Authors Welcome!

Friday, October 24, 2014

Author Spotllight

 
M. Sembera - Author
 
 
 
Birth date:

May 21, 1976


Where are you from:
I was born in Baton Rouge Louisiana and lived there until I was 11. I now live in Brazoria, Texas.


A little about your self `ie your education, Family, life etc:
I am married with three kids. The older two have graduated and moved out but my 9yr old keeps me busier than both of them put together.


Tell us your latest book news?
Charlotte (MH2) was released on Sept. 25th. It was an exciting book for me because it was my first time to write about someone other than Ren.


When and why did you begin writing?
It was something I always wanted to do. I had written things here and there but never sat down and put everything together to write a book. It just happened that it was the right time in my life to be able to focus and get it all down.


When did you consider yourself an Author?
When my first book was published, I think.


What inspired you to write your first book?
There was a short story I write in high school that I planned on turning into a book one day. However, it took 15 years to get it together so I would say my first book is 'loosely' based on that.


Do you have a specific writing style?
I think so but I couldn't tell you what it is.


How did you come up with the titles?
Usually I try to pull it from somewhere in there book or use the overall theme.


Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The main thing I hope to convey is while our flaws often make us who we are, they do not define us.


How much of the book is realistic?
I try to make my books as realistic as possible but they are strictly fiction.


Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Indirectly, sure.


What books have most influenced your life most?
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Ann of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
We write in different genera's and styles but I have to say Arial Burnz. She's really honest and straightforward about all aspects of being an author. She truly is an awesome lady and a great writer too.


What book are you reading now?
ARC of Stolen Innocence (Shadow Series) by Addison Kline


Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I don't know if I would consider her new but I just finished Bait by M. Mabie and she grasped me alright!


What are your current projects?
Penny's book (MH3) is currently in progress. I'm hoping to have it out around the first of the year.


Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members:
The indie author community, they are so amazing and supportive.


Do you see writing as a career?
yes


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Nope :) I love Charlotte just the way she is.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
When I wrote my first short story in high school, I just fell in love with creating the characters.


Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure! Marked Heart is a standalone series with interconnecting characters. Penny is mentioned in Enduring Everything and is a strong side character in Charlotte. She is sweet, sincere and for the most part looks at the brighter side of things. Basically she likes to be happy. Penny loves her friends and family but she isn't very good at relationships. With her best friend married to one of her brother's just having had a baby, her roommate engaged and about to be married and her latest boyfriend dumping her, she's feeling a bit lonely. Taking a step back to do some self-evaluation, she decides to lay off of dating for a while. So when she gets a new neighbor, Penny decides they are going to be friends, whether he likes it or not.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Probably, naming places. I know it sounds silly but for some reason I have a hard time with attaching actual names with stores and restaurants etc.


Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I have 3 -
Edith Wharton-Age of Innocence to this day is the most romantic book I've ever read. There is something about anticipation that makes a book exciting for me to read.
L.M. Montgomery-Ann of Green Gables is my all-time favorite book. It inspired my love of reading.
The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe because he was always able to set a scene and bring it to life. Not to mention there are many morals to each of his stories.


Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I work out of an office at my house but I will be attending DITH in Austin Tx. this coming February. It is my first book signing so it is really exciting for me.


Who designed the covers?
Me


What was the hardest part of writing your books?
The editing process... Luckily, I have my editor Margaret from Eye Review. She keeps me in line.


Did you learn anything from writing your books?
There is always room for improvement and to grow in my craft.


Do you have any advice for other writers?
Take your time, hire an editor, learn how to take criticism with grace and always remember, you write for those who enjoy your work not the ones who don't.


Do your have anything specific you would like to say to your readers?
I appreciate the time y'all take to read my books! Without Readers my books would never see the light of day. I am truly grateful for each and every one of you!


Do you remember the first book you ever read?
I do! It was Bears First Christmas and I can remember thinking, 'Wow I'm reading'.


Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
I love to make swag for giveaways but aside from that, I mostly spend time with my family when I'm not writing.


What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I don't watch TV but I do enjoy action and comedy movies the most.


Favorite foods / Colors/ Music:
Olives & Feta/Green/Alternative


If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
No idea... More than likely what I already do just without writing. I can't think of anything else I ever REALLY wanted to do.


Do you have a blog/website? If so please share your links.
Yes! www.BrokenBirdMedia.com


Are you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest etc. Please share those links also.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorM.Sembera
amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=M.%20Sembera&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerank
goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4707427.M_Sembera
twitter: https://twitter.com/M_Sembera
google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/107595295959820500628
Instagram: http://instagram.com/m_sembera


Please share your book covers:


Marked Heart Series
#1                              #2
Cover reveal for #3 Penny's book will take place in Dec 2014


The Rennillia Series
Prequel             Novelette            Series


Please provide a personal picture of yourself or one of your favorite photos.

Thank you so much for the interview questions and for sharing my work! <3 M.

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