Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Mexico City, but have lived in New York mostly since college. I’m fully bilingual in English and Spanish and have been emerged in both cultures equally since a young age. If I’m not writing, then I’m most likely reading. But if I’m not doing either of those, I spend my time goofing around with my husband, watching a good show or movie, or eating out at restaurants with friends. I used to be an avid tennis player growing up and occasionally play whenever I get the chance. I’m also really passionate about traveling and try to make an overseas trip at least once a year. So far I’ve written two contemporary romance novels and recently self-published the first one in the series, Teaching Mia.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I was inspired to write Teaching Mia after I graduated from business school in Spain. My experience during my time there was so rich and intense, it gave me plenty of source material to work with. Somehow I started imagining what it would be like for a girl to go through the same experience, but by herself and completely alone. That’s when the back story came to me of a wounded girl who was fleeing her past and trying to make a better life for herself in a foreign country. It just seemed like the perfect scenario for someone who had a lot of obstacles in front of them and presented a lot of challenges to struggle through. And of course, a romantic hero who would eventually save her from it all!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is unusual, but I usually first write a pivotal chapter from the middle of the book and then work my way backwards to the beginning.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up in Mexico, my favorite authors are mostly from Latin America. Carlos Fuentes is a huge inspiration to me (Mia’s last name from Teaching Mia came from him) and I always looked up to the fact that he is one of the first few truly bilingual authors in Spanish and English and I absolutely loved reading his short stories growing up. Other authors include: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Octavio Paz, Mario Vargas Llosa. In English, my favorite book is Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and also love Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on translating Teaching Mia into Spanish. I’m a native Spanish speaker, so I did the translation myself and now I’m in the process of editing with the help of my mom! It’s been a fun process so far as I also thoroughly enjoy writing in Spanish as much as in English, but at the same time it definitely requires much more proofing than English as there are so many accents and grammar details to look out for!
Besides this, I’m also in the process of finishing up Book 2 of the Nights in Madrid Series, Stealing Emma. This story features the story of Leo’s older brother Max, and his hot pursuit of a love interest who just so happens to be already taken. Although there’s a lot of drama due to the ensuing love triangle, I feel like I’ve also had a lot of fun writing this book so far and the characters keep on surprising me.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure this out, but probably a combination of Facebook and Twitter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
No matter what happens, never give up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’re never as good as your best review, and never as bad as your worst.
What are you reading now?
J.A. Redmerski’s The Edge of Always
What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides spending most of my free time writing and editing, I’m trying to get the word out about my books as much as possible, which I’ve now realized is the other half of the journey. I can’t say for certain what’s next, but I’m hoping for an exciting road ahead!
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?
Catcher in the Rye
The Count of Monte Cristo
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Author Websites and Profiles
M.C. Roman Website
M.C. Roman Amazon Profile
M.C. Roman Author Profile on Smashwords
M.C. Roman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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