The Interview - Marianne

How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.

I have been writing since high school but didn't get serious until my Dad died unexpectedly. I decided life was too short to put off your dreams.

When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?

I like to finish what I am working on, but I jot down the ideas for the next book

Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?

I really don't have a favorite character, they are all so different and each one needs as much attention in detail as the next.

Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?

I make a character chart as well as a plot outline. I jot down scenes and any dialogue that comes o mind. To make sure the timeline structure is flowing in the right direction I find a calendar from the period I am writing in and fill in thoughts or a line from the chapter on a date in the calendar.

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

If you love the regency era Meara Platt is really good. If you like cozy mysteries give Marilyn Levinson a try.

Tell us what you enjoy most about writing [genre].

I love writing romances because despite all the issues, drama, danger etc in the books you know it will have a happy ending.

What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?

Marketing.There a many romance authors on the Amazon and it is difficult to move up the ranks without reviews and a publisher backing you up with publicity.

Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?

No.

Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?

So far I haven't based my characters on anyone.They have a mind and personality all their own!

Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

Forever in my Heart

A homeless woman, a man blinded by hate, an Angel on a mission.

Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?

I am not sure what you mean by this... I just hope they get lost in my stories and enjoy them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

Not unusal. I make up character and plot charts and have pages of scene ideas and dialogue.

As an author, what critique has been the most challenging for you to receive? On the other hand, what compliment has been the most rewarding?

Hmm...rejections from publishing houses are the worst. When critiqued I think when a person just doesn't get a what I am trying to portray in a scene. Any time someone takes the time to say how much they loved my story, and says the book was amazing, or well written, touches my heart.

Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?

Stick with it not matter what. Writing a book is not as easy as I thought it would be, but when you see the cover of your book all that work is worth your time and effort. What would I tell my younger self? Follow your dreams no matter what. Favorite line would be the opening hook from my first time -travel A Find Through Time. "The skull sat on the table challenging her to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. "

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

Difficult chapters are when you have to kill off a character you like, knowing you have no choice to do so.

What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?

Larger than life hero's in romance books are dreamy and fun to write. Do thee exist? Maybe to some degree. I don't need a man slaying dragons for me, just someone who respects me, supports me and does quiet little things everyday, that may seem mundane in a romance book, but count big in real life.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

I guess I have. I've started a few stories I put aside, but I think it's more not liking where the story is going than being blocked.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Paint. I love my art classes and go twice a week to learn new techniques.

Was there anything you had to research for the book?

All my historicals have been researched.

Did you have any say in the cover design?

Thankfully, yes.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished a trilogy kinda like Raiders of the lost ark and Angels and Demons.

What can we anticipate from you moving forward?

A three book series about three brothers. Two brothers on either side during the Civil War and one in the last 1800's. It will also show case three very strong Pinkerton women agents.

Do you have any movie or tv adaptations in the works?

no

Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Yes. I've been writing since high school.

How long did it take you to write this book?

My very first book took two years. Since then it's gotten faster and depends on the book. My last book, Forever In My Heart, was done in a few months.

Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?

In my home office.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

Yes. When I wrote my Native American time travel I listened to NA music. Country when I wrote my western and for my WW2 book I listened to music of the 40s. Otherwise it's soft background music.

What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?

I love to paint, horseback ride, ski, whitewater raft, camp, go to a show, or see an Opera, and travel.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people in your real life? If so, can you tell us more about that process and how it influenced your writing?

The only book based on people in my life is Behind The Mask. That WW2 story is based on my parents, Aunt and grandparents, who were in France at the time of the war.

Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?

I love the Native American culture and feel a connection there. That is why I chose The Battle of the little Big horn story line for my first book. A Find Through Time