Today’s Author Spotlight Features Patricia Penke
Tell us a little about yourself
I am new at writing and just completed a non-fiction, reference book titled Stop Throwing Cash in the Trash.
I was excited to write a book with the hopes of helping people to search for obscure, or hidden collectible treasures, then, selling them online for a decent profit margin.
My childhood days where full of different kinds of treasure hunting. My father was an adventurous man, and our family was always off trying to find buried treasure off the coast of North Carolina with a metal detector, gold prospecting in Alaska, digging for precious gem stones or fossils; or searching for ghost towns in the states of Montana and Idaho.
Once treasure hunting is in the blood, I do believe it will always be there.
My parents entered into the business of selling antiques and collectibles in Massachusetts (where i was born), and eventually brought me into the business.
I have been searching for sought-after collectibles now for over 17 years and currently I’m the CEO of my own estate sale business.
I love attending auctions, garage sales, flea markets and estate sales…I am always looking for low-cost vintage merchandise to resell for large profits.
Additionally, I have been the owner and manager of my own travel agency for over 25 years. i love to travel and meet people from all over the world. The Caribbean is my favorite destination because I love the beautiful turquoise blue ocean and to snorkel or scuba dive.
I’m always on the look-out for Johnny Depp-alias “Jack Sparrow”- who might be filming another sequel to the “Pirate’s of the Caribbean.”
I love all animals and I’m a gardener.
Tell us about your latest novel.
My book, “Stop Throwing Cash Into the Trash’ will help people who are looking to make extra cash on the side by selling second-hand collectible merchandise online, but not by having to spend a lot of money up front to accomplish this.’s
Example; A vintage “Fat Boy” razor can sell for over $400, a pair of vintage pre-1970s LEVI’S blue jeans can sell for thousands of dollars; a mid-century or Art Deco ceiling light fixture can sell in the hundreds, and a pair of 1980’s Air Jordan tennis shoes can sell for over a thousand dollars.
These treasures aren’t considered traditional treasured collectibles, but are trendy to own with our younger generation today.
My book discusses-what to look for, where to find these hidden treasures, and how to sell them online or conducting their own sale,
I see so many items thrown into dumpsters all the time when I show up to check out conducting someone’s estate sale. Its so sad to see items being trashed that are quite possibly valuable.
I wanted to educate my readers so they can learn how to recognize valuable collectibles and why, they are currently collectible.
Where did the idea for your latest book come from?
Watching TV series such as American Pickers and Pawn Stars; and to share my own experiences. The things I sell might be considered worthless or junk by many, but quite valuable to some.
Traditional, Small Press, or Self-publish?
Self-publish
Who are some of your favorite authors?
I don’t have any particular favorites.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Sharing my own stories and reminiscing about the past–NOSTALGIA
How do you deal with rejection?
Disappointed, but I keep on trying.
What type of books do your read for fun?
Biographies, or a good mystery.
If you were trapped on a desert island with only one book, which one would it be?
The Bible
What is your favorite TV show or movie?
The movies-Titanic, Saving Mr. Banks, Catch Me If You Can, McKenna’s Gold.
TV series-King of Queens, Pawn Stars, American Pickers-most TV series from the 1960s-1990s.
What would you love to accomplish with your writing?
I would love to make people laugh and remember good times again.
How can our readers find you?
Email: penkepatty@hotmail.com
Facebook page: Stop Throwing Cash in the Trash
Website (still working on): www.patriciapenke.com
Blog coming soon, featuring the name “Peppermint Patty.”
