We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pat Backley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Pat, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I hope that, through my books and the way I have lived my life, I will inspire people. To chase their dreams, follow their passions and never give up!

Pat, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I wrote and published my first book DAISY just before my 70th birthday. Now, two years later, I have 5 published books, with 3 more coming out next year and I have contributed short stories to two anthologies.
I have written both historical fiction, personal memoirs and a travel memoir.
Having discovered my passion, I now can’t stop writing and have heaps of ideas for new books!
People say that reading my books is like listening to me speak and as I have strong views about equality and kindness these threads run through all my writing.
I have had an interesting life, full of ups , downs and travel, so have plenty of stuff to draw on.
I am English but emigrated to New Zealand when I was 59 and I have a spiritual home in the Fiji Islands.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I could share hundreds of stories about this, from surviving two difficult divorces, losing everything financially, family suicides, emigration, Picking myself up every time and just carrying on!

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Before becoming an author, I have, over the years, owned and managed several businesses, ranging from furniture stores, childcare centres, property development, training and assessment centres. I have also worked for large charities, managing volunteers, and in all these situations I have worked in the same way. I firmly believe that to be a good manager you must treat people as you would like to be treated. With kindness, support, encouragement and understanding. Even the most hostile colleague seems to respond to that eventually!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.patbackley.com
• Instagram: @patbackleyauthor
• Facebook: @patbackleyauthor
• Linkedin: @patbackley
• Twitter: @patbackleybooks

Image Credits
Laurataitphotography