Interview with Marcia Weber Martins

 

This month I am pleased to welcome romance author, Marcia Weber Martins for my guest interview. A review of her book Perfect Match was featured earlier this month.

 

• Hello, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I was born in Petropolis, Brazil. I graduated in physiotherapy from the Catholic University of Petropolis. In 1983 participated in the Anthology “Our Poets II” with the poem “If I could” and in 1986 in the anthology “Brazilian Poets” with the poem “On any given day.” In 2005 I moved to Germany and wrote Perfect Match.

• Tell us about your newest book.

Perfect Match is a modern love story, which shows not only the romantic side of love, but  what can happen when you get involved with the wrong person.  It is also an example of family bonds and how hard is to overcome a traumatic experience.

Falling in love isn’t on Mary Walker’s priority list, but she met the romantic and somehow mysterious Robert Mackensie. She learned the hard way, that he was not the romantic man she had fallen for, but a jealous, control freak. To make her life more difficult she was kidnapped.

• Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I started writing when I was fifteen. I wrote some short stories, which I never had the courage to show anyone, than I wrote poems for a contest, since then I never stopped  writing.

• What are your current projects?

I’m working on my second book. It’s a crime and takes place where I live.

• What books have most influenced your life?

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint –Exupery, because  it teaches you to appreciate friendship and value small things.

• What inspired you to write your first book?

Romance.  I’m romantic and I decided to write about it.

• Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

Mary Walker, is young , naïve and trustful, she valued family bonds and friendship.

• Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, there is.  The importance of  family bonds  and people deserves a second chance.

• When did you decide to become a writer?

In 2005 I moved to Germany and I could not work at beginning, I had plenty time so I could fulfill my dream of becaming a writer.

• What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

I had the beginning and I knew what would be the end of the story, but I struggled with the middle. I had to rewrite it several times.

• What is the easiest thing about writing?

Creating the characters

• What book are you reading now?

Just started “Ship of Theseus” by V.M. Straka

• What is one random thing about you?

I can’t concentrate if there is music playing around me.

• What is your preferred medium of writing? Pen and paper or strictly tablet and computer?

I prefer pen and paper.

• Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower)?

I get some ideas when I go to bed, I keep a notebook beside my bed just in case.

• Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Marketing and of course making a living of it.

• What is your favorite motivational phrase?

No matter how hard is, never give up.

• .What is your favorite book and why?
• Do you have any advice for other writers?

Keep writing, keep trying.

• What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love reading and wachting films. Recently I started quilting.

• From where do you gain your inspiration?

My inspiration come from people I meet and the stories tell me. Sometimes from the news.

• What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

Self-publishing, you have total control over your work , is the easy way.

• How do you market your books?

I have a facebook page, Twitter, Linkedin and a blog. I left a copy in the local bookstore.

• What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?

Maybe 30% marketing and 70% writing.

• What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

No matter how difficult it may be, never give up. Keep writing. Keep trying.

• How can readers discover more about you and you work

Blog  https://marciacweber.wordpress.com/

Facebook page   https://www.facebook.com/marciawebermartins/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Twitter-  @marcia_w_m