Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in England but moved to New Jersey with my family when I was 12 years old. I had a diverse career beginning as an actress and voice-over artist, moving into the corporate world in my late twenties and finally building my own internet ecommerce company which I sold in 2015. I’m now living my dream of spending every day reading and writing stories. I’m married to a sexy Scotsman and have a college-aged daughter who has just flown the nest. I live in lots of places, mostly in Florida but often in Italy and sometimes in Scotland or The Bahamas. I travel a lot and you’ll find most of my favorite locations popping up in my books. I have written two novels as part of the Jersey Girls series. If you like fun, breezy, beach read chick-lit with lots of romance and some humour I think you might like my books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last book I wrote was “Unstoppable” and it was inspired by the readers of my first book “Unraveled” who asked me to write more about a specific character. Here’s what the book is about:
When Mousy Maureen gets dumped… again, she is convinced that she is destined to live a small boring life as a corporate hack. But then she meets Brad, a wealthy, charming sexy entrepreneur turned art investor. When Brad invites her to join a group he is taking on a “discovery” trip to The Bahamas, Maureen decides it’s time to take life into her own hands. She will shed her mouse and get Brad and her happily ever after. She packs her new wardrobe and her guide to “Make Every Man Want You” and heads off to paradise.
Will Maureen succeed in transforming from Mousy Maureen to Magnificent Mo? Will Brad be her happily ever after? Or will Paradise have surprises even Mo couldn’t have foreseen?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Because we travel so much I have developed the skill to be able to write from anywhere. It wouldn’t be surprising to find me in the cafeteria of a ferry, writing in the car while we drive across Europe, writing in a noisy cafe in Italy and more. I think my adventures find their way into the stories this way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For inspiration the kind of books I like to write, I love to read Sophie Kinsella, Emily Giffin, etc… In terms of influencing me as an author I love good stories of every kind. I read a diverse group of Authors from Stephen King and Jodie Piccoult to Ann Patchett, Barbara Kingsolver and Jane Eyre.
What are you working on now?
I am just in the middle of outlining the 3rd book in the Jersey Girls series based on another request from my readers. They picked the next character they want to know more about. I don’t really write for myself as much as I write what stories my readers tell me they would like to read.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love my email list of readers. I always go to them first with any special offers and freebies. Awesomegang, and other sites like yours, are a new discovery for me and I am excited to connect with a brand new audience.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I was an entrepreneur for over 7 years (I founded and ran an ecommerce business). Becoming an author is much easier of you understand the basic business principle of looking after your customer. I would advise new authors to learn as much about business and marketing as possible.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day.
What are you reading now?
I am re-reading Stephen King’s “The Stand” for about the 4th time. The story is so epic and tightly written that I often re-visit for inspiration.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am enjoying writing the romance books that I am writing now but I do have a dystopian novel that is nagging me to be written. I also want to take some writing classes as I believe in always improving.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Stephen King’s, The Stand. Barbara Kingsolver’s, The Poisonwood Bible. Margaret Atwood’s, The Handmaiden’s Tale and any one of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa-Marie Cabrelli Website
Lisa-Marie Cabrelli Amazon Profile
Lisa-Marie Cabrelli’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account