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How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?
I love to read contemporary romance, so when I first started writing over 20 years ago, I chose the genre I enjoy most. I wrote this book because of my love of the Florida Keys, and specifically Key West, which is the setting for “Island Detour” (although it’s called Sunrise Island). I had also learned about a semester-away environmental school for teens in the Bahamas, which fascinated me. As a result, I created Sunrise Island School.
Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a first born, middle or last child and how does this shape your view of the world?
As a first-born child, I am confident, driven, and have achieved success. That’s the positive side. On the negative side, I like to control things and am focused on being correct. I think that since I am driven and have achieved success, I believe everyone should be driven. It’s the only way to get somewhere.
Where is your favorite place to write?
I have an office at home overlooking our back yard, which is my writing space. All of my books on writing are in the closet, I have paper, pens, clips, highlighters, stickie notes, and anything else I could possibly need while I’m writing. I also have a big comfy chair that I could sit in and read my pages, if I want to edit on paper. We also have a beach house which overlooks the Atlantic. I have a desk there that faces the ocean in our second floor bedroom. While I don’t have all my “stuff” there, all I need is my laptop and notebook with my in-depth outline of my story, and I’m good to go.
How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?
I’m guessing you’re talking about editing out scenes that I love or re-writing a story because the first version isn’t working. I can’t say that I love it, but I understand that it may be necessary. I save everything I’ve edited out into another document in case I can use it in a different scene.
You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?
Interestingly, I just met and had lunch with Fiona Davis (Lions of Fifth Avenue, The Spectacular etc.) She writes historical fiction that takes place at iconic buildings in New York City, which I love. My first question: how did you come up with such an interesting niche?
Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.
I was inducted into The Italian American Hall of Fame in 2014.
You are stranded on a deserted island with only a back pack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?
Water
Kindle
Some long life battery to keep my Kindle from dying
If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be?
Flying. I often dream that I can fly and it’s awesome.
Favorite snack?
Milk chocolate candy
Indy 500 - Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?
I generally know how to get where I’m going. I’m a planner/plotter after all. I rarely drive the speed limit. I need to get where I’m going as quickly as possible so I can enjoy every minute of the destination.
Max is determined to start an environmental research institute at the school, but he suspects the gorgeous new Lit teacher, who lacks even the most basic outdoor skills, is there to hinder that dream. Yet, something about her tames the demons from his past, and he can no longer ignore the fire she’s lit inside him.
It wasn’t long enough before Max and Ben ushered Sophie to the fishing boat. She inhaled huge breaths of salt air, hoping the oxygen would perform some magic on the dull throb in her head.
“I know you’re going to find this hard to believe,” she started hesitantly, “but I don’t know how to fish.”
“What a surprise.” Max didn’t even bother to moderate his sarcasm.
Sophie’s scowl fell on his back as he and Ben gathered up rods and reels, a tackle box, and cartons of what she could only assume contained live bait. He had been sniping at her for days. Ever since Andy had asked her to cover for him as director. It was as if she had caused Andy’s accident intentionally, just to take over his job and keep it from Max.
She followed them onto the dock and into the boat, wishing she had brought her bottle of aspirin to dull the pain of this ill-conceived trip.
She sat on the bench, quiet as a church mouse, as Max steered the boat out toward the ocean. Her eyes betrayed her as they were drawn to the muscles in his back and shoulders, stretching and straining with each movement. His tawny, bronze skin glistened with a layer of sunscreen and ocean mist. A work of art. His jaw was square and tight, his cheekbones chiseled. Soft, wavy brown hair blew straight back from his forehead, giving her a bird’s-eye view of one very gorgeous man. Oh, so easy on the eyes. Too bad he wasn’t as easy on the nerves.
Maria Imbalzano is an award-winning contemporary author who writes about strong, independent women and the men who fall in love with them. She recently retired from the practice of law, but legal issues have a way of showing up in many of her novels. When not writing, she loves to travel both abroad and in the states. Maria lives in central New Jersey with her husband--not far from her two daughters and granddaughters. For more information about her books, please visit her website at http://mariaimbalzano.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
Awards Maria is a member of New Jersey Romance Writers and has received many honors and awards for her work including the ACRA Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence Award, the Wisconsin Romance Writers Write Touch Readers Award, The NEST (National Excellence In Story Telling) Award, the Carolyn Award, Book Buyers Best Award, The Stiletto Reader’s Choice Award, Long & Short Reviews Book of the Month Award (3rd Place for Book of the Year), and Still Moments Magazine Reader’s Choice Award.
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ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the interview. Sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteWhat's ypur favorite thing about being a writer?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDelete