Marlene Wagman-Geller Interview Published on: 17, Jan 2022
They say that no matter how old we get, we'll always have a bit of an inner child. What were you like as a child and do you think you've changed a lot since then? What are you most thankful for?
I completely agree with your statement that we are just adult versions of your younger selves.I grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The harsh Canadian windows contributed to my love affair with books, a relationship that has sustained me over the years. I am eternally grateful for my books that have proved the gift that keeps on giving.
While growing up did you, in any way, have any embarrassing moments?Too many to remember; too embarrassing to relate.
What made you decide to start writing non-fiction books?My foray into non-fiction began in 2008. I had just finished reading the novel, Peyton Place, by Grace Metalious. By happenstance, when I had finished the book, it opened up to the dedication page that bore the words: To George For All the Reasons He Knows So Well. My interest was immediately piqued. Who was George? What were the reasons he knew so well? After finding out the answers, I became a dedication detective. The journey led to my first book Once Again to Zelda: The Stories Behind Literature’s Most Intriguing Dedications. Currently, I am working on my eleventh book. Dreams so not always have to be for sleeping.
Is it important that an author have other friends that are writers as well? Do you have any?Whatever one’s profession, it helps to have colleagues in the same field to share ideas, frustrations, plans, and so forth.
Unabashed Women is such a wonderful book to read. What challenges did you face while putting together biographies of Bad Girls, Seductresses, Rebels and One-of-a-Kind Women?Thank you for the kind words. My challenge with Unabashed Women was a to convey the grit and gutsiness that bookmarked these rebel women’s lives.
How did you come up with the idea for your book, Fabulous Female Firsts?My idea for Fabulous Female Firsts was to pay tribute to the trailblazers who shattered glass ceilings, thereby paving the way for the women who followed in their indomitable footsteps.
Were you a big reader as a kid too? If so, what were some of your favourite books then?I loved to read when I was in school. Some of my favorite books: The Portable Dorothy Parker, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Count of Monte Christo, The Great Gatsby.
Which is the best compliment or fan-mail you have received for your work?I recently had a zoom meeting with a book club in Indiana: The Reading Renegdes. Each member of the club dressed up or provided clues about a woman in the book and we had to guess who they were portraying. Another wonderful experience was a zoom meeting with Tales From Tuesday, a London-based book club. The compliment: they said they wanted to invite me back!
What are your techniques to improve writing?Edit, edit, and then edit.
What is a common mistake many authors make when they try to write a memoir?I write encapsulated biographies. The challenge is to instill a memorable life into five pages.
Do you prefer writing on a notepad first or you directly start writing on your computer?I prefer writing directing on my laptop.
What is the farthest you've ever gone to promote a book?I travelled from San Diego to Oakland for a promotion. Now if I could only have one in Europe…...
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?I am working on my eleventh and twelfth book. (They are stand-alone.) My writing provides me with a purpose, a passion.,.
When did you first join AllAuthor and did you join as a free or pro-member first? What are your thoughts on this website?I joined Al Author approximately two years ago. I believe I started off with a free membership, but I joined as a paid member. I love how you send me a mock- up each week that I post on Facebook. I have to explore the site as my friend created a magnificent post on All Author. Alas, I am not that technological. Love the site!
