Author Interview with Rosemarie Aquilina
- Apr 4, 2018
- 6 min read
We are thrilled to have Judge Aquilina with us today! Let's find out more about her
Over the years, what would you say has improved significantly in your writing?
Finishing the book and then editing. Editing allows the opportunity to strengthen the characters, storyline, and tie up any loose ends. I find that when I write, on occasion I think I’ve written in something because I can see it, but then it gets underexplained or missed as I write and develop other areas. Also, attending writing seminars and having my writing critiqued by professional editors.
Do you read and reply to the reviews and comments of your readers? Does a bad review affect your writing?
Yes. I love engaging with readers who have spent time with my characters. Sometimes they tell me what they think could have happened and I build it into the next book. I also like hearing about the depth they see in my characters and I use what they talk about to build on or spawn other ideas—character traits for that person or create other characters that play off those traits.
Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?
Write every day and don’t turn back. You will then finish the book. The real work is in editing, which will take at least another two drafts, or more, before you can submit to an Agent who will accept you and your manuscript. I do three edits at a minimum. Further, learn to be strong and understand that negative comments about your writing are to benefit you. I learn more from negative comments than the positive ones.
Writers are often believed to have a Muse, your thoughts on that?
Good writing comes from what the author knows, researches thoroughly, and who they know and encounter. Every author has a muse because those people who intersect with the author, who leave an impression, good or bad, end up somewhere in the pages of their fiction writing. It makes the writing better and more relatable to readers.
Do you have a day job other than being a writer? And do you like it? Does your day job ever get in the way of your writing?
I am a Circuit Judge, Law Professor, Artist, Mother and Grandmother. When needed I coach my kids soccer, I am a retired JAG Officer, have been the host of a syndicated radio show, worked for the state legislature for a state Senator, managed campaigns, and been a lobbyist for a number of groups and issues, served on boards and commissions. All of my experiences end up in the pages of my writing, including the people and situations I have encountered. Past and current experiences enrich my writing and help me weave relatable stories and characters. My work does get in the way of my writing because I can’t always write when I want to or when an idea strikes me. I build in writing time every day and I keep a notepad with me at all times to counter this.
My advice: if you really want to write, there is time in your day to work it in. It doesn’t matter if you write a word, sentence, paragraph or page, because the writing process is what is important. Writing pages will happen if you allow the space to engage your story and characters and the time to write.
People believe that being a published author is glamorous, is that true?
Just the opposite. It is a lot of hard work to promote your work, continue writing, and manage family and other demands. Often, I find I am shortchanged on time to myself which includes sleep. However, the sheer adrenaline of hearing how much people enjoy my work keeps me happily moving forward. The best perk is meeting wonderful people who share in the enjoyment of my characters and who want to meet them again and again.
Do you enjoy book signings?
Absolutely! I enjoy the talk before the actual signing the most, because I am able to spend time engaging with the readers and answering their questions as a group. The best book signings are where there is a question answer period. I love talking about my character friends and hearing how readers felt about the characters, which ones they want to see more of and the characteristics they love to hate. It is both enjoyable and enlightening to me as an author, but the readers also find delight as I give more background and insight and talk about future adventures. Two problems: First, there never seems to be enough time with the audience as they have countless questions. Second, I get anxious to continue writing and get the next books into their hands.
If you were to change your genre, which one would you choose?
I write Thrillers and Cozy Mysteries. If I had to change genres I would write Young Adult fiction. The reason is that there needs to be more relatable Young Adult books where the characters face problems our youths face and learn good lessons. Also, to engage young readers is to give them a gift of reading for life. This is especially important where so many young people are over-engaged in social media.
Have you ever changed the ending of a series based off the reaction of your fans?
That recently happened to me. I was at a book signing and someone asked me a question which caused me to go back into the next book in the series and change one fact. It was something I had thought about and discarded because it would have complicated the end of the book, but when I was posed the question, I found a way to plant it in the next book. That is so much fun for me because it tells me that my characters are believable and that readers relate to their thinking and plight in life.
How long do you take to write a book?
Nine months to a year. However, then I set it aside for several weeks and take a fresh look and do another pass through it. I then work with a personal editor I hire and edit it three times, or as many times as needed until my Agent and/or Publisher are happy with it. Once the manuscript is accepted, the Publisher has additional editors I work with who ensure the manuscript is in saleable form—conforming to publishing standards—the book jacket is developed, the title is approved or possibly changed. There are many steps to get a book to the market. It takes about a year from the time it is sold to a publisher to get it in bookstores. Patience is important.
Get Your Copy Today!
Triple Cross Killer
By Rosemarie Aquilina
Fiery Seas Publishing
December 5, 2017
Thriller
Have you ever wondered what really happens to Santa Claus letters? In Detroit and Sarasota some children’s letters are diverted and reviewed by Nick Archer, a religiously obsessed, narcissist. Nick responds, leaving a trail of devastation in the two cities.
In Detroit, co-ed partners and wise-cracking lovers, detectives Jaq McSween and David Maxwell, team up with Sarasota detectives Abel Mendoza and his partner, Rabbit, to find this daunting killer.
When Jaq’s friend, the lovely nurse, Rita Rose, takes a chance on love again, she gets caught in Nick’s web. Working with the ME, she joins in, adding her perspective when events take a sinister turn.
Can this diverse team of characters pool their insights, barbs, and taste for bad food to save Rita when she discovers the final clues or will she become the next victim?
About the Author:
Rosemarie Aquilina is the mother of five children. Elected as a 30th Circuit Court Judge serving in the General Trial Division, after having served as a 55th District Court Judge in Mason, Michigan, she takes pride in public serve.
In 1986, Judge Aquilina became the first female JAG Officer in the history of the Michigan Army National Guard, she retired in 2006 with twenty years Honorable Service. She is an adjunct law professor at both Western Michigan University—Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Michigan State University College of Law and has earned teaching awards at both institutions. Judge Aquilina is the former owner of Aquilina Law Firm, PLC, and former host of a syndicated radio talk show called Ask the Family Lawyer.
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