MMMM: and the music that made me received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Heather Joy.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The title is MMMM: and the music that made me and it was published in June 2024.
What’s the book’s first line?
The first sentence in chapter one is: Why not start this ish off with a bang!?
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
It’s a nonfiction book about a woman who grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia. But don’t hit the snooze button yet! This author gets herself into some shady predicaments that can render the book cover to display an explicit content sticker. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll possibly yell out loud at the author to tighten up. A bonus to this literary journey? Well, not only does the reader get a deep dive into the author’s life (woo!), but they’re given a plethora of author-loved song titles to guide the way.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Autobiographies are my preferred genre to read, so I guess I was inspired enough by others’ work to think my life would make a decent read too.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Books cure boredom. Pass it on.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Although I’ve technically written a memoir, I can say that using “music” as another main character is pretty darn distinctive. Right?
When did you first decide to become an author?
Six years or so ago. Yeah, writing a book is not (and shouldn’t be) a short process.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Besides journaling my little heart out, yes, this is my first published book.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m a single mother first and foremost (best unpaid job around), an engineering firm administrator (which sounds more fancy than it is), and a caterer at a retirement home.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Let me put it to you this way: I carry a pen and paper with me everywhere.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The hardest part is promoting myself under all the privileged bigwigs who didn’t have to work as hard for their sales. The best part is knowing that I did put in that work.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Find people (book bloggers, friends, etc.) to post reviews about your book, enter your book in national contests, and ask bookstores