Pat Engebrecht is a renowned author, entrepreneur, and inspiration to many.
Pat Engebrecht is a multi-talented individual who grew up on a farm in the Cascades in Oregon. She had a passion for writing from a young age, but it wasn’t until an English professor criticized her work that she began to take it seriously.
Stepping into the Literary World
Pat wrote her first book, “Under The Haystack,” which was nominated for a Newbery Award and received positive reviews. The book caught the attention of a Canadian film company, which intended to use the story in a movie starring Jodi Foster as a lead. Unfortunately, the movie was not shot, but this experience motivated Pat to continue writing. However, Pat’s writing career was put on hold when she faced a tragic event.
In 1974, Pat and her family faced mayhem when a wave of water broke through the Barge Canal, which destroyed their home. With support from friends and family, Pat started the rebuilding process, leading her to start her own construction company, L&L Developers. It was a family business employing her three children. Pat also became involved in Rochester Home Builders Association, participating in 3 Homearamas and bagging awards for landscape and lighting.
Literary Contributions of Pat Engebrecht
Her debut novel, “Under The Haystack,” received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Newbery Award. The novel tells the story of a teenage girl, Sandy, who is left to care for her two younger sisters after her mother abandons them. The book is a powerful exploration of the complexities of family dynamics, love, and growing up, set against the backdrop of life on a farm on the brink of poverty.
“When Love Is Not Enough: Chronicles of LauraJo” By Pat Engebrecht
Pat’s second book, “When Love Is Not Enough: Chronicles of LauraJo,” is a powerful and moving read of a young woman’s struggles with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
The story is told through the journals of the protagonist, LauraJo (LJ), and her mother’s commentary. Spanning a decade, from 1976 to 1986, the reader is given an intimate look into the mind of someone suffering from BPD and the impact it has on not only the individual but also their loved ones. LJ’s story is a powerful testimony to the strength and resilience of those with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
“The Promise of Moonstone” By Pat Engebrecht
“The Promise of Moonstone” is a novel that chronicles the life of Kristina, a 16-year-old aspiring ballet dancer, and her relationship with her mother, Annya, a ballet dancer and coach. The novel explores the themes of family dynamics, love, and the pursuit of one’s passion. Kristina’s world is turned upside down when her mother suffers from an accident, leaving her paralyzed. Kristina is determined to help her mother walk again and resume their life together, which creates tension and anger between them. Kristina finds solace in her friendship with Jill, a new girl at school, and through her, she begins to understand the complexity of her position and the importance of compassion and understanding.
A Look into the Present-Day World of Pat Engebrecht
With nine grandchildren to look after and a passion for writing, Pat Engebrecht has certainly had her hands full. Despite the enormous challenges, she ingeniously decided to embark on a venture that would bring together her writing skills and experience in publishing: her own publishing company. Working in tandem with CreateSpace/Amazon, Pat’s Publishing recently released an eagerly anticipated sequel of her first book, ‘Under The Haystack’—No Dibs.’
When not writing, Pat loves gardening and spending time with her family. She currently resides in Bradenton, Florida, during the winter and on Canandaigua Lake in New York during the rest of the year. Pat Engebrecht continues to be an inspiration to those around her, showing that it’s never too late to follow your passion and achieve your dreams.
