Arlene Lomazoff-Marron Interview
The Indie Book Butler Interview.
Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.
Arlene Lomazoff-Marron: I’m Arlene Lomazoff-Marron. About a week before I retired from a career in the healthcare field in December 2019, a coworker commented that I should do something from my bucket list. I immediately replied that I would write a novel. I wondered why I had replied so quickly and with such conviction, as I hadn’t thought about writing a book since my adolescence. I took a few writing courses in high school and considered college and a career in writing, but decided to go to nursing school instead. I didn’t realize writing a novel was on my bucket list.
Beneath A Blanket Of Snow is my first novel. I am currently working on my second novel, which I hope to release in spring 2021. I live in Pennsylvania with my husband Gerry.
IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book(s). What would you say?
ALM: I’ve written an engaging novel everyone can enjoy. It deals with marriage, friendship, adversity, crime, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption.
IBB: Where do you like to write?
ALM: I sit at a computer in a spare room in my home.
IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?
ALM: I usually work out characters and situations in my head, often when I am relaxed and doing other things instead of writing. I find that I must do that. I can jot down some character traits or a rough outline, but much of what I write is formulated when I’m watching a movie, practicing yoga, or riding a bicycle.
IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?
ALM: I’ve always loved to read stories about families; their struggles and challenges. Anita Shreve is an author I like.
IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?
ALM: Reading! Since I’ve started writing, I find that I read others’ works differently. I have read passages more than once, usually to examine and enjoy the flow of the words.
IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?
ALM: I want to write stories that readers can relate to, stories that resonate with them.
IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?
ALM: “A very engaging novel with many insightful observations. Both the development of the characters’ stories and the unraveling of their secrets was captivating throughout the novel. Impressively, this is the author’s first novel, but she has complete control of the narrative and her style throughout! This book flowed so well and it was easy to immerse myself into the characters and their lives. The author did a great job and I can’t wait to see what she writes next! Great read.”
IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?
ALM: Getting my book noticed by readers has been the most difficult part for me. Readers can choose from millions of books every day. I have to get them to notice mine. That’s difficult to do. Marketing can be a full-time job itself.
IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?
ALM: I learn a lot by reading other authors’ works.
IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?
ALM: I am self-published, but if I had an editor, I’d like that person to listen to my views and my “voice”.
IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?
ALM: You may not agree with what I have written, but please respect my voice and my work as my own.
IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
ALM: You are never too young or too old to write. I wrote my debut novel at age 63.
IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?
ALM: I am working on my second novel, which I hope to release in spring 2021. I hope to continue to write. Who knows how many books I have inside of me?
IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?
ALM: I edited templated artwork for my first book. It was easy to find a snow scene. For my second book, I’m looking for something more specific. I will expand my search; I may hire someone to create a cover.
IBB: How often do you read? What genre?
ALM: Between my writing and marketing, I read as often as I can—at least a few days a week. I like literary fiction, but I belong to two local book clubs, and we often read historical fiction or non-fiction books. I have started to expand my horizons more by reading some science fiction and fantasy books.
IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…
ALM: I love reading works by other indie authors. Some of my favorites are Giorgio Garofalo, Max Speed, Vicky Peplow, and Crystal Z. Lee.
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.
For more on Arlene and her work, please visit:
