Saturday 6 October 2012

#Orangeberry Author Interview - Madeline Sharples

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. My book has much to share with anyone grieving the loss of a loved one or suffering any kind of loss.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? I’m writing an historical fiction book based on my family’s history, yet with a twist. I also want to have a book of poetry published. I also want to have a CD made of my son’s jazz music with proceeds of sales going to a charity that helps erase the stigma of mental illness and prevent suicide.
What inspired you to want to become a writer? Writing always seemed to come naturally to me, and because of that my teachers were very encouraging.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published. After my first publisher went out of business, I was fortunate to find a wonderful new publisher, Dream of Things, that recently released paperback and eBook editions of my book. The first publisher going out of business was a blessing in disguise.
What is your dream cast for your book? Jane Fonda as the main character (me), and my son Ben playing himself
What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?  The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters? My son was a very talented jazz composer and pianist. I would want his music as the theme song with sprinkles of John Lennon, Miles Davis, and J.S. Bach throughout the film.
What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? Don’t give up. No matter how many rejections you get, keep on asking. Be persistent.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Italy. It is my goal to live in Rome someday and travel throughout Italy by train. First stops would be Sicily and Naples – places I haven’t visited yet. Plus I love Italian food.
What is your favorite Quote? “How old would you be if you didn’t know your age?” Golda Meir
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you? A friend called me ten days after my son’s funeral and advised me to come back to our morning aerobics class. I did. Working out again helped me begin my healing process. I still workout every day.
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year? 11/22/63 by Stephen King
What was your favorite children’s book?  Me Too, story and words by Fritz Willis (The Marcel Rodd Company, 1944). My dad gave me the book because I always said, “me too,” whenever I wanted something my brother had. (I recently bought a first-edition copy of it.)
How do you react to a bad review? I haven’t had one yet, but if I did I would want to know why or if the reader even read my book. Needless to say, I wouldn’t feel good about it.
If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why? Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. One of my all-time favorite books.

Who or what inspired you to become an author? I was inspired to tell the story of my son’s bipolar illness and how I survived his suicide. I felt that if my story could help just one other family, my writing it would be worthwhile. Also, my writing teachers encouraged me to get my story out into the world.
In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with? Norah Ephron. She had the career I wanted early on. But she didn’t live long enough to get to write with me.
Buy Now @ Amazon 
Genre – Memoir
Rating – PG13
More details about the book
Connect with Madeline Sharples on Facebook

3 comments:

Sonia Marsh/Gutsy Living said...

I'm reading Madeline's memoir and her writing is so authentic and various scenes will have you in tears. Madeline, I like the fact that you want Jane Fonda to play you. You've already given a lot of thought to this, it seems.

madeline40 said...

Thanks, Sonia. Jane Fonda was my exercise role model, so it's only fitting she should play me. I understand she's has had suicide in her family too.

madeline40 said...

Ravina, thanks so much for hosting me on your blog. This place is a great resource for readers. I'm going to put a link to it on my blog.
All best. Madeline

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...