Interview with Paty Jager, Author of Bear Stalker
08 Feb 2023
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Bear Stalker?
After a trip to Montana and seeing a lodge on an island in a lake, I knew one day I would come up with a story to include that lodge. And I had been building up to bringing my main character’s sister back into his life.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I enjoy reading mysteries. Not necessarily the same type as mine. I write a police procedural with a Fish and Wildlife officer as the main character. While I have read one or two CJ Box, Dwight Holing, and a couple of other authors’ books who also write about game wardens, I prefer to read mysteries that aren’t police procedurals.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Die Cut by Nelle Heran & C.K. Eastland, Guests an Anthology by NIWA members Shutter by Ramona Emerson, and A Calm and Normal Heart by Chelsea T. Hicks.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
When Hawke and the sister he just reunited with are sitting in his vehicle in front of a church and they are discussing her problem. His brotherly instincts resurface and they begin joking with each other.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I always have my green tea (hot in the winter, iced in the summer) on my desk. I have multiple sticky pads, small ones to keep track of what they did each day on a large whiteboard on the wall next to my desk, and larger ones to make notes to stick to my suspect chart. I also have a spiral notebook that I jot down what happens in each chapter as I write. To keep track of actions and clues. Not sure if they are quirky but they are habits.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re too small.” Richard Branson
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Even if you’ve been wronged, you can be the stronger person. I write stories with Native American characters to show they are strong, resilient, and have a place in this world.
Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.
