Patricia
Cole
Williams, the
author
of “Advent Meditations for the Harried and Hurting,” started
writing
almost as soon as she learned to read.
“When I was in third grade we
lived in a
house with a raised back patio that had a roll-down bamboo shade. It
made a
perfect stage for a theater. Naturally, I had to write plays to be
performed.
Those gems of writing had parts that included the neighborhood
children, our
dogs and an assortment of dolls ranging from Tiny Tears to Chatty Cathy
and
Barbie. I dragged my poor baby sister around like a prop! It was
interesting
cast of characters. The plays, maybe not so much!,” laughs Williams.
She continued writing plays, poetry, short stories
and musical
compositions. Her journalism career began in high school, where she
worked on
the school newspaper. Her career goals didn’t include becoming a
professional
writer…she wanted to teach history. Citing a lack of jobs for history
teachers
as a career ender, Williams turned to journalism in college. Journalism
is known
as the first rough draft of history; it was good match of interest and
skills.
The professional scribbling began in earnest.
Williams wrote and edited for newspapers, magazines,
academic journals,
and freelanced for regional and national publications. She also edited
and
ghost-wrote some fiction and nonfiction books.
On the journey from history teacher to writer, she
acquired an MA in
theology and speaks fluent theological jargon.
Current projects include nonfiction books on faith
and spirituality.
Williams is also working on a historical novel set in 18th
Century
Louisiana, which is home to a large part of her family.
Williams lives in Albuquerque. She has two adult
children and two
grandchildren.
