Patricia Reiss Brooks was born in Lake Placid,
the youngest of Daisy and Julian Reiss’s six children. She
is a graduate of St. Bernard’s Grammar School in Saranac
Lake, Lake Placid Central High and LeMoyne College in Syracuse.
She spent most of her childhood and teenage years
exploring the 
Adirondack
fire trails and logging trails with first her pony (at age ten)
and progressing on to a horse (at age 13). During those wonderful
school-free days she would saddle up right after breakfast and
find something to do with her horse all day; tying him to a tree
when it was time for lunch, or taking a dip in the lake with
him on a hot afternoon.
Patti, as she is known to her family and friends,
started writing as soon as she could spell and was a frequent
contributor to her grammar school publication, "The Clarion."
At age 16, she sold her first article to a nationwide magazine
for $3.00! She now has over 500 published articles in regional
and national magazines and papers including "Good Housekeeping,"
"The Hartford Courant," "The Morgan Horse,"
"Yankee Pedlar," "Equine Journal," etc.
Today Patti lives on a Morgan Horse Farm in East
Lyme, CT. where she and her husband, Bob, have raised and trained
hundreds of Morgan Horses. Her novel-in-progress is set in the
horse world.
PageOneLit.com: What did you like to read
when you were a little girl?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: Did you have an interest
in writing when you were very young? Every horse story I could
get my hands on. In school, however, we were required to read
a book of our choice and then do a book report on it. Even though
I was constantly reading, I would make up the book I "read"
for class and then write a book report on it. So, I guess I was
writing plots by the time I was 11.
PageOneLit.com: When did you first know
you wanted to be a writer?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: My grammar school
had a monthly mimeographed "magazine" called "The
Clarion" made up of student contributions. I never let a
month go by without submitting a story or poem or article.
PageOneLit.com: Who and or what have been
you biggest influences and why?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: If you mean "biggest
influence on writing" I don't think I have an answer. I
suspect my eventful and out of the ordinary life have given me
much to draw on.
1. Survivor of small plane crash
2. Free to explore the vast Adirondack mountain
on my horse and completely by myself from age 13
3. While on a horse, jumped out of a horse size
birthday cake
4. Performed with my horse in TV commercials
5. Set a record when I was 9 of swimming across
the 3/4 mile lake. I believe that record set in 1949 still stands
6. Have completed over 3000 miles of competition
on horses
7. Am still working toward my goal of riding a
horse in every state – just 10 to go!
8. Part of the only family you probably know that
trained live reindeer to pull Santa's sleigh.
PageOneLit.com: "Mountain Shadows"
is a historical novel set in the Adirondacks during the days
of Prohibition. How did you become so knowledgeable of Adirondack
history?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: Not only was I born
in the Adirondacks and roamed the mountain on my horse for years.
I spent 4 years conducting research on the Adirondacks, Tuberculosis,
The famous Black Horse Brigade, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid,
Antique cars. I worked closely with historical societies and
many of them even read early drafts to keep me on the straight
and narrow.
PageOneLit.com: What inspired you to write
"Mountain Shadows?"
Patricia Reiss Brooks: The story is loosely
based upon what actually happened to a relative-in-law.
PageOneLit.com: You do an excellent job
of bringing to life the extreme hardships that patients and their
families endured from tuberculosis during the 1920's. What kind
of research did you do around tuberculosis and the tuberculosis
"cure" in Saranac Lake?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: I read every diary,
autobiography and biography of tuberculars in the twenties and
thirties, in the days before antibiotics. Historic Saranac Lake
is a historical society that deals with the Cure Cottage Industry
in Saranac Lake. They were also a big help and even found me
former patients who read early drafts and offered advice.
PageOneLit.com: Are the characters Joe and
Alice Devlin based on anyone you know?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: The story is loosely
based upon what actually happened to a relative-in-law. I did
personally know the real Joe Devlin. And it is his photo on the
cover.
PageOneLit.com: What was the greatest challenge
in writing "Mountain Shadows?"
Patricia Reiss Brooks: Keeping myself in
the 1920's frame of mind.
PageOneLit.com: Are you a daily disciplined
writer? When writing do you find it difficult to stick to your
schedule? Do you have certain tricks you use so that you don't
stray from your writing?
I am a morning person and try to write between
4:30 and 7:30 before the phones start ringing and my husband
says "what's for breakfast?" I am also a full time
Realtor. Together with my husband we sell horse farms across
our state of Connecticut. This is also a demanding job and sometimes
it is difficult to concentrate on writing on not what I must
accomplish as a Realtor on any given day. I am also an avid horseman
and have to give that part of my life at least two hours four
days a week. I am also a diabetic and have opted for diet and
exercise instead of becoming insulin dependant. Therefore I must
get in an hour of vigorous exercise at least 5 days a week. The
only way I can keep this all together is to stick severely to
a schedule. I do try to leave my writing each day at a place
it is "fun" to pick up the thread again the next morning.
