Pump Up Your Book Chats with Marlene Morgan, author of ‘Sleeping with a Wall Street Banker’

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Marlene Morgan is an author, and a Barrister-at-law. She also holds a master degree in taxation and administration law from Kings College London. Having recently passed the New York Bar Exam she is currently seeking admission to the New York Bar.

She can be contacted through her website at www.marlenemorgan.com

Q: Can you tell us why you wrote your book?

I was living in New York City at the time and had a number of encounters with different people coupled with the fact I observed so many complicated lives everywhere: the gym, Starbucks, studying to take the bar exam. It seemed everywhere I turned a saw drama filled lives. I figured I had to do something with all of the ideas and drama I was observing.

Q: Which part of the book was the hardest to write?

After I submitted my first draft, I thought I was finished. However, after I received feedback from my editor, I realized I would have to re-visit the first half of the book. That was really hard emotionally to basically start all over.

Q: Do you have a writing tip you’d like to share?

Don’t put paper to pen until you have a salable concept or idea. Spend time upfront making sure you have a good “hook” or idea. All the “wordsmithing” in the world can’t compensate for a poor idea or premise.

Q: Would you like to tell us about your home life? Where you live? Family? Pets?

I live in Connecticut with my partner. We live a pretty busy life and enjoy cooking, hiking, reading cycling and running. Given the season, we also have the football bug and follow the Jets and the Giants. I have a son who lives in the UK and works in the financial services industry.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your childhood?

I grew up in Sheffield England, it’s in South Yorkshire. My childhood was fairly typical and was involved in school and athletics. During my childhood I really developed an interest in storytelling, specifically by telling scary stories to my siblings at night.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

My favorite place to write is in the kitchen facing the TV on the wall. We call that particular bar stool the “the writers chair”

Q: What do you do to get away from it all?

I like to go on long walks on the beach with my partner. Sometimes we will put in 8 miles along the beach. It’s very peaceful and allows us to talk and think without interruption.

Q: Are you familiar with the social networks and do you actively participate?

I do participate in Twitter and Facebook. They are becoming increasingly popular, some would say critical, in getting your message out.

Q: How do you think book promotion has changed over the years?

Getting the book published is just the beginning. Social media, something that didn’t exist 5-10 years ago, is absolutely critical in terms of promotion.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world other than where you are right now, where would that place be?

In Naples, Florida, with my partner. We’d probably be on a golf course. Truth be told, I have to redeem myself because the last time we were in Florida, I was a bit naughty on the golf course and he fired me as his caddy. I have some work to do to redeem myself.

Q: Your book has just been awarded a Pulitzer. Who would you thank?

I would have to thank two people – my son and my partner. My son prodded and encouraged me and was extremely helpful in pushing me along. My partner, a wonderful man, has a wonderful sense of humor and was a source of inspiration for the book.

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Maria Andrade, DEFIANCE AND REDEMPTION

"Everyone did an excellent job. The blog pages were beautiful, and the trailer was so clever and funny. Thanks for sending these lovely "souvenirs" from my tour. I will be able to use all of these posts on Twitter. I enjoyed this so much and look forward to my next tour!"
Irene Woodbury, HONEYMOON ROULETTE

" I am delighted with the results of my recent tour with Pump Up Your Book. Dorothy is meticulous and professional, presents beautifully laid out pages, maintains constant contact with the client, and gives more than expected value for money. In a nutshell: you get what you pay for and more on top! I will certainly be using Dorothy’s services for my other Regency romance books.”
Arabella Sheraton, THE LORD BLACKWOOD REGENCY ROMANCE SERIES

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Kathleen Shaputis, HIS KILT DROPPED HERE

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Joni Ankerson, TO KILL OR BE KILLED

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Aiken Brown, SON OF A SOLDIER

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Laura Preble, ANNA INCOGNITO

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Lena Gregory, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES

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Jennifer Chase, FLOWERS ON HER GRAVE

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Elysia Strife, A PROMISE IN ASH

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Miri Leshem-Pelly, SCRIBBLE & AUTHOR

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Shami Stovall, KNIGHTMARE ARCANIST

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Suzanne M. Hurley, THE TEDDY BEAR EYE CLUB

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Michael Allan Scott, GREY DAZE

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Bacon Press Books

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T.M. Wallace, WINTERGARDEN

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Deborah Serani, DEPRESSION AND YOUR CHILD

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Lee Papa, TEMPLE OF ALL KNOWING

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Madeline Wynn, DAUGHTER OF THE FALLEN

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Mary Lawlor, FIGHTER PILOT'S DAUGHTER

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Karen-Anne Stewart, ASH TO STEELE

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Lauren Carr, Best-Selling Mystery Author of Mac Faraday, and Lovers in Crime, Mysteries

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Monique Roy, ACROSS GREAT DIVIDES

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Kaylin McFarren, BURIED THREADS

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--Carol Nicolas, THE SIXTH POWER

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--Jo Sparkes, THE BIRR ELIXIR

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How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

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