Pump Up Your Book Chats with Linda Merlino, author of ‘Room of Tears’

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ABOUT ROOM OF TEARS

At 9:59 a.m. on September 11, 2001, Diane O’Connor’s life as a firefighter’s wife changes forever, shattering her faith. Four decades later, a note still hangs on her kitchen cabinet in Queens, the paper yellowed with age. Diane knows the scribbled sentences by heart; she’d left them the morning of 9/11 for her husband, Billy.

In the summer of 2041, Diane invites Friar Antonio Ortiz to her home. He is a man destined to become counsel to the first American pope – her son, Peter. Antonio asks no questions and arrives in secret, promising to wait nineteen years before passing Diane’s journal to Peter. Only then will Billy’s story be told, along with answers to Peter’s questions about his father’s last days.

The Interview

Q: Can you tell us why you wrote your book?

The story came from reading suppressed articles about the people who escaped the burning towers by leaping from the buildings – especially the North Tower. People in the South Tower were told to stay at their desks but when they saw men and women falling past their windows they fled. The people who jumped were the unsung, first heroes – but their actions were misunderstood and their stories never told. A second seed came when Pope John Paul II died leaving a hole in the religious world, particularly for Catholics. The pope is a universal, public figure whose power reaches across the abyss of politics and organized religion. Pairing the two events and conceiving the idea of an American pope I reached into the spectral possibilities of a higher power’s plan arising from devastating loss.

Q: Which part of the book was the hardest to write?

The most difficult parts of the book were the final pages. Layering the story on the canvas of 9/11 took an emotional toll. Early into my research I found the task too daunting and I abandoned the project. Ironically that was the same day I had a chance encounter with a firefighter’s wife. She and I met by coincidence and when she heard about my abandoned project she told me to write it – she gave me titles of non-fiction books to read and spent a good deal of time telling me bits and pieces about that day and the days that followed. Her husband survived 9/11 because he had a doctor’s appointment and switched shifts with another firefighter who died. They moved to North Carolina to escape the memories.

Q: Does your book have an underlying message that readers should know about?

The book is not a 9/11 tribute – I am flattered and humbled by those who think it is – but my true purpose is to honor the heroes that emerge from tragedies like 9/11, those in military combat, the Newtown Killings, the Boston Bombings and so many other heartbreaking days that take us out of our comfort zone and make us afraid. To those ordinary people who react unselfishly in extraordinary circumstances – my message is to say thank you for keeping us safe and free.

Q: Do you remember when the writing bug hit?

Writing has been an outlet for me even as a kid. The idea of being an author was spawned from the first novel experience which involved self-publishing. After that I was convinced I needed to write a fiction novel that a traditional publisher would buy. I’ve been fortunate in finding Imajin Books. My Indie publisher is amazing and will go out on a limb for new novelists.

Q: Besides books, what else do you write? Do you write for publications?

I wrote an astrology column for years and just recently retired from that aspect of writing but still have an astrological website. My credentials are an international certification in astrological counseling.

Q: Do you have a writing tip you’d like to share?

Stay true to yourself-find your own voice and follow your dream. You can always be what you dreamed no matter your age or place on the planet. Never give up.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

My favorite place to write is at my desk surrounded by dozens of inspirational quotes. But often times I find myself spread out on the dining room table or my laptop open anywhere I can find spare time. I am a once-upon-a-time-soccer mom turned novelist who started writing on the sidelines of practices. I wrote anytime any place. No longer do I write in long hand but my writing is still a movable feast.

Q: What was the first thing you did as far as promoting your book?

Promoting is more difficult than writing and editing a novel. This time around I started with social media – I found promotions such as Pump Up Your Book to help me spread the word about Room of Tears. I am on Facebook and Twitter and use other means of social media to find readers. I made some of the best connections with people I have never met in person who embrace my writing and fill me with encouragement.

Q: What is the most frustrating part of being an author?

For me the most frustrating part of being an author is dealing with the highs and lows. Instead of an overcoat you need to wear your thick skin – some people will love you and respect what you have written and others will throw you under the bus first chance they get. This is the price you pay for going public – for getting out of your pajamas and letting someone other than your dog or your husband ( not in that order) listen/read your work.

Q: What is the most rewarding?

The most rewarding moments are when someone quietly comes up to you and says that they love your work and can’t wait to read your next book.

Q: Thank you so much for this interview, Linda Merlino. Do you have any final words?

I will steal a line from the remarkable mythologist and philosopher, Joseph Campbell – “follow your bliss”.

ABOUT LINDA MERLINO

Linda Merlino is a writer and the author of Room of Tears (July 23 2013), Hudson Catalina (2008-Belly of the Whale & re-release 9/14/12), Swan Boat Souvenir (self-published 2003) She began writing fiction as a young mother on the sidelines of endless soccer practices and wrote anytime any place. A manuscript filled a carton in the back seat of her car. Many years have passed since those early beginnings, but Linda’s work continues to be inspired by her children.

Ms Merlino has a fascination with heroes and writes her fiction to honor ordinary men and women who react unselfishly in extraordinary circumstances. She extends her gratitude to all who keep us safe and free. Linda grew up outside of Boston, after leaving Massachusetts she lived for many years in New York City and more recently calls Connecticut her home.

http://www.lindamerlino.com

Room of Tears Book Publicity Tour Schedule

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Monday, September 16 – 1st chapter reveal at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

Thursday, September 19 – Book featured at Moonlight, Lace and Mayhem

Monday, September 23 – Guest blogging at Review From Here

Wednesday, September 25 – Interviewed at Broowaha

Thursday, October 4 – Book review and 1st chapter reveal at Books and Needlepoint

Monday, October 7 – Interviewed at Pump Up Your Book

Tuesday, October 8 – Book reviewed at My Cozie Corner

Wednesday, October 9 – Book reviewed at I’m Shelf-ish

Thursday, October 10 – Book featured at Authors and Readers Book Corner

Friday, October 11 – Book reviewed at Mary’s Cup of Tea

Friday, October 11 – Guest blogging at Between the Covers

Monday, October 14 – Guest blogging at Allvoices

Tuesday, October 15 – Book featured at The Writer’s Life

Wednesday, October 16 – Interviewed at Examiner

Thursday, October 17 – Interviewed at Literal Exposure

Friday, October 18 – Guest blogging at Straight From the Authors Mouth

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Question of the Day

How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

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