Mimi Jean Pamfiloff has hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists with books such as Accidentally Married to… a Vampire? and Accidentally in Love with… a God? Here, she talks about her approach to writing and her plans for the future.
Imagine you’re been put in charge of one of the big publishing companies. You have total control. What’s the first thing you’d change on your first day?
1. It would be mandatory for all men to wear black leather pants to work. Or a kilt. Either or. The ladies, on the other hand, would be allowed to wear Jammies when they please.
2. I would set up a reward system to incentivize employees to take risks and make mistakes. Hopefully, that would give more fresh talent an opportunity.
Did you always want to be a writer?
Nope. I was bitten by the writing bug about three or so years ago. I woke up and said, “Hey! I think I’ll write a book. Sounds like fun!” I was right. Writing was just the creative outlet I needed.
Are there any authors who inspire your own work?
From a “feed the soul” perspective, Eckert Tolle and Deepak. They speak about following your bliss, living in the moment, believing in yourself, and doing good in your own way—in my case, I hope to make people laugh a little when they need it most and that I give those moms/ladies out there a little mental vacation.
From a “here are my fav’s” perspective: Popol Vuh (Trippy stuff! What were those Mayans on?), Gabriel Garcia Marquez (LOVE his humor), Jane Austen (Shocker…I know), Kerrelyn Sparks, Katie MacAlister (two words: cooing mummies), Gena Showalter, Alexandra Ivy, Kresley Cole, Zoe Winters, Amanda Hocking, Diana Gabaldon, and Karen Moning.
‘Accidentally Married to… a Vampire?’ has become a hit. Why do you think the book has been so successful?
Hmmm. Readers keep telling me that they chuckled throughout the entire book. So, I guess they are big on snarky and silly humor? Just like me! I also try to write the stories as if my best friend were telling it. I think that makes it feel more like comfort food, rather than a book.
I saw your recent blog post about the right wine for different book. When you hit the New York Times and USA Today best seller lists, what wine did you choose for the celebration?
My mom, aka Naughty Nana, brought over some nice extra-dry champagne…I was too excited to even notice the vineyard. LOL!
Would you take a deal with a traditional publisher if one came knocking?
I’d be a terrible mother/breadwinner not to consider and explore the option.
That said, I’m really lucky in that I’m not writing for the money. Yet. I started writing because I enjoy the challenge. And now, I love connecting with the readers. I’m also an entrepreneur at heart, so I enjoy making my own decisions—even if they are really bad ones. If a traditional publisher were willing to work with me and be my partner, I’d embrace it. Especially, if they were open to fund raising. Giving back is a must for me.
How involved are you with things like the covers and book descriptions for your novels? Do you enjoy that side of being a self-published writer?
It’s just me, so I’m involved in everything. By the way, doing the cover is the BEST PART! Abs shopping on Shutterstock… is there a better job?
What’s your typical writing day like? Do you force yourself to write a certain number of books?
I usually write on Sat. and Sun., starting at 4 a.m. before the kids get up. I go until noon-ish, and then the rest of the day is for family stuff.
I try not to force myself. When I do, my writing is flat.
Sun God Seeks… Surrogate? is an intriguing title for a novel. Can you tell us something about the book?
“Intriguing”? Sounds like someone is being polite! You’re so nice. Let’s say it together….It’s corny! Ha ha. But like my other titles, it’s supposed to scream, “Don’t take me seriously! Let’s have some fun!”
Yes, I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you. Let’s not go there.
Finally, what else do you have coming up over the rest of 2012?
If I can manage to get Sun God out on time, that will be a monumental conquest. I work 10 hours a day, travel for business, little league, homework…yawn. It makes me tired just thinking about it. Thank goddess for my husband and his support!
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff’s books are available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and other retailers. You can also visit her website, and find her on Twitter and Facebook.
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