Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Tell us about yourself” is such a vague thing. My brain keeps freezing up! Let’s see . . . I’m the elder of two children, raised by a single mother until I was 10, when she remarried. I grew up in Utah, and attended school there. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, making up stories in elementary school that, admittedly, made little sense. I turned to fan fiction as a teenager, then explored creative writing and script writing in college. After college, I wrote my first novel. I currently have three books published, and I’m in the process of writing several more.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Toasted”. It’s the second in the Broom Closet Mysteries series. It picks up six months after the first book in the series, and takes place in Ireland. I was actually already in the process of plotting out the first draft when a friend mentioned that tickets to Ireland were a shocking $316 roundtrip. We jumped on the chance, and I was able to research firsthand the setting of “Toasted”, which is Dublin and its surrounding area. It explores the politics of my male lead’s family, and the events that occur when one of his sister’s bridesmaids goes missing during the wedding festivities. It’s heavily influenced by its setting and the Irish culture and history.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think any of my habits are unusual. Every writer has their little quirks and necessities when they’re writing, so it’s difficult to say what’s normal and what’s not. Do I supplicate to Cthulhu while writing? Nah.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
An awful lot of authors have influenced me over the years. I have to say that my primary influences have been Diana Gabaldon, Janet Evanovich, and Meg Cabot. But there are so many more authors whose work I admire.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a short story collection in the Broom Closet series, as well as book 3 in the main storyline. I’ve also got a couple paranormal romance novels in the works, that aren’t connected to the series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not really sure. I do most of my promoting on Facebook, followed by Twitter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing, and don’t let bad reviews get to you. We all get them. They’re mostly for other readers, not for the author, though some may have valid points. A lot of people are just bitter and can’t say anything nice. Keep writing. Keep working on your craft. If you have a favourite author, one whose work you really admire, see if they have any writing advice. Don’t give up. And invest in an editor.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I can think of two things:
1. Don’t read your bad press.
2. Kevin J. Anderson told me once that his first book was rejected 42 times before he sold his manuscript. The key is to just keep trying and to make sure that you’re presenting the best work you can be.
What are you reading now?
At this exact moment, nothing. But I read an average of 8 books a week.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my next book, probably!
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?
I’d take The Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, A Rose In Winter by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
Author Websites and Profiles
Marianna Roberg Website
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