Interview With Author Maria Imbalzano
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I'm a retired divorce attorney. While working, I decided I needed balance in my life, so I tried my hand at writing a romance novel. That was 27 years ago. It took me a while to figure out how to write a book that was worthy of sending out. It took me 15 years to get my first contract. Since then, I've had 11 books published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called "Sworn to Collide," and it's release date is June 1, 2026. It is the fourth book of the Sworn Sisters Series (all stand alone books). The series is about four high school friends who are now in their early to mid-30s. Each woman has her own story, but the others are in each book. This series is women's fiction with a strong romance. "Sworn to Collide" is different from the other 3 books in that the heroine has been married for 11 years and has 3 children. Instead of a strong romance, this book delivers a compelling, emotionally resonant portrait of a marriage under pressure.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I plot out my books to the nth degree before I start writing. By the time I'm finished blueprinting my story, it practically writes itself. But the work that goes into this blueprint is major.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
All books by Judith McNaught, Emily Giffin, Rachel Gibson
What are you working on now?
I started another series called the Sunrise Island Series. I am working on the second book in that series, tentatively titled "Island Haze." The first book is "Island Detour." These books take place on fictional Sunrise Island in the Florida Keys.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do several things to promote my books. I post on Facebook and Instagram, but I also go on blog and/or review tours – and I speak to local groups and book clubs.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep learning. You can never know enough about the craft of writing a story no matter how many books you have published. And keep writing. The more you write, the better you'll get.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don't give up. Even in the face of unending rejection. You will never get your book published unless you keep at it. Persistence is key.
What are you reading now?
"The Irish Goodbye" by Heather Aimee O'Neill
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will keep working on the Sunrise Island Series until it's complete. Then I'll review my notes of ideas for future books and pick one. I love creating new characters and new plotlines.
I have considered writing a screen play of one of my books. Maybe I'll do that.
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?
This might be cheating, but I would bring my Kindle because it has hundreds of books on it. But if I had to choose paper books, I'd bring long books so I wouldn't finish them too quickly. "Dr. Zhivago," Anna Karenina." "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," and "The Lord of the Rings."
Author Websites and Profiles
Maria Imbalzano Amazon Profile
Maria Imbalzano’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.