FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-United States, 2021-August 20— /PRFree/-American fiction author Patricia M. Muhammad discusses writing and her Silhouette Lost series.

Q. When you began writing Silhouette Lost, did you write the story knowing what plot twists you were to
incorporate and how it would end?
A. For Silhouette Lost, I only knew how what would be the primary plot and who would be the sole enemy to
earth. As I continued to write there was at least one surprise I did not initially think to include, that was
Livianna's resurrection from the dead. From the outset, the other characters seemed to have died for one
reason or another and served their purpose. I considered Livianna, Yamaria's eldest sister, an ancillary
character. Then I reflected on her potential and did not wish to unintentionally use the literary
recommendation of 'kill your darlings'. There was so much to develop in her character that even if it could
not fit into Silhouette Lost, she would become the focus of another novel in the series. This is where her
return from death is crucial in understanding what she has become.

Q. Did any of the characters you created in Silhouette Lost intended to anger or upset the reader?
A. There were a few. One of the most glaring is Antonio. He desired to use his knowledge of science and to
some extent the esoteric, to destroy the earth because he could not have the woman he wanted as she
was already betrothed to Yamaria's father. He attempted to kill so many innocents to effectuate the
spread of his personal misery due to his wicked heart. Yamaria became the primary target, yet with the
help of Salvatore and the others, they were able to defeat Antonio. Yamaria and Salvatore were able to
have the life and future meant for each other despite the nonsensical and dangerous interference of
others. Another character, Basilia, who is another one of Yamaria's newfound sisters, dies as well. She
appears to fight a losing battle of her own evil. One cannot tell whether she is genuine when she tries to
redeem herself because from everyone' initial encounter of her she is bitter, envious and unremorseful.
She had so many chances to choose the 'side of good' but that was the lesson she learned too late. One
cannot really choose it, either you are or you or of the opposite. Basilia was thoroughly wicked and no
amount of magic, mercy or kindness could ever change her. She was angry, but mostly at herself, for she
could never be what Yamaria was ordained to become. Basilia could never have what destiny provided for
Yamaria and Salvatore—a lifetime of happiness. Her interference with it all failed her. Basilia had no one
to blame but herself.

Q. In Silhouette Lost, Yamaria flashes back to her childhood, when her powers began to 'manifest'. Was there
a particular reason you chose to change the voice of narration back to the present?
A. When I first wrote Silhouette Lost, it was to be a sequential story from childhood, adolescent to university
years. However, since Yamaria's powers allow for her to enter the cosmos beyond our time while
physically still being present here, it was unnecessary to make such a timeline. These gifts only resurface
when she needs them and this is when she started to remember some of these important events in her
childhood. So as she recalls the memories, it is as if she has opened an inner book within Silhouette Lost,
allowing the reader to step inside her thoughts to discover and experience what she had long forgotten.

Q. You wrote Silhouette Lost's ending with Salvatore and Yamaria getting married. Was it your intention for
this to be their 'happily ever after'?
A. Yes. Salvatore's encounter in the Italian café years after university was not incidental. He could not pinpoint
it, but somehow he knew she was meant for him. After all that Salvatore and Yamaria went through in
Silhouette Lost they deserved to be happy together. So despite whatever obstacles, cosmic events, use of
powers against them or their world, Salvatore and Yamaria were destined to be one, and they are.

Q. When you wrote the Silhouette Lost series, were you surprised as to what the series became?
A. Yes. Each book an author writes is its own separate endeavor. When you write a series you are building or
connecting one novel with another, yet creating a different story and focusing at times on different
characters. Silhouette Lost was primarily a contemporary romance novel with paranormal and sci-fi
elements. The sequel, Rising Shadows still maintained the romantic element, especially as it was Yamaria
and Salvatore's bond that allowed for him to accompany, assist and protect Yamaria in the Kingdom of
Erinamdi. Yet, the sequel includes magical realism and because they are now in a kingdom world unknown,
fantasy. So I was surprised as to the continuity and the greater focus of the other characters I made, all the
white making elements of other genres integral as part of the main plots.

Q. Where do you get your ideas for the Silhouette Lost series?
A. I just began to write for Silhouette Lost and Rising Shadows. I concluded narrative was the opportunity to
express some ideas and interactions poetically, but after the first two books, the novels in the Silhouette
Lost series naturally began to flow as I continued to write. Other than the over-arching love story, the
understanding (or lack thereof) of consciousness was part of the foundation I used to undergird the
following books.

Q. When you began writing, was it right then you decided you wanted to be a career author?
A. No. I had wanted to be a writer a little over a decade earlier than that. I only was able to delve into fiction
writing in recent years after having some experience in academic research and writing. There had always
been a creative part of me that had been dormant for years. Circumstance and time had allowed for me to
reawaken that part of myself.

Q. Are novelists born or made?
A. Seems like a nature versus nurture debate. I think anyone with an inclination of the arts are generally
"born" that way, but practice, experience and maybe training is what allows for artists to hone in their
talent. I don't think anyone can perfect their artistry, including as an author. So I consider it a combination
of both elements.

Q. Where can you get feedback on your writing?
A. I have read that some authors use friends and family as beta readers of their drafts. Some hire editors.
Other authors use groups in which they exchange manuscripts. With all of these options the aspiring
author needs to be careful. Once published, an author can receive feedback from readers' reviews.

Q. What do you do when you feel creatively stuck?
A. I try to do something else creatively like scrapbooking. Otherwise I will take a break from writing. Coffee
or a walk can sometimes help. Most importantly is to remind yourself of why you are writing and keep that
motivation in your mind so it is still there to guide you once you resume writing.

About Patricia: Patricia is an American multi-genre fiction author who has written in science-fiction/fantasy, fantasy, contemporary crossover romance, historical romance and mystery/detective romance genres. She has written 22 books. Patricia is currently based in the United States.

Connect with Patricia:
Social media: @pmmuhammadbooks
Press: [email protected]