Today, I’m thrilled to host an exciting interview with the talented Louis J. Ambrosio, the brilliant mind behind the Reflections of Micheal Trilogy, "A Reservoir Man," "Reflections on the Boulevard," and new release "Exiles." As part of this special book tour, sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions, we're diving deep into Louis’s inspirations, his writing process, and what’s next on his creative horizon. But that’s not all—one lucky reader will win a fantastic giveaway that includes a $25 Amazon gift card, a print copy of the book, or a stunning dragonfly pendant. Keep reading for a glimpse into the world of Louis J. Ambrosio and your chance to win!
Interview
Thank you Louis for the interview and for including me on your book tour!
1. Tell us about yourself and how you became a writer
At an early age, I ran a prominent regional theater; in six seasons I never had a flop. I got exhausted constantly raising money and living in a fund balance deficit.
Then I opened the talent agency and it grew. We expanded to LA and London. My client list included Alfred Molina, Angela Basset, and Sam Jackson, as well as many Tony winners from Broadway.
After 10 years I left and produced a number of successful films. I started my son and his business partner on track with their own production company. They are doing very well now.
We moved into a big house in Jersey and I have a great office. I sat one night looking out at my huge lawn realizing the love of Salinger, Kerouac, James Joyce, Virgina Woolfe, and what and how they said their words. I just sat down at my computer on a cool fall night and wrote and then I never stopped.
In three years I have written three novels and I just decided I will do one more.
I never read before 17 years old and then, after that age, I never stopped for many years. I was a bad writer, and I had to get someone to correct my writing even in postgraduate school, but what I had to write was great. I always was always given an A and in class, I was the only one who talked.
I developed my own style, thanks to James Joyce and Virginia Wolfe. I wrote and it seems I never stopped.
2. Where did you get the idea for your book?
My life is where I get the most inspiration, the people I encountered, the people who I loved and who loved me, the oppressed and lost. All the events around me, the greed in our political system, and its corruption were also heavily influential, including the horrors of unjustified war. All of this was there in my mind and soul and the writing happened with all of it in mind.
3. How long did it take you to write and edit your book?
It takes less than a year for the first two novels to write them and a little longer for the third novel. I was in the hospital at the end of writing the third novel. I was in a coma, but thanks to a friend and my son, I recovered and I am now as obnoxious as ever! The path to our end is clearer to me now, death.
4. What were the challenges you faced in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
Just keep doing it, don't stop. At times I questioned who and what I was writing this for. In these times, I thought of all the friends who died and others. I made a toast to this life and began writing again.
Your Road to Publication
5. So are you Self-Published, Hybrid Published or Traditionally Published?
Why did you choose this route of publication?
I knew of no other way, so I self-published. I had no connections in the publishing world. Amazon self-publishing was the route. There are so many entities that use gimmicks to get your money. So you are safe with Amazon. They should be more generous on royalties, but you have a nice platform to promote your book. Just beware, don't give them exclusive rights.
6. What tips, tricks, or secrets can you give a person about the type of publishing (self, hybrid, traditional) you did? For instance, for traditionally published, did you get an agent first or did you query the publisher directly?
Don't waste your time with an agent or publisher to promote. Get reviews and then write another book. Just keep going and then promote that book. You can then promote both books or all books as you are becoming a more established author. I’ll give you an example, this firm wanted to do an audiobook on my novel but they were asking for a high price, without even reading my book. I said no, they came back with a greater offer, time payments. This still was not a thing I wanted to do. There will always be “Reservoir Men” or people looking to take advantage of the artist, no matter what discipline. You must avoid this at all costs. Don’t think this or that person with “answers” is all that great. Don’t worship false idols in the form of business people who do not have your back. When you turn around, they might put a pin in your balloon. Run away, even if you're hurt and never come back to those elements you were great in, you will lose.
Marketing
9. How do you market your book? Did you have a marketing plan? If so, what is it? Did you have a publicist? Tell us the route you took in marketing your book and series.
In my search for what to do, I came upon a small universe of bloggers who appeared to care. It was strange to me. They had these book tours. I went on one, and the host told me to keep low on any homosexual elements of my book. I did. but I made great friends who hosted their own blogs. They were all wonderful, and embraced my work I love them all.
Just Wanting to Know…
7. I have several writers who follow my blog and are looking for inspiration and publication. What advice or inspiration could you give these writers?