I also make myself "work on the book" as my personal
"counting sheep" to fall asleep at night. .
PageOneLit.com: What has been the reader
reaction to "Mountain Shadows?"
Patricia Reiss Brooks: Deeply Moving!, December
15, 2004 Reviewer: Shirley P Johnson "(Published Author)"
(USA) - See all my reviews
In the beginning of this outstanding read we are
confronted by a rescue of a young man stranded and half dead
in the snow. Joe Devlin is on a journey, one driven by love for
his wife Alice, who is suffering from tuberculosis. Joe is a
simple, honest man, but also a poor man, who is now faced with
the cost of the 'cure' that Alice must receive at Lake Placid,
New York, if he ever hopes to have
her well again.
We are taken along the journey of Alice and Joe
and their struggle to play the hand that life has dealt them.
Joe soon begins to do things he never thought he would, both
in his work and in his personal life and Alice if faced with
hard decisions of the heart. Neither life will ever be the same.
The author does an exceptional job of bringing
to life the immense hardships that patients and their families
endured from tuberculosis during the 1920's. Her description
of Lake Placid and the era bring you directly into the storyline
as your heart merges with the well defined characters of her
work. This is more than a story; it is a walk into part of America's
past and the people who lived it. A story that shows love indeed
has no end, nor obstacles that it cannot cross. Recommended.
Great job! Great read!
Shirley Johnson, Senior Reviewer, MidWest Book
Review
A Wonderful Read, December 4, 2004. Reviewer: Donna
Devlin -
I Loved the Book - I am buying copies for Christmas
gifts for all my family. A MUST Read Selection!
Mind Boggling, December 4, 2004, Reviewer: Kathy
Bartelli (Connecticut) -
A Fantastic Story!!! When I finished the book the
characters dominated my thoughts for many days. I recommend it
to anyone willing to laugh and cry. You won't put it down.
TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH, December 2, 2004, Reviewer:
Rosemary Donohue
It is with considerable creativity and skill that
the author has woven a poignant love story into the tapestry
of life in the Adirondack Mountains in the 1920's. At that time
Saranac Lake became a place where patients with tuberculosis
could seek the benefits of the "rest cure," and the
nearby Lake Placid Club provided employment for those seeking
to serve vacationing families, who themselves wanted not even
indirect contact with "consumptives." Into this world
moves Alice, recently married but weakened severely by TB, to
be followed by her devoted husband, Joe, who finds work as a
mechanic at the Lake Placid Club. The job permits him to be near
Alice as long as nobody knows he has a "consumptive"
wife, but it doesn't pay enough for her Saranac Lake "curing"
cottage; he needs to earn more. The 1920's was also the period
of Prohibition, which spawned lucrative, but risky, "boot-legging"
from the Canadian border. With his skill as a mechanic, Joe gets
drawn into servicing cars with hidden compartments, cars that
are speedy enough to outrun the troopers. Joe ends up in a job
that must be hidden from others in order to support a consumptive
wife whose existence must also be hidden. It is an engaging account,
a tragedy in life, but a triumph in love.
A reviewer, a librarian, February 22, 2005,
An Inspiring Story, well written! This novel explores
the joys & sufferings of a young couple who face difficult
decisions with courage. Set in the early 1920's the author's
attention to historical detail add to both the plot and the characters.
It is a great read that uplifts the spirit.
Avid Reader of Fiction/Hist., an Adirondacker,
February 21, 2005, NY & AZ Avid Reader Reviews 'Mountain
Shadows'
As a former member of the New York State Troopers
after 28 years of service, I was most fortunate to obtain a copy
of 'Mountain Shadows' authored by Patricia Reiss Brooks. This
fascinating novel of historical importance captured my attention
immediately as the powerful story propelled my reading from start
to finish. Joe Devlin, burdened with the constant sorrow of his
tubercular, wife, Alice, who was a patient in a 'Cure Cottage,'displayed
his love, by working two jobs. The story illuminated this tragic
illness, before the introduction of antibiotics-One could feel
the anxiety and the trauma as the author skillfully presented
this wonderful heart- rendering story of devoted love the couple
shared and the dynamics of their relationship. The author in
her written words brought to light what occurred in a cure cottage
in the 1920's and illustrated the toll on the patient and their
families as a result of tuberculosis and the difficult struggle
endured by the victims and family members. Devlin, being poor,
without funds, found work enabling him to earn funds to pay for Alice's
long term TB treatment. it was during this same era of time that
the Saranac Lake and Lake Placid regions were plagued with prohibition
era with bootleggers running amuck. Other areas were experiencing
the rumrunning as well. The author cleverly relates the participation
of the famed 'Broadfield Boys' members of the Troop B Black Horse
Brigade as they strived to apprehend the bootleggers, who skillfully
hid their illegal spirits of alcohol ingeniusly in fast moving
cars of the era. It showed the resourcefulness, the professionalism
and dignity of the Troopers in handling these sensitive matters
of tracking down the rumrunners. The author maintained an excellent
grasp of the time period as evidenced by her research skills.
