Up In Smoke Reviews: Author Interview

Monday, July 29, 2013

Author Interview – Marla Martenson

What’s your favorite place in the entire world? I love Paris.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I always loved to read. I would call myself a true bookworm. I started writing poetry at the age of 7 or 8 and then short stories. I love to express myself through writing. I used to make lists of words that I liked and then put them together in a poem.

How long have you been writing? I started writing as a kid for fun, but then stopped after a few years. I made some feeble attempts at writing in my adult years, but never really gave it a good go until I was in my 40’s.

When did you first know you could be a writer? When I started getting material together for my first book, Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate Is Waiting. I realized that I was pretty funny and that I really enjoyed writing. I started to take it seriously at that point.

What genre are you most comfortable writing? I enjoy writing self- help and chick lit style comedy.

What inspired you to write your first book? I had so many interesting stories to tell from my matchmaking job. I wanted to share my knowledge and stories. My husband also encouraged me to write.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? The most challenging for me is to find the time. I own a business and have a lot going on. I find that if I get some writing done first thing in the morning, it works better for me as my creativity starts to deplete as the day goes on.

Do you intend to make writing a career? I would love to make writing a career, but not my only career. I am a Gemini, and there are two people in here. I have so many interests, that I will always do more than one thing.

Why did you choose to write this particular book? I chose to write Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker because the stories that I had in my brain were just clamoring to get out and onto the page to be shared.

What was the hardest part about writing this book? It was my first memoir. My first two books were self- help, so it was totally different. Diary needed a back-story, character development, etc. It was a lot harder.

Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it? I learned that all of my experiences in life good and bad are worth something. Our experiences teach us valuable lessons and if we can look back with humor, we can really benefit from the lesson.