Interview with Marissa Carmel, author of iFeel

Today I would like to introduce you to author, Marissa Carmel, and her novel, iFeel. Let's get to know the author a little before moving on to the novel (I really love the cover).

Tell us a bit about yourself

By day, I work for the U.S army doing logistics, by night I am mother of two, and wife to an amazing man.  Somewhere in between I’m a writer. My busy lifestyle definitely keeps me on my toes and allows inspiration to keep churning. 

What keeps you writing?

 

The fact that everyday I come up with a new idea, and the storis in my head just keep expanding.  I’m compelled to put them on paper, my imagination is it’s own jugernaut. 

Can you tell us a little more about your novel?

 

iFeel follows Liv, a very emotionally tormented girl, who has basically become a shut in.  She feels the emotions of everyone around her, which in turn hinders her ability live.  She is trapped, until one-day fate steps in and puts her in the path of a sadistic Spirit Stalker and a demon-hunting angel.   This starts Liv on a journey to explore her true self and the chance to rise from the ashes to be the person she was always meant to be. 

What inspired you to write this novel?

 

It was born out of boredom really, I was tired of reading about vampires and werewolves and the alike, so this idea of Liv came to me and I just ran with it.  She has been renting space in my subconscious ever since. 

How did you come up with the title?

 

I was actually reading my horoscope, and it said cancer’s catch phrase is ‘I Feel’ and I thought what a great name for a novel.  I never gave it a second thought until I started writing iFeel a few months later. 

How long did it take you to research and write the novel?

 

About three years, it was a labor of love, but I’m really happy with the final outcome. 

Is there a certain message you would like readers to get out of this novel?

 

The underlying message is that you have to find the courage inside yourself and accepting who you are will give you the ultimate power. I’m a strong believer self confidence is the key to success in life, career and relationships.  

Do you experience writer’s block? How do you deal with it?

 

Yes all the time, I just wait for it to pass. Sometimes it takes a few days and sometimes it takes a few weeks.  I look at like my brain telling me it needs a moment. I don’t over think it and I try not to stress about it. I just trust in my ability and my love of writing. 

Are you a full time writer?

 

If not, how do you make time to write? No, i wish i could, but it’s not paying the bills just yet.  I’m still optimistic.  I would say somewhere in the ballpark of 25% of my time is spent writing.

How does your daily writing schedule look like?

 

I squeeze it in whenever I can.  

How does your marketing schedule look like?

 

If I had the resources I would go no holds barred. I really believe in fast and furious marketing.  Luckily, my publisher does a lot of marketing for me, but I like to network as well; lots if giveaways, blog tours and Q&A’s. 

Which avenues do you use to market your books?

 

Goodreads, Facebook, my publisher, twitter. 

What books can we expect from you in the future?

 

I’m working on the sequel to iFeel, Gravitational Pull, and then the third and final installment of the Vis Vires trilogy, Constellation is next.  Then hopefully I can pursue some other ideas I have rattling around in my head.

What was your best ever moment as a published author?

 

I received an email from a fan wanting to know when my next book release is, and how she couldn’t wait to read it. There are few greater feelings than knowing someone is enjoying your writing. 

Do you have a message for your readers?

 

Just that I hope they enjoy my novels, and I strive to give them a quality story they want to tell their friends about. 

Thank you so much for telling us a little more about you and your novel. I appreciate it. I wish you all the best of luck with the book. I'm sure readers will love it.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lust. Anger. Hate. Desire. Love. Happiness. Joy. iFeel.

What happens when an unknowing empath meets a pixie who wears leather, a snitch who is repulsive and a brethren of burning angels who can literally light your soul on fire? A whole lot of emotional turmoil and one love story ignited. But love doesn’t come easy to this reluctant empath, according to her, falling in love would be like pointing the Patriot Missile right at her head. But when she meets Justice, a fiery Seraph who adopts the task of protecting her, the one most terrifying emotion she has always run away from, suddenly becomes the most powerful in her life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marissa Carmel has been writing since a young age and although it has always been for personal enjoyment, she finally decided breakout and share her imagination with the world. She hopes that her universe is as fun and intriguing to her readers as it is to her.

Marissa Carmel is originally from NJ but moved to Maryland several years ago, she enjoys reading, writing, and catching up on her DVR library. She is currently working on the sequel to iFeel, Gravitational Pull, which she hopes to release sometime in 2012.

To learn more about Marissa, please visit the following links.

Great Minds Think Aloud

Goodreads

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