Anna Patricio is the author of Asenath, a historical romance that adds some more meat to the biblical story of Joseph. Yes we know much about the dreamer, but what about his wife?

The lack of knowledge led Miss. Patricio to write the novel with Joseph’s wife as the heroine. Read on to learn some more of what finally helped her to find who she truly was as a writer.

Straight from the Author’s mouth: How the bible helped her find her niche.

Can you tell us about your journey as a writer? Why Asenath?

I have been fascinated with the story of Joseph (the dreamer) for the longest time. Some years ago, I realized not much was known of his wife, the priest’s daughter who was given to him in marriage as his reward for interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams. I grew really curious about her. I looked her up, but found hardly anything on her. Thus, I decided to imagine what her life might have been like.

How long did it take you to complete this novel? Can you talk about your writing process?

It took me about 3 years to complete ‘Asenath’ – and then 8 months to seek publication. My writing process is pretty spontaneous. I don’t have any particular procedure. But I write and revise better at night than in the daytime. I guess that makes me a night person. Additionally, I need absolute silence to write. I once tried writing in an airport, but failed.

Any editing tips?

I’ll quote what I heard another writer say – rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. Also have another pair of eyes go over your manuscript. My friend and fellow writer did a thorough critique of one of the drafts. His help was priceless.

Who are some of your favorite authors and how have they inspired your writing?

Arthur Golden, who wrote ‘Memoirs of a Geisha.’ I really like his character and plot development. In fact, his novel was one of my chief influences for ‘Asenath.’ I also like Wilbur Smith’s Egyptian series. His novels were actually my foray into reading historical fiction, and I was inspired by how he breathed life into people who lived so far from our time, making them like human beings I could relate to.

Why writing at all? What motivates you?

I have actually always been inclined to writing, but never wrote “seriously” until after college. Until then, you see, I didn’t know my writing niche. I didn’t know my passion – what it was that I wanted to write about. I wished I could write, but I lacked motivation. After college, I was trying to figure out what it was that I wanted to do in life when the idea to imagine the life of Joseph’s wife appeared to me. And like I said, I have always been fascinated with the Joseph account, so this was motivating in more ways than one.

Do you have any other books or new releases that you would wish to talk about?

Not yet. Maybe in a few years’ time – hopefully – I will have another book to talk about.

If you could share one tip you learned with self-published and traditionally published authors who share the same dream of being a successful author what would it be?

Hmmmmmm.. “write what you know.” As cliche as this may sound, it’s true. You must be really enthusiastic about what you’re writing, otherwise the outcome may be pretty mechanical. As for those seeking traditional publication, I suggest you investigate publishers/agents before you submit to them. I nearly fell for some “gimmicks” myself. The last thing you would want is for your dream to be ripped to shreds.

In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman’s daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered.

When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph.

Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace…and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master’s wife and thrown into prison.

Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?