Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.
Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?
Mary Carlomagno, age 49
Fiona: Where are you from?
New Jersey, USA
Fiona: A little about your self (ie, your education, family life, etc.).
I am a life long resident of New Jersey. I have never left the state for more than two weeks at a time, I have tried, but I keep getting pulled back! I lived in Hoboken for 17 years before my second child turned my walk in closet into her nursery. My husband, son and daughter now live in lovely suburban New Jersey and try to cultivate an old fashioned small town existence.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news.
After three successful non-fiction novels about organizing, I am publishing my first novel on June 20th!
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I wrote all through school and college, for the high school and college newspaper and then wrote even more during my 17 years in book publishing in New York City.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I landed an article in the Washington Post!
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My life experiences in book publishing and self help and my deep affection for New Jersey.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
I spent years helping others organize their lives as a professional organizer and many times the clients I took on became more like friends!
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?
I write what I know ( until recently that was shopping addiction and how to organize your spice rack!) First person narrative is where I am most comfortable.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
The novel pulls from all of my life experiences, especially the publishing people and self help retreats and Hoboken is the real life back drop for the book.
Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?
No, I never leave New Jersey!
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Post Hill Press, my wonderful publisher
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Keep moving forward regardless of what life deals you.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
My favorite writers are diverse. I love Jhumpa Lahiri and ChitraBannerjeeDivakaruni for their touching women focused family stories. I love John Irving for his quirky characters and lyrical prose. And I love Richard Ford, because he is perfect at everything!
Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.
All of my publishing friends from Barnes & Noble have been a huge team of support!
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
YES
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
If anything, very minor.
Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
I learned to keep at the writing. The first draft of this book was written over ten years ago.
Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Ariana Grande or Jennifer Lawrence
Fiona: Any advice for other writers?
Write without judgment.
Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
I hope that people will be entertained by my book. Humor keeps us young!
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Fireproof Home for the Bride by Amy Scheibe. It is wonderful!
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Little House on the Prairie books were my first adventure into chapter books!
Judy Blume books inspired my entire career!
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
Silicon Valley the TV show makes me laugh! And Pride and Prejudice makes me cry!
Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
I would love to meet the entire cast of Outlander!
Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?
I love to read, do yoga and cook!
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Outlander, of course, Silicon Valley
Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?
I love sushi, thai food and anything spicey. Also love dark chocolate and I love coffee although I have been without caffeine for over a year! I love rock music, Bruce Springsteen, naturally. The Foo Fighters and the Grateful Dead. I became a Dead Head after my husband played nothing but the Dead to me for 8 years or so!
Cobalt Blue and Turquoise Blue are my favorite colors
Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?
Sing!
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?
I can’t believe she lived that long!
Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?
https://www.facebook.com/MaryCarlomagnoauthor/
https://twitter.com/marycarlomagno
Here are the links to my backlist:
Also check out marycarlomagno.com
Mary Carlomagno
https://www.facebook.com/MaryCarlomagnoauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/BestFriend4Hire/
Orderperiod.com
PRE-ORDER BEST FRIEND FOR HIRE NOW! https://www.amazon.com/Best-Friend-Hire-Mary-Carlomagno/dp/1682612600/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494438499&sr=8-1&keywords=best+friend+for+hire
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