Today on MASTERS OF HORROR we get to meet JT Patten. JT is a former government intelligence and special mission advisor, and a published author of six dark fiction novels that relate to his prior world of lies and deception where he witnessed both the best and worst in humanity. He is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers. His initial best-selling works have gained acclaim for their "blacker than black" brooding narrative that illuminate the blurred lines in life and twist traditional tropes on their head.
He has a degree in Foreign Language, a Masters in Strategic Intelligence, graduate studies in Counter Terrorism from the University of St. Andrews.
Let’s dive right in!
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago and currently live west of the city in Naperville. My day job is leading a cyber security consulting practice for a Fortune 100 firm.
Why write horror?
After a career in the intelligence community doing counterterrorism mission support work for a number of years, I think a new darkness awoke within me. Writing has been a great outlet. I think writing some scenes are very easy to do based on what I have seen or learned. Unfortunately, I have to use less imagination since reality is often the inspiration to share what is out in the world.
What’s the scariest book you’ve read?
I can't say that any horror books have really scared me, but Thomas Harris and Jack Ketchum have kept me riveted in my chair. I often read them straight through.
What are you working on now?
I finished an anti-hate horror book, Whispers of a Gypsy in November 2022, and am now releasing and writing a New Orleans Haunts Series that starts out with the Carter Brothers vampires in Brothers of Blood, out Aug. 17. Howl of the Hunted follows in Jan 2024. Another work, Awaken the Piper will also come out in 2024. I'm busy building my horror stack.
Tell us about your most personal / significant success as a writer.
I had great initial success as a military thriller/espionage best selling writer and was gaining traction through my publisher and agent. It was due to my clearance obligations that I found some publishing hurdles for pre-publication reviews, so I started over with horror as my focus, which had always been my passion.
You can find out more about JT Patten through the links below
A special thanks goes to JT Patten for spending some time with us here at MASTERS OF HORROR. His impressive background alone could make for a whole series of books, but I’m glad he’s come to the dark side and used those incredible writing talents to create some truly unforgettable tales. Check out some of JT’s latest reviews for Whispers of a Gypsy.
“It takes something special for me to read through an entire book in one sitting. J.T. Patten's Whispers of a Gypsy has definitely accomplished this with a great plot, believable and unique characters, and maybe even the whispers of Mr. Mortimer encouraging me to keep reading.” - Amazon Reviewer
“Scary...
This grabbed me from the first chapter where I thought that what was happening to the old man was happening TO ME. I couldn't breathe right along with him, the writing is just that vivid. This is the kind of book that takes a reader away from the real world. So immersive. Every word was a treasure.” - Amazon Reviewer
“Whispers of a Gypsy' is a horror fiction written with the exact amount of juicy elements needed for great suspense and a supernatural dark thriller story. The intense pace and structured writing style of the author truly takes you on an adventure. I enjoyed reading this book.” - Amazon Reviewer
Need I say more? Check out all of JT Patten’s work right HERE.
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