What is your name, where were you born
and where do you live now?
My name is Sharon E Mamolo. I was born
in Ponce, Puerto Rico, grew up in Miami Beach, Florida and now I call southeast
Louisiana home.
Did you always want to be a writer? If
not what did you want to be?
I’ve written as a means to pass time or
to get zany ideas out of my head. When I was young I didn’t set out to become a
writer. I had grandiose ideas of becoming a veterinarian and working in a big
zoo. Alas, I didn’t have the discipline for it and ventured into venues that
are more creative.
When did you first consider yourself as
a "writer"?
I’m not sure I can call myself a writer,
in the purest sense. I write, have always written, because I love to pen my
ideas. The fact that there are others who enjoy my imagination is a plus.
Do you work another job as well as your
writing work?
I am currently a foreign language high
school teacher. It’s a demanding job but I enjoy teenagers and live for days
when I see a spark of enthusiasm in their eyes.
What is the name of your latest book,
and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?
My debut novel is A Lady of the Realm.
In twenty words: Bethany is trying to claim a powerful title; the one person
who can help her is a sadistic, egotistical elf.
Who is your publisher? or do you self
publish?
I am self-published.
How long does it usually take you to
write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
Time is but an illusion, I find. An idea
starts, new threads interweave, characters speak in my dreams and eventually it
all becomes a story. Generally it takes me anywhere from 6 months to a year.
Which of your books were easier/harder
to write than the others?
I think I had the most fun with Beautiful Tears, the second book in the
House of DeDe series. I had all kinds of ideas on justice and retribution and
couldn’t wait for my main character to act them out.
What can we expect from you in the
future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
I love urban fantasy and my world is
filled with characters with their own stories. I expect to keep writing urban
fantasy / paranormal novels for some time to come.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is
this book part of a series?
The House of DeDe series is on its third
book and I expect two more before the story is concluded. Because of the many
characters I have started a YA novel based on one of the characters.
What genre would you place your books
into?
Definitely urban fiction. Now I’ve
noticed that some of my readers tag them with paranormal romance because of the
main characters relationships.
Do you have a favourite out of the books
you have written? If so why is it your favourite?
I can’t say I have a favorite. It would
be like favoring a child I birthed. I know we all do it but we don’t say it
aloud.
Do you have a favourite character from
your books? and why are they your favourite?
I happen to love Sasha. I’ve a thing for
anti-heroes and misunderstood motives. I know he seems like a class act j**k at
times but there is always a reason for what he does. Of course, the path to
hell is paved with good intentions.
How long have you been writing?, and who
or what inspired you to write?
I’ve been writing since I can remember.
The biggest inspiration I received was from my 4th grade teacher,
Ms. Tannenbaum. A kind word, encouragement for a English language learner, and
I was hooked.
Where do you get your book plot ideas
from?
Life is always stranger than fiction. My
ideas are scenarios I see occurring in everyday life. The only difference is
how my characters handle it in a world where the rules are different.
Do you have anybody read your books and
give you reviews before you officially release them?
No, I did not request reviews until
after I released my debut novel. I wanted to see how strangers took my debut
novel without input from others. So far, I am pleasantly surprised.
Do you gift books to readers to do
reviews?
Yes I do. I am able to send a digital
copy to anyone who wishes to review my novels.
Do you read all the reviews of your
book/books?
I review everything written about one of
my novels. Feedback, honest feedback, is the best way for me to grow.
How do you come up with the Title and
Cover Designs for your book/books?Who designed the Cover of your books?
As an indie I design my own covers and
add my own titles. I like doing it. It gives me a small way to put a picture to
an idea.
How do you market/promote your books?
Marketing and promotions are difficult
for any indie writer. I joined a facebook forum for indie writers and e-mail
everyone who might be interested as if possessed.
What do you think makes a book a really
good/bestseller ?
I think it’s the characters. I have read
many books that are good and a few that I read over and over. The difference, I
find, is the characters and how I respond to them.
Have you ever suffered from a
"writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?
Writer’s block is one of those things
that is indescribable. I not only suffered but also continue to suffer during
life changing events for my characters. My remedy is to walk away for several
days until I forget what I was debating in the first place.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I turn off all electronics, reach for a
trashy romance and pour a glass of wine.
Have you ever based characters on people
you know or based events on things that have happened to you?
I don’t base any of the characters on
people I know. It doesn’t seem right, especially when all kinds of awful things
happen to them. As to my personal experiences, I believe all writers see a
little of themselves in their characters and stories.
Are there any hidden messages or morals
contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The
moral of this story is..")
Be careful what you wish for, you might
just get it.
What is your favourite book and Why?
Have you read it more than once?
I’m a sucker for romance and
misunderstood men. My favorite book of all time is Pride and Prejudice. Not only have I read it more than once, I have
the audio book on my MP3 player just in case.
Do you think books transfer to movies
well? Which is you favourite/worst book to movie transfer?
Absolute worst book to movie for me was
the Count of Monte Cristo by
Alexander Dumas. I love the book and the last movie released should have been
called, ‘A story loosely based on the Count
of Monte Cristo.’ They did get some of the names right.
What are you currently reading? Are you
enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)
I’m currently reading Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian. I love her Midnight
Breed series and there’s nothing more satisfying that a good romance with bad
boys. It’s a paperback, which allows me to take it to the Jacuzzi with a glass
of wine and I don’t have to worry about dropping it in the water by accident.
Do you think ebooks will ever totally
replace printed books?
I sincerely doubt ebooks will replace
printed books in my lifetime. I like ebooks and the endless amount of
information I can carry with me easily but there is something special about
paper and ink.
Do you think children at schools these
days are encouraged enough to read? and/or do Imaginative writing?
As a teacher, I know students are not
encouraged to read. They are encouraged to pass a test. I know some teachers
offer creative outlets for their students with essay questions meant to explore
but the teachers are few and in between.
What do you think about book trailers?
I’m still trying to figure out how book
trailers work.
What piece of advice would you give to a
new writer?
Never stop writing. Perseverance will
see you through till the end.
Do you or would you ever use a pen name?
Nah, I like myself.
Your web site? http://houseofdede.weebly.com
Your facebook page? Find me on facebook. Sharon E Mamolo --
Thankyou for taking the time from your schedule to take part in this Interview!
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