Just do, write it, write it. Don’t look back; don't change for other people. This is your world, your story. Keep it pure. Everyone has an opinion but you know the truth. Just write and don't look up. Your journey and the world you experienced is your inspiration.
Your Writing Process
Let me start with what I do not do. I do not outline, just notes on pieces of paper which I even lose sometimes. I do not do character development. My research is limited to what I have experienced. I do not obsess over details; I think only for those two hours at night when I’m writing. Never let anyone read it no matter how brilliant you think it is. I only let my close friend read it; no one else.
Now when I’m writing, I sit down with a gummy and coffee. I tell my story for that night and I just write freely. I write as it develops. I then correct spelling and syntax. The next morning my friend and I re-read what I wrote and sometimes we cried, sometimes we argued about my direction. That read with my friend will then be the last time I read that section of the novel. I will then give it to my wonderful editor for a few passes. After that, I re-read the novel and then off to the publisher. In reality, I’ve only read the book twice, fully.
The process is called the Stream of Consciousness, and it's how I write. It was developed by James Joyce and Virgina Woolfe, some people cannot read it, and they become frustrated. This is because as a writer you get very involved with the moment. Sometimes, this is bothersome to the reader who wants to go on. But that is what made the three novels and I love to write this way because I never know what epiphany I will have.
Whatever process you have it is wonderful because it makes you create.
THANK YOU FOR READING AND THANK KIM FOR HER GREAT QUESTIONS ON HER WONDERFUL SITE—SHE CARES.
Thank you Louis for this wonderful advice, inspiration, and insight. Be sure to scroll down to learn more about Louis's books, "A Reservoir Man," "Reflections on the Boulevard," and his current release "Exiles." I have read all three and highly recommend them you can find my full review of all three books below. Finally, be sure to enter the awesome giveaway for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card, a dragonfly pendant, or a free physical copy of the books!
A Reservoir Man
A Reservoir Man, critics have hailed this explosive and timely work as “a must-read coming-of-age story of 2022.” Twists and turns further pull the reader in to Michael’s action-packed tale, with powerful themes, from betrayal and family to secrets and identity.
“Be sure not to blink because you just might miss a pivotal moment in Michael’s rousing, larger-than-life story.” --R.C. Gibson, Indiestoday.com.
“This book is a dream, a gamble, a utopia, even.” -- Kalyan Panja, Bookmarkks.
Reflections on the Boulevard
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 protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.
Exiles
In this final chapter, Ron's story concludes from Reflections on the Boulevard (2023). Michael's wish was for Ron to exile himself in the heart of Paris with its beautiful culture and citizens as they protest and fight for the soul of the city. Ron's journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way. The final book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, which started with A Reservoir Man (2022).
Excerpt from "Exiles" by Louis J. Ambrosio
A cool autumn breeze, in the twilight, wrapped around our exile who sat on a bench in front of a bookstore that resembled a place we might find in a Tolkien novel. On this street, rue de la Buccheri, was the bookstore Shakespeare and Company. The store itself was famous for housing the books of many great literary artists on their shelves. They also supported any young or old artistic vagabonds by allowing them to sleep in the aisles of the bookstore on makeshift beds when finding themselves homeless.
Ron, who managed the store, sat on this bench every evening thinking of Michael. Ron thought of things he remembered and how much he learned from Michael. He felt the emptiness in his soul, yearning to have that connection just one more time. He had lived in Paris for six years now, a brief time for an exile, yet he was free from a society drowning in untruths; his refuge was the bookstore.
Just like every night, as Ron prepared to close the store, he occasionally checked the front of the store, looking for his friend. Then, he noticed another young man still looking at books on the outside shelves.
Ron moved outside to get a closer look at the late customer under the guise of moving the outdoor book bins back inside. He suddenly noticed that the young man was putting a book down his pants.
Ron raised his voice and shouted for the thief to put the book back on the shelf. The young man, caught in the act, ran away.
The young man sprinted and tripped while running past the café. In this stumble, he decided to turn the corner and make his way rapidly toward la Seine.
Ron, weak in the legs from forgetting the spirit of his youth, had been managing bookstores more than living life. His legs pumped forward. but with the awkwardness of an old man who had forgotten how to walk. In a few seconds, he was up to speed and ran faster to catch the thief.
Buy the Series
Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ljambrosioauthor/
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GIVEAWAY:
The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card, a print copy of the book, or a dragonfly necklace to three randomly chosen winners.
Sounds like an interesting story.
Thank you for hosting!