It's Raining Books: Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner and an autographed copy of the book to a second randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to It's Raining Books.Tell us a little about yourself.

I had a varied career. I ran three regional theatres …we brought 2 plays into Broadway. I then opened a talent agency that grew amazingly fast - the agency was in both NY and LA and had an affiliation in London. I then produced several films (three remarkably successful), and taught at 7-9 universities from Los Angeles to New York. Now I find myself an author, but I'm still producing films when there is no strike.

What makes this genre you are involved in so special?

It is the truth covered with fantasy.

How important is research to you when authoring a book?

Oh!! So important especially locations and events—the worst is to not be specific and getting called out on it, because that could ruin your credibility and the book.

What works best for you: Typewriters, fountain pen, dictate, computer or longhand?

Unless you have great penmanship, a computer with great spell and syntax checks is the only way to go.

When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?

About 17 months ago

What inspires you to write?

My life, my observation of people and life, and my passion to know and explain.... my intellect. THE HUMAN CONDITION

How often do you write?

No more than 2 hours a night

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who write only when they feel inspired?

I'm always inspired. I write every evening from 9-11 pm

How hard was it to sit down and start writing something?

Never

Do you aim to complete a set number of pages or words each day?

No. Tonight I just wrote a transitional paragraph that was important.

What makes being a writer so special, or is it just another job?

It is incredibly special. I get to explore my mind and my life experience.

Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?

I do have a general plot, but I added to it as I go along. Like tonight I was going from A to B, but as I was listening to some classical music lying-in bed, I added a whole new plot point. I will do this right up to the final read.

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing?

Writing too fast and then forgetting on the first read what I meant.

What would you say is the easiest aspect of writing?

Flow of my mind

Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last?

For me it is just like talking; I can never stop--I have no writer's block.

Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?

Pray

Do you read much and if so, who are your favorite authors?

JD Salinger, Jack Kerouac, Thomas Mann, Albert Camus, Ginsberg, Emily Dickinson, Virginia Woolf. Shakespeare, Herman Hesse, there are more

Over the years, what would you say has improved significantly in your writing?

Spelling but that is a lie ------age made me free

If you had the choice to rewrite any of your books, which one would it be and why?

None they are doing too good right now

Any advice you would like to give to your younger self

Do it again

Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?

Write with passion; do not hold back; tell your truth

Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?

I write stream of consciousness; I do occasionally change point of view which is fun and not confusing

How much of yourself (or people you know) do you put into your books?

I do this not to protect them but to let the character grow with no restrictions of their (the real character) life

Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?

All the time

Are there any books that you are currently reading and why?

I am rereading Leaves of Grass a lot and Joyce's Portrait of an Artist

Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?

Everything I write- I let them into my mind, my soul, and my condition

Who is the most supportive of your writing in your family?

My son and a friend

If given the opportunity to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?

Not a word

Writers are often believed to have a Muse, your thoughts on that?

Dragonfly is a muse for the book I'm working on now.

Does your day job ever get in the way of your writing?

My day job is promoting, writing, keeping the home and my wonderful dogs, and spending time with my granddaughter

How do you see writing? As a hobby or a passion?

Necessity

Do you think it is true that anyone can be a writer?

People have a problem with truth and grammar, but anyone could write.

Are you satisfied with your success?

Which success? I have lived a great life.

Are you a member of any writing committees; if yes, define your role

No, I am a loner. I love to be alone but that does not happen too often here.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your first book?

I slept peacefully with my two dogs on the bed with me listening to Leonard Cohen.

Which book would you want adapted for the silver screen?

Ask my friends. That is all they talk about especially with book two Reflections.

THANKS FOR READING ---I LOVE LIFE AND LEARNT TO LIVE LIFE FROM BOOKS. YOU SHOULD ALL READ THE MASTERS---READ A BOOK A DAY. GOODBYE

Michael's story continues from "A Reservoir Man" (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protégé and journeys with him in a haphazard adventure throughout America and Europe. In Michael's final journey in life, each twist and turn of the road brings unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship, and discovery.

Read an Excerpt

On one particularly bumpy part of the trail, Michael assured Ron.

"You look great and natural on that mule! Like Gene Autry!” Ron was falling over now, off the mule. Ron had some choice language for Michael. After a minute he also asked, “Who is Gene Autry?”

“He was the cowboy who sang 'Don’t Fence Me In'!”

The mule train proved to be extraordinary. The views were spectacular; being inside the canyon was the best. The formation of the rocks was either tilted, straight, or flat. The horizontal layers of rocks produced the colors yellow, red, and blue. The mule and Ron were no problem; he was a natural mule rider. Thank heavens he told the mule about his relationship with Rhonda - that was the key to their bonding. Ron had a wonderful time, even if his butt was in pain. He felt the saddle was still attached to his bottom even after they left.

They found a bench looking at their incredible view of the North Rim. Michael turned to Ron telling him how nice and cool their friendship was. Michael agreed.

“I had so many friends and partners, but I was never able to have as much fun and conversations as I have had with you, Ron.”

“Partners like Gail, your former business partner?" Ron asked.

Michael playfully responded, "No, like loving, and those other things.”

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