldn't be close, but I tell them it's just the opposite - my sister is my best friend!
Q. What was your first clue that I might end up being a writer?

It definitely came as no surprise to me, you were always getting published here and there in places like Merlyn's Pen and Talent Unlimited! English was always one of your favorite subjects, and you were an editor of your college newspaper at Boston University. I was always pulling for you to be an actress so I could go to the Oscars with you, but I guess being a writer isn't a bad second choice. Does the Pulitzer have an award ceremony I can go to?
Q. You read Mom and Dad's interview. Anything you want to add or rebut?

Yes. In our parents’ interview, they make reference to you writing a review for a software program. Would just like to mention that the review was written by moi, your little sis, and it was for a dinosaur computer program for Zillionaire magazine. Go figure that I also, to an extent, write for a living by writing grants!
Q. What's the craziest thing you've done to promote your beloved sister's book?

I am always looking to promote CANDOR whenever I can. I consistently go to the Border's in New York City during my lunch break to make sure they have copies of your book and that they're outward facing. I also request CANDOR through my library, "read it" for a week, return it, and then request it all over again. At first they didn't have it, so I had to 'request' it. Probably looked suspicious that Patty "Bachorz" was requesting a book she had heard "such great things about!" that was written by a Pam "Bachorz"…