Welcome Marianne! Tell us about your latest project.
In my Young Adult novel Swim Season, varsity swimmer Aerin Keane is determined to leave her troubles behind as she starts her senior year in her third high school. Senior year is supposed to be fun, right? Friends. Parties. Boys. She wants to be like every other girl at Two Rivers High School. Except Aerin has two secrets: her mom is not a nurse serving in Afghanistan, and she is not an average varsity swimmer. Ready to give up her dreams of a college swimming scholarship and a shot at the Olympics, Aerin decides she doesn't want to win anymore, she wants to swim for fun, it's her
therapy. But when her desire to be just "one of the girls on the team" collides with her desire to be the best this school has ever seen, will Aerin sacrifice her new friendships to challenge a longstanding school record attached to a $50,000 scholarship? Available Spring 2015.
Sounds interesting. Now for some quirky questions…
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
Yes, I am in love with Jack, from Blue Hydrangeas, the 79 year-old husband and caregiver of Sara, who suffers from Alzheimer's. Jack is of that “Greatest Generation,” the strong silent type, who keeps his promises, shoulders the burdens, and loves beyond all limits. I think all women are looking for a Jack, but sadly there aren’t too many like him around.
What is the best place for dreaming up your storylines?
I plot while driving, especially on the highway, which I guess could qualify as Driving Under the Influence, but I haven't heard they've added this type of drug to the list, so it isn't a crime yet.
That's funny. What is your favorite snack while writing?
A cup of hot tea will suffice, and perhaps some Jelly Bellies. I have a handy dispenser on my desk but I try not to get started on those.
Mmmmm Jelly Bellies. Speaking of funny names, how do you feel about pen names?
In some cases pen names are useful (for instance, if you're writing something people in your immediate world might take offense to), but the work involved in developing an author brand is so exhausting I can't imagine duplicating it for a second (or more!) persona.
What is the most not-true-to-self writing or marketing idea you’ve considered (or done!)?
I try to keep my personal and author pages on Facebook separate, which is not an easy dance, so there is some overlap. I know that people who “like” my author page are interested in hearing about “those” adventures, but the followers on my personal page may not be so enthralled. Sometimes I'll share interesting info on both (new blog posts, sales and promos, etc.) because I think they're helpful, but it's at risk of annoying some of my friends and family who might say, “Oh, there she is again, plugging that book of hers. When will she stop?”
How are your books different than the millions of other books?
All of my stories contain some element of medical drama. I'm a nurse, so I bring that perspective to my work. There's the medical side of things, and then the human side, and I think nurses are adept at understanding both and using their skills to bring comfort and knowledge to their patients. I bring that to my writing.
What one question has no one asked you about your book/character/writing life that you wish they would?
How can I help you?
So, how can I help you?
Thanks for asking. Here's what you can do: Buy my book. Read it. Write a Review. Post it everywhere. Tell your friends about it. Tell your family about it. Tell your coworkers, book club, yoga class, PTA, church group, etc. about it. Post it on Facebook. Tweet it, Pin it, Plus it. Help me spread the word. I will be eternally grateful.
Where would you like people to connect with you online?
Follow me on Twitter or visit my website.
Marianne's book Blue Hydrangeas is available now.
Thank you for joining us, Marianne. This has been fun!
Thanks for having me.
So interesting! I think my husband might be a Jack. :-)
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