I highly recommend this important work for many reasons; a couple
displaying devoted love and relationship during the most difficult
of times; the dynamics of a 'Cure Cottage'; The professionalism
of the New York State Troopers; The Adirondackers and the beauty
of the region-always remembering the past legislation of 'Forever
Wild.' The author can be very proud of her accomplished work.
I look forward to other books of Patricia Reiss Brooks.
A reviewer, January 18, 2005,
Loved it! I was given a copy of this book as a
gift. Although it's not the type of book I typically read, I
really liked this book. I would recommend it to others in a minute.
Rosemary Donohue, summer resident in the Adk. Mtns.,
December 3, 2004,
TB in the 20's: Hope and Despair We finally have
an American 'Magic Mountain!' Just as Mann's novel, set in a
TB sanitorium in the Alps, presented the unique world of consumptives,
so Brooks' novel, set in the Adirondacks and especially Saranac
Lake's 'cure cottages,' presents the tragic path of tuberculosis
as it invaded, changed, and often took the lives of its victims
before antbiotics intervened in the late 40's. Brooks,an Adirondack
native, knows her subject;her father had been cured through the
strict regimen of good air, good food and healthy, relaxed living.
She brings all the characters and their legal and illegal relationships
to life. She has interwoven a heartwrenching sub-plot of love,
poverty and reluctant bootlegging, also reflecting life near
the Canadian border during Prohibition. Hers is a compelling
and well-crafted story based on a historical core of human tragedy
that was (and still is in the third-world) a major health threat.
She opens our eyes to our shared history, while totally engaging
us in the tortured lives of Joe and Alice.
Judi and Jerry Strack (judivh@adelphi.net), WE
are native Adirondackers, November 30, 2004,
Great Read A 'True' must for anyone whose life
was touched by TB---anyone that knows these Adirondack Mt, true
'Healing Woods' ---filled with adventure, danger and a love story
to be treasured.
Please also check endorsements and reviews on my
web site: www.mountainshadowsbook.com . We have an endorsement
from the Lake Placid Visitors Bureau
PageOneLit.com: Are there any new projects
your working on? Will there be another book?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: Just completed a
first draft of next book, a contemporary novel, working title
"One Pass At Life." where a young horse trainer comes
to terms with the choices he has made in life. The words, "One
Pass" are from the horse world when showing a horse in a
ring, the rider has "one pass" to favorably impress
the judge.
PageOneLit.com: What is your advice to an
aspiring novelist?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: Keep at it. It took
four years of research and four years of writing and re-writing
before my first novel was accepted for publication. Join - or
form – a writers group. Attend writing workshops. Read constantly.
Never be without a book.
PageOneLit.com: Who are your favorite authors,
and why do they inspire you?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: When I go to the
bookstore, I always look at the thickest books. If I am going
to immerse myself in a book, I want to stay with the characters
I am meeting for a long time. It doesn't mean I will buy the
book solely on size, but it what first attracts me. This is how
I came to read:
1. Anna Lee Waldo "Sacajawea" and "Prairie."
These are both 1,000 + page books. They are historical novels,
like mine, and they take a real person and built a story around
actual happenings.
2. Wilbur Smith is an African writer who has written
dozens of books set in Africa. I admire how he brings the reader
directly to Africa and I like the wilderness settings and facing
adversity.
3. Jean Auel and her "Clan of the Cave Bear"
series. I admire her skill at creating a by-gone era that there
is no written material on, just scientific discoveries. And,
of course, I like her wilderness settings and characters fighting
the elements.
PageOneLit.com: When you're not working,
what are your favorite ways to relax?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: Although my husband
and I have been professional horse trainers and breeders our
entire lives, I guess I have to consider horses my hobby. We
live on a 100 acre farm and I enjoy gardening. Bicycling is one
of my exercises to fight diabetes. Virtually any time I sit down
I read: novels, trade journals for horses and writing. I usually
read something if I watch TV - at least during the commercials.
PageOneLit.com: Do you have any final thoughts
to share with us?
Patricia Reiss Brooks: I suspect you mean
something to share with others. I don't know as there is anything.
But I would like to share with you, the publicity, readings and
signings I have been able to schedule. I will have a video of
the March 30th TV show that will be available for prospective
bookings to review.
Wednesday, March 30th, 2005
12:00 noon EST Swans Cafe
Boston Park Plaza Hotel
Boston, MA
Patricia Brooks will appear live on the The Literati
Scene TV show, right in this famous Boston Hotel. Hosts Smoki
Bacon and Dick Concannon will be discussing Brooks' historical
novel, "Mountain Shadows." You're invited to come to
the taping of this show. After the show there will be an opportunity
to talk to the author. Can't be there in person? The show can
be seen on the following TV channels:
Channel 23 Boston
Channel 3 Brookline, Everett, Quincy, Somerville
Channel 10 Cambridge, Cohasset, Hanover, Hingham,
Norwell, Scituate
Channel 8 Lowell
Comcast Channel 15 Newton
RCN Channel 15 Newton
Channel 36 Fitchburg
Friday, April 29th, 2005
12:00 am EST
Sound View Community Media Bridgeport, CT
with Niki Dera, host of "Niki At Noon"
http://www.soundviewtv.org/
Meet Patricia Brooks in person! You can meet the
author and be part of a reading and discussion at the following
locations. Books may be purchased and autographs at all events.
Friday, February 12th, 2005
10:00 to 12:00 am EST Food For Thought
Gulf Side Shopping Center
5800 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2005
6:00 to 8:00 pm EST RealEyes Bookstore
3306-A N. Davidson
Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
Wednesday, March 10th 2005
3:00 pm EST "Senior Life Styles"
Interview:
"How to Make the Most of an Empty Nest"
Jupiter, FL
Monday, April 4th, 2005
10:00 am EST Borders Book Store
Trumbull, CT
Contact Diane at 203-256-1619
It's not too late to join the Borders Book Discussion
group that will be reading MOUNTAIN SHADOWS in March. There will
be one on one discussions and reading with the author.
Tuesday, April 5th, 2005
7:00 pm EST East Lyme Public Library
E. Lyme, CT
Wednesday, April 6th, 2005
7:00 pm EST East Haven Hagaman Memorial Library
E. Haven, CT
Wednesday, April 13th, 2005
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST Beardsley & Memorial
Library
40 Monroe Pl.
Winsted, CT
Thursday, April 14th, 2005
2:00 pm EST Ora Mason Library
West Haven, CT
Wednesday, April 20th, 2005
7:00 pm EST Meriden Public Library
Meriden, CT
Thursday, April 7th, 2005
6:30 pm EST Borders Book Store
Trumbull, CT
Contact Diane at 203-256-1619
It's not too late to join the Borders Book Discussion
group that will be reading MOUNTAIN SHADOWS in March. There will
be one on one discussions and reading with the author.
Wednesday, May 18th, 2005
7:00 pm EST New Fairfield Library
New Fairfield, CT
Saturday, July 9th, 2005
5:00 pm EST Falls Village Library
Falls Village, CT
Listen to Patricia Brooks on the radio!
Wednesday, January 19th, 2005
8:40 am CST KORN-AM
Mitchell, So. Dakota With host J.P. Skelly and
interview with Patricia Brooks.
Friday, January 21st, 2005
11:05 am EST WAMT-AM
Orlando, Florida
The Guetzloe Report will feature Patricia Brooks.
Sunday, January 23rd, 2005
10:45 am EST WVUM-FM
Voice of University of Miami
Patricia Brooks will talk about how she turned
her life experiences into a moving novel.
Thursday, January 31st 2005
8:30 am CST KWIX-AM
KWIXLand This Morning - Host Stephanie Ross will
Mountain Shadows with the author.
Moberly, MO
Monday, February 7th, 2005
7:15 am EST WTKF-FM
"Coastal Daybreak"
Morehead City, NC
Wednesday, February 9th, 2005
7:50 am EST WTRC-AM
"WTRC Morning News"
Elkhart, IN
www.am1340.com
Tuesday, Feburary 15th, 2005
9:50 am MT
Live, 15 minutes KCBR-AM
Colorado Springs, CO
Thursday, February 19th, 2005
10:35 am EST WICO-AM
"AM Salisbury"
Salisbury, MD
www.wicoam.com
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2005
8:30 pm EST WXCI-FM
Danbury, CT
Thursday, March 10, 2005
3:00 pm EST "Senior Life Styles"
Webcast interview:
"How to Make the Most of an Empty Nest"
www.seniorlifestyles.net
Wednesday, March 16th, 2005
8:00 am EST WQQQ-FM
"Morning Show"
Lakeville, CT
Wednesday, March 16th, 2005
9:30 am EST W???-FM
"People Talking"
Sharon, CT
Monday, March 21st, 2005
4:15 pm CST WKCT-AM
"Drive Time"
Bowling Green, KY
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2005
2:20 pm EST WDRC-FM
"The Mary Jones Show"
Bloomfield, CT
Monday, April 11th, 2005
7:00 am EST WILI-AM
Willimantic, CT
www.wili.com
