Of the Gattuso Varietal

Thanks to My Mini's monitor practically separating from the keyboard (Yipe!) I've been out of commission for a bit... but over my delay, I had the opportunity to catch up with just-published author: Ms. Maripoza Cruz.

Her book, Howl (see below for a brief synopsis), was just released a few weeks ago and we had some time to catch up. An aspiring author myself, I'm in awe of her committment to her passion. And while I may not dabble so much in the paranormal romance genre as of late, I still can't help but be inspired by the example she's set!

So without further ado, here's the conversation I had with Ms. Cruz regarding her life as a multi-tasking professional and an author, and what it took to get there. :)

RG: What made you want to write in the first place?

MC: As a kid I loved to read and dream up stories. And if I’m not making up my own stories, I’m searching out other people’s stories.

RG: Who are your writing role-models?

MC: My maternal grandmother was a wonderful story-teller and avid letter writer. Her letters read as if she were sitting across the table instead of across the country. All of her writing was for her family, including a memoir of our journey to California from Indiana. I met Carol Lloyd at one of her readings in San Francisco. Her Creating a Life Worth Living is a must-read for any artist who longs to blend creative pursuits with a day job.

RG: What's on your nightstand right now?

MC: Hallelujah the Welcome Table by Maya Angelou. It’s a collection of her essays and recipes—literary comfort food.

RG: How did you get interested in the paranormal romance genre?

MC: I've always been drawn to the supernatural as well as classic monster movies. I’ve had fun creating a sub-culture of characters who manage their otherworldy traits in the "real world."

RG: So have you read the Twilight series, or the Sooki Stackhouse books? What are your thoughts?

MC: I haven't read Sookie Stackhouse series yet, it's on my list. I enjoyed Twilight. I'm definitely for Team Jacob (I like my heroes warm-blooded).

RG: It looks like you've intertwined your professional experience and extra-curricular hobbies. What was it like merging the two worlds?

MC: Sometimes absolute chaos, but it is well-worth it. With a family and a full-time job, it is an on-going challenge to stay focused on my goals and at the same time being flexible enough to keep up with my kids.

RG: I know myself how hard it is to get the words on the paper (or word doc)! And you're balancing work and kids, too... What was your motivation to stick with it?

MC: Even with ever-pressing time constraints I'm happier with writing in my life than out of it. Sometimes the bigger the challenge, the more determined I am to prove I can do it.

RG: We're really proud of you and thrilled for your book! We consider your hard work and success an empowering example that hard work and commitment pays off. How do you feel about being such a positive influence?

MC: Thanks Rachel. I hope when people see my life, they are encouraged to follow their own dreams. It is essential to pursue your dreams even if you can only take baby steps.

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Take a peek at the premise of Ms. Cruz's book - so proud of her accomplishment! Congratulations, lady!



*As if Kate Owens doesn't have enough problems as a struggling single mom and paralegal, a brutal animal attack outside her office plunges her into turmoil. At work, she is attracted to her rescuer, Jack Walker, an attorney wary of commitment. Every morning after the attack she awakes drenched in blood beside the body of a mangled stray. Kate's days become a battle to maintain control while her nights are a disturbing blur of dreams. Will Kate's nightly madness harm her young daughter?
Lone wolf attorney, Jack Walker understands the reason for his paralegal's exhaustion and haunted demeanor. Jack has pursued the beast since law school graduation and he knows the creature's relentless thirst for revenge. Can Jack save Kate from her attacker and her own savage nature?

If you're interested, you can grab your copy here.