Interview with Marina Martindale - Author of the Contemporary Romance The Reunion.
Marina Martindale is a graphic designer and artist turned novelist and writer whose only regret in life is that she didn't start writing books twenty years sooner.
After writing a series of award-winning children's books, (under a different name), Marina wanted to write the kind of books she wanted to write--contemporary romance with believable, three-dimensional characters, inspired by some of her own life experiences, and stories others have told her.
Interview with Marina Martindale
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| Author Marina Martindale |
Marina Martindale: My only formal training was high school and college English. I got an "easy A" in the dreaded college freshman English, and I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. Later on, I thought about getting my degree in English. In hindsight, I wish I had.
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite books, and who or what are your writing influences?
As a young adult I read Danielle Steele voraciously. I'm sure her writing style has influenced me.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
When I was a child. Then my "logical" mind kicked in, and I thought it was just a silly pipe dream. It wasn't until much later in life that I actually started writing. Sometimes I wish I'd started sooner. Then again, you have to go out and experience life before you can write about it.
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
I write a treatment before I start, but it's mostly the beginning and end of the story. I write the rest as I go, and as I do my characters come forward and tell me their stories.
"...I step back and let my characters tell their story."
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
The easiest part is when I step back and let my characters tell their story. I especially enjoy writing dialog. That's when their personalities start to emerge. The hardest is writing transitional narratives.
Marina, please tell us a little about your novel 'The Reunion'.
The Reunion is about forgiveness and second chances. It's the story of two long-lost lovers finding one another again. The readers are there as they struggle to overcome the mistakes of the past, deal with new challenges in the present, and build a future together.
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
What inspired you to write the book?
A couple years ago I at a book signing and struck up a conversation with the wife of another author signing his books at the same event. It turned out she knew someone who knows my old flame. It got me to wondering what would happen if, by chance, he were to ever show up at one of my book signings. Darned if I know, but what a great idea for a novel.
Who do you see as your target audience and where can we buy the book?
My target audience is women in their twenties through their sixties. Interestingly enough I've had a few men readers tell me they loved the book as well.
How would you describe the success of your book so far? (Sales, Awards, Reviews)
I've had some really nice reviews, from Amazon readers to bloggers. There is no greater reward than someone writing about how much my book moved them.
How long did it take it to write the book?
It took a good seven months to write The Reunion. I'm constantly going back and revising as I write. I'm a screamer for accuracy as well, so I spend a lot of time researching and fact-checking.
Please, tell us where you self-published the book.
I have my own publishing company, Good Oak Press, LLC.
How smooth went the self-publishing process? Any issues? What are things to look for when self-publishing a book?
Since I help other authors self publish I've got it down. Before I started writing I was a free-lance graphic designer, so I do the book design, the printing and distribution.
"One should NEVER edit one's own book."
Did you hire an editor and/or Cover Designer for your book?
One should NEVER edit one's own book. That would be like a doctor operating on himself. I always use a professional editor. I also work with an outstanding illustrator, Wes Lowe, who does all my cover illustrations. The rest of the artwork I do myself. My degree is in art.
Can you give some tips for other Indie Authors regarding the writing and self-publishing process?
ALWAYS have your manuscript edited by a professional editor. If Stephen King and J.K. Rowling have editors what makes you think that you don't need one?
"If Stephen King and J.K. Rowling have editors what makes you think that you don't need one?"
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
I recently completed my second romance novel, The Deception, and I'm currently working on The Journey, which is a sequel, of sorts, to The Reunion. In The Journey is the story of two of the supporting characters from The Reunion.
Are you planning to move forward as an Indie author or are you looking forward to have one of your next books to be traditionally published?
Life is too short to deal with agents and traditional publishers who say, "I love your book, but we all ready have another one just like it." I've also heard too many horror stories from traditionally published authors who discovered their work had be edited to the point that they no longer recognized it. That's why some traditionally published authors are now self publishing.
Where do you see the book market in 5 or 10 years? Will there be only eBooks and will book stores disappear like record stores disappeared?
Ebooks will never fully replace the printed book. Some people prefer the feel of a printed book in their hand, and sometimes readers will come back and buy printed copies of ebooks they enjoyed.
Do you write full-time or do you have a day job?
I have a publishing service for other self-publishing authors.
How can readers connect with you?
My website, Twitter, Facebook.[see Links below]
Thank you very much for the Interview, Marina
About the Book The Reunion
.jpg "The Reunion (Marina Martingale)")
All her hard work has finally paid off and her paintings are being sold in several prestigious art galleries. Yet in spite of her success and accomplishments, one thing has always eluded her-true love. Then one night, during her opening at a Denver art gallery, a man from her past suddenly and unexpectedly appears.
Her long lost true love. He was the one man she never forgot, never got over, and never expected to ever see again.
Has her old flame come to wish her well? Or are his intentions less than honorable?
- "Marina Martindale's The Reunion, is a great romantic read for the upcoming fall and winter season. If you are a romance lover, you must check out this novel. [...] I recommend Marina Martindale's The Reunion to all romance genre lover's. Gillian and Ian's love story will grab you from the start. As the weather gets colder, treat yourself to a relaxing evening by curling up in front of your fireplace or soaking in a warm bubble bath while reading The Reunion. You won't be sorry!"
Links to the Author and the Book
Link to the Author's Website
Connect with the Author via Twitter: @MarinaMartindal
Connect with the Author via Facebook: authormarinamartindale
Link to the Paperback The Reunion on Amazon with Excerpt
Link to the Kindle eBook The Reunion on Amazon with Excerpt
1 comment:
Great interview - inspires me, as I am about to self-publish my first romantic suspense book (edited, critiqued, reveiwed, and ready!!)
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