Arlene Marron has her first book published, but there are more to come. I’d love to see this new author get a boost.
Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.
I’m Arlene Lomazoff-Marron. In December 2019, about a week before I retired from a job in the healthcare field, a coworker commented that I should do something from my bucket list. I immediately replied that I would write a novel. I wondered why I had replied so quickly and with such conviction, as I hadn’t thought about writing a book since my adolescence. I took a few writing courses in high school and considered college and a career in writing, but decided to go to nursing school instead. I didn’t realize writing a novel was on my bucket list. I planned to try my hand at writing a novel from March through December 2020, but when COVID-19 kept me indoors, I started writing every day, and wrote it in ten weeks. I live in the Philadelphia, PA area with my husband Gerry. We have a blended family of four boys and one girl, and seven grandchildren.
What do you like doing in your spare time? Do you have hobbies? How did you get started in them?
I consider myself a late bloomer, as in my fifties, I started bicycling long distances, playing Mah Jongg, and taking piano lessons. Now, in my sixties, I’m writing fiction. I can’t wait to see what my seventies look like!
If you are active in career fields other than writing, what do you hope for the future of that business? Describe your work or business activities in which you are presently active.
I volunteer my nursing skills in a clinic run entirely by nurses. The clinic provides basic services, such as physical exams and care for minor illnesses and diseases. It’s a win-win situation, as I can put my nursing skills to use, while helping others who need health care services. I have previously volunteered as a literacy tutor for adults. I currently volunteer with Mighty Writers, an organization promoting writing skills for students through age 18.
If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?
Yes, I love to read, and I participate in two local book clubs. We read fiction and non-fiction. I love the discussions about the books, and appreciate the opinions of other readers.
What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?
I want my stories to be well-written, relatable, and to hold a reader’s interest.
What inspired you to write your first book?
An innocent comment from a coworker about starting something on my bucket list led to my immediate response that I would write a novel. I wondered why I responded so quickly and with such conviction, but decided to try writing in retirement.
How do you decide on the title of a book?
The draft of “Beneath A Blanket of Snow” was untitled when I finished it. I walked away from my desk and practiced some yoga exercises. During the cooldown/resting at the end of the yoga program, when my mind and body were relaxed, the title of the book came to mind. I thought it was perfect. I’ll be starting my second book very soon. I do not have a title for it. It will be interesting to see if I think of a title during the writing process, or afterwards.
How much of your books is realistic and experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?
My writing is influenced by my experiences, emotions, and reactions to events in my life, although it is purely fiction.
Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you? Is there an author, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
I love Maya Angelou’s works. In addition to the beautiful writing, her works address social issues that resonate with the general public. Nearly everyone can relate to her writings.
How do you want others to see you or remember you? Is it important to you?
I’d like others to remember me as an active person, both physically and intellectually.
Do you have a blog or website viewers can visit for updates, events and special offers? Include links to any and all of your sites.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marron_arlene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marronal/
