A Perfect 10 with Mary Carlomagno

This week, I have the pleasure of featuring Author Mary Carlomagno for this edition of A Perfect 10.

Please enjoy this week’s installment of A Perfect 10

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Both, I am exhausted while doing it and energized when finished. A famous writer once said, it feels better to have written, than actually to write.

Do you ever write under a pseudonym? If not have you considered it? Why or why not?

I have never considered a pseudonym, but it’s not a bad idea, given my last name!

Does a big ego help or hurt writers? Why or why not?

I think it can help, because you have to have something that will drive you forward. Writing is not fun. Writing a novel is pure torture.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

My MAC!

What does writing success look like to you? Have you achieved it?

I am getting closer. I began my career as a non-fiction writer, writing what I knew which included how to store shoes and tidy up people’s spice racks. I was a professional organizer for 12 years and I often wrote on assignment. My first three books are about organizing and living with less.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? What sources do you use?

I use my life as source material, but often look at pop culture and for that the Internet is invaluable. It’s amazing how much you can learn by sitting at your desk.

How do you select the names of your characters? Have you ever regretted choosing a particular name? Why?

Sometimes I get inspired by people I know. If I meet an awesome person, I usually want to honor them in a book. And other times, it is just a random vibe or feeling.

What is the hardest type of scene to write?

Romantic scenes are difficult to get just right.

If you could have dinner with four people, living or dead, who would they be and what would you want to ask them?

Prince – I would probably not be brave enough to ask him anything. But I would like to hear him speak about anything, He fascinates me!

F. Scott Fitzgerald – I really want to know for sure if Gatsby is based on real people!

Jane Austen – I think it would be amazing to hear her speak about mannerly England.

Pocahontas – I would ask her all about what her life, especially her love life!

What platform has brought you the most success in marketing your books?

I think social media has been the most measurable way to sell books. The interaction with readers is immediate and very satisfying.

About Mary

I am the author of three previous books about organizing, a nationally recognized spokesperson and owner of order (orderperiod.com) a company that helps busy people get organized and live more balanced lives. I have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC’s Today, and National Public Radio. I was born and raised in New Jersey, a state that I love so much that I have never been away for more than two weeks at a time.

About Mary’s Book

Jersey Girl Jessie DeSalvo has her dream job at one of New York’s top publishing companies. After ten years of hard work the day of her big promotion has arrived. Unfortunately, her company has other ideas. Instead of a corner office, Jessie is handed her pink slip.

Left with little more than her cell phone and an unusable contact list, Jessie retreats to less-than-fashionable Hoboken, New Jersey, to figure out her life—and deal with the attentions of her loving but inquisitive Italian-American family. Then she accidentally stumbles into a career as a professional best friend—by helping friends and strangers straighten out whatever is wrong with their lives. Her jobs include planning the New Jersey wedding of the year and saving a bankrupt rock club in town. Soon, things get complicated when she falls in love with the club manager—and promises an appearance by Bruce Springsteen.

In the end, Jessie realizes that not even “The Boss” can make things right—and that she needs to become her own best friend to be truly happy.

ORDER BEST FRIEND FOR HIRE NOW!

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Connect with Mary

Mary@orderperiod.com

https://www.facebook.com/MaryCarlomagnoauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/BestFriend4Hire/

marycarlomagno.com

Orderperiod.com