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On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author L.M. Maretti talks about her new romance novel, Cage Of Sin, and what inspires her writing.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed author L.M. Maretti about her life and career, what inspires her writing, and the story of her new romance novel, Cage Of Sin.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I live in the Green Mountains of Vermont. My husband and I have a very busy household with five crazy teenagers and an open door policy for their friends.
I’m also a fur mama to many pets, including dogs, cats, birds, goats, ducks, chickens, and any random stray that finds it’s way into our home.
I’m a creative person in many forms. My day job is a wedding florist. I’ve created wedding flowers for hundreds of couples.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I’ve thought about writing a book many times throughout the years, but didn’t have the confidence to start.
When did you take a step to start writing?
During Covid, I needed a creative release. I had so many ideas running through my head, plot bunnies running rampant! I talked to my friends and family many times about my ideas, thinking back, I guess I was feeling out what others thought about me writing books.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Once I set my mind to it and got the confidence to jump into writing, it only took me six months to write my first two books!
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Cage Of Sin?
I had a story to tell, I had so many ideas! I would wake up in the middle of the night and type notes into my phone so I wouldn’t forget. The excitement when you think of a new scene in your book is so exhilarating, I get butterflies in my stomach.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Cage Of Sin?
Editing, it’s not my strong point!
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
I wanted my heroines to be strong. I wanted to show how we as women can overcome feeling like we need to depend on others to live the lives we want for ourselves. It was important to me that the journey they were on felt genuine.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
Society in general gives me inspiration, how difficult it can be to be a woman. I feel like I want romance, I want to be swept away in a true love story. At the same time I don’t want the woman to lose herself in the process.
What is the inciting incident of Cage Of Sin?
There are quite a few! Emilie and Nicklaus are on a wild ride!
What is the main conflict of Cage Of Sin?
Emilie is a young woman born into a Italian mafia family. She dreams of freedom and independence, she doesn’t want to be controlled. However, She is forced into marrying Nicklaus who has been training to take over as the next don of the Italian mafia. He is terrifying, powerful, dangerous. He is a complex character though, deep down all he wants is love and connection and wants to create the family he never had.
Did you plot Cage Of Sin in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
Besides writing down ideas, I’m a complete pantser! I don’t map out how the story will go, or write a timeline.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Cage Of Sin need?
I used online sources so as Pro writer to help with editing. It was a learning process.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Just start! I write different scenes and then start to piece them all together. If I get caught up in worrying about following a timeline with the first draft, or spelling, punctuation, it hinders my creative process.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I’m working on a enemies to lovers novel. My heroine is a strong, driven, independent woman not looking for love. Until, a certain sexy man gets in the way. Â
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Im proud of myself for not only writing my book, but being brave enough to share it with others! It’s scary as hell to let people read the thoughts that go on in your mind. I did it! It’s exciting!
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
The platform I use the most to advertise is Tiktok-Â https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlmmaretti
You can find my books on Amazon. They are available in paperback form and on Kindle Unlimited.
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