Maria Imbalzano Writes about Music and Love
Romance author Maria Imbalzano is a multi-published writer and Fellow Rose. She is here to share an amazing romance.
Welcome, Maria Imbalzano,
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
In A Song For Another Day, the hero, a country singer/songwriter, and the heroine, a Broadway singer and dancer, wrote a song together. I had never written a song before, and pondered how to do that. While writing this book, one of my favorite songs was “One Man Band” by Old Dominion. So I used that melody to write words that meant something to Jason and Gigi.
How did you come up with the title?
Another song by Old Dominion (I do love their songs) is called “Song for Another Time.” I borrowed the theme, you might say.
What interesting jobs have you had? How have those jobs affected your writing?
I was a divorce lawyer for thirty-five years. Over those years, I dealt with so many people who had stories to tell – some sad, some angry, some painful. I use what I know when writing my stories. Several of my books have lawyers as characters and lawsuits as plot lines. (Unchained Memories, Dancing in the Sand, Sworn to Remember) I have been able to draw on my experiences to write these characters/plot lines. I also wrote hundreds of legal memos and briefs during my career as a lawyer, and edited them to death before sending them off to court. As a result, I am a fairly good editor on my books. Paying attention to words and details is a trait I learned while practicing law.
Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?
I am one of those people who loves to be busy. I am currently working on four projects at the same time. The third book of my Sworn Sisters Series tentatively called Sworn to Fly is under contract and with my editor. (See below for a description of this series) I just finished writing a Christmas novella with a cookie theme to submit to my publisher for a series to be released next Christmas. My proposal for a novella in The Wylder West series has been approved, and I will be writing that next. I am also narrating one of my published books for audio and intend to eventually narrate all my books. I am still in the learning stages, and I have re-recorded Chapter One about six times already. This project is definitely a challenge.
Will you have a new book coming out soon? Do you know the release date?
Sworn to Fly, which is book three of the Sworn Sisters Series is in edits. I don’t have a release date yet, but it should be out by the beginning of the summer. The Sworn Sisters are four high school girlfriends, who are now in their early thirties. They are strong, independent women, but each has vulnerabilities. They support each other and help each other navigate the land mines of their lives while searching for their happily-ever-after.
Each girlfriend has their own story. Nicki, in Sworn to Forget is single, living in Philadelphia, and works as a music executive. She dates whom she wants, when she wants, and intends to remain happily single. Until Dex enters her life. Sam, in Sworn to Remember, is a successful divorce attorney in NYC who learns that her husband has been unfaithful. She takes a leave of absence and spends it in the shore town of Crescent Beach where she pulls herself together and files for divorce. While there, she runs into her high school crush and sparks fly.
Alyssa, in Sworn to Fly is an ER nurse, who makes bad decisions as it relates to men. She heads to a resort in the mountains for a week to work on herself as well as her life plan. She meets Gabe, a high fashion photographer, who opens her eyes to the larger world around her.
Denise, in a not yet titled book, is a former bank VP who is now a stay-at-home mom to three children. Her husband takes a job in Boston just as she is about to re-enter the workforce in NJ. Living two separate lives does not bode well for their once solid relationship. Only after they learn to communicate and compromise can they get back to the love they once had.
A Song for Another Day
by Maria Imbalzano
Gigi Jenson, an up-and-coming Broadway star, finds herself in Willow Springs, Vermont, for the summer as director of their first annual community revue. This sleepy town is worlds away from her vibrant and beloved New York City, but the experience she’ll gain will be invaluable to her career.
Jason Simmons has lived in Willow Springs his entire life. Working several jobs while writing music, he yearns for a contract to record his songs. The one chance he had to make it in Nashville he blew due to stage fright.
When Jason volunteers to help Gigi with the revue, sparks ignite but their dreams are taking them in different directions. Could their love for each other guide them to the same path?
My love of reading dates back to my childhood when I would borrow at least four books from the library every week. During the summer, I would sit in the house and read, until my mother, totally frustrated, would send me outside to play and lock me out. I always found my way back in. However, I must confess, I hated to write. In every English and writing class throughout college, I dreaded trying to be creative. As a friend from law school so aptly put it, “The reason why we’re here is because we don’t have a creative bone in our bodies.”
Despite my dislike of creative writing back then, I embraced legal writing, and was first published in Volume 5 of the Fordham International Law Journal. My article was entitled “In re Mackin: Is the Application of the Political Offense Exception an Extradition Issue for the Judicial or Executive Branch?” I would advise you against reading it, for you will surely fall asleep.
While practicing law as a divorce attorney, I decided to try for some balance in my life and began writing romance. Thankfully, I found my creative bone. Instead of only drafting motions, legal memoranda, and briefs, although fascinating, I started to spend my free time creating memorable characters and taking them on their emotional journeys through my contemporary romance novels.
Learn more about Maria Imbalzano
Goodreads Author Page
I, too, was a bookworm when I was a kid. I loved making up stories as well. Loved the post, and best on your book!
It’s always fun to hear where ideas come from. I’ve always wanted to write a song, but with several song writers in my family, probably best I leave it up to them. This book is on my Kindle and I can’t wait to read it!
Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Hi!
‘Enjoyed getting to know you better!
Robert Herold (Bob H.) — Fellow Wild Rose
Hi Zara: Thank you so much for having me on your blog today.
Hi Charlotte: Thanks so much. I wish the same for you. Would love to meet up with you again sometime after covid releases us.
Love the songs you used for inspiration!
Hi Jennifer. You must be a country fan too?
How did you get a picture of a celebrity couple on your cover? It is fabulous. Good luck and great sales for A SONG FOR ANOTHER DAY.
Hi Sandra. They are not a celebrity couple, although I’m curious as to who you think they are. I’m sure the photo comes from stock photos. Diana Carlile did the cover. I love it. Thanks for stopping by.
Looks like Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman.
Great interview! Wishing you all the best with A SONG FOR ANOTHER DAY!
Hi Judith: Thank you and thanks for stopping by. I love the art work you post on FB.
Lovely interview, ladies! I’m in awe of your ability to work on four projects at a time, Maria! I can only focus on one at a time. All the best!
Hi Mary: Thank you. I was always multi-tasking as a lawyer, so my craziness has followed me into my writing life. It keeps me from getting bored. 🙂
Hi Maria and Zara,
Lovely to learn more about your work, inspiration and upcoming projects. Wishing you continued success.
Hi Charlotte: Thanks so much. I wish the same for you. Would love to meet up with you again sometime after covid releases us.