Author Interrupted welcomes Kimberly Menozzi

Hi there Kimberly, please tell me a bit about yourself.

Hi! Well, of course I’m Kimberly Menozzi, and I’m an American living in Italy, married to an Italian who’s lived here his entire life. My first novel, Ask Me if I’m Happy, was released a little over a year ago (November 2010) by a small publishing house in London, and I reissued that novel in early 2011 in the US. I’m a huge cycling fan – as anyone who knows me, or reads my blog, can attest – and I’m working on a new novel set in the professional cycling world.

And how about your latest book?

Well, that would be Ask Me if I’m Happy. It’s a love story set in Bologna, Italy, which explores the relationship between two people who meet by chance but share an unexpected common bond. How they react to this discovery is shaped by their previous experiences, and this affects their relationship in somewhat unexpected (or completely expected) ways.  It’s a heartfelt story, and – I think – it’s a realistic portrayal of how we are sometimes our own worst enemies when it comes to love.

Where can people get this book?

It’s available from just about every e-book seller I can think of, from Amazon (US) (UK) to BN to Sony, Apple and Kobo. It’s also available in paperback through Amazon and other retailers online, as well as at La Feltrinelli International in Bologna. (I’m so proud of that last one, I could just pop!)

Is it your first book?

It’s my first published novel, yes. (laughs) I’ve written five or six full-length novels since I was eighteen, but this is the first one to make it all the way through to publication.

If so, what motivated you to publish it now? 

Well, it was originally put out by a brand-new publishing house in London, but they decided to specialize in Historical Fiction early this year. I was suddenly without anyone issuing or backing my work, and agents weren’t interested in something which had already been published, so I decided to do it myself. I then opted to put out a prequel novella for Ask Me… called Alternate Rialto, so I am clearly out of my mind. (laughs)

How are you finding self-publishing now you’ve published more than one book?

It’s tough work. I mean, really tough work. I spend a good portion of every day looking for new review sites and promotional opportunities to get the word out there. It can be exhausting and frustrating, and sometimes limits the time I have to work on my current WiP. Still, someone has to do it – and that might as well be someone who loves this story as much as I do.

Who is your favourite character?

It’s always hard to pick a favourite, but if I had to choose, I’d probably have to go with Davide, the male lead in Ask Me if I’m Happy. I worked really hard to write a realistic male character, and I’ve been told that I did so, but there were times Davide was really hard to pin down. (laughs) It’s fair to say I had a bit of a crush on him while I wrote him, too. He’s sweet, a bit nerdy and introverted, reasonably good-looking but awkward with women. He’s also an Italian professor of Literature, specializes in Mythology, and he wears glasses. Yeah, he’s my dream guy.

What’s your favourite indie book that you’ve read in the past 12 months?

To Die a Dry Death by Greta van der Rol. Amazing.

What’s your favourite book of all time?

Watership Down by Richard Adams. It’s the book which made me understand at an early age the power of descriptive writing.

Do you use any groups or mailing lists?  Wanna tell us about them?

Although I’m not a Romance writer per se, I belong to a group called Romance Divas. They’ve done more to educate me as a writer than any other group – I’ve learned a phenomenal amount in the time I’ve been a member. I’ve never found a more supportive or understanding group of people anywhere. I also found my critique partner, Nell Dixon, there. She’s an award-winning writer and a wonderful person, and I’m proud to have her as my friend.

Any advice for new writers?

Develop a thick skin and learn to take – and use – constructive criticism. No-one’s writing is good enough to go unrevised. Also, it would be wise to develop a support system of writers you admire and trust so you have someone to go to when the publishing world is unkind – because it will be, from time to time – and they can build you up and get you back on track again.

What’s next for you?

I’m almost finished with the first draft of my current WiP, 27 Stages, a.k.a., “The Cycling Novel”. It’s been in the works since August of 2009, and has been disrupted and delayed by all sorts of unfortunate circumstances over the last couple of years. I hope to have it wrapped up and ready to go by next Spring, since that’s when the first big races are underway.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

If all goes according to plan and 27 Stages is released on schedule, and if I make it back to the US this summer, I’ll be doing a launch party for the book in East Tennessee – possibly in Knoxville. I’ll also be doing a few giveaways online, so if you think you’ll be interested in trying for a free copy, keep an eye open for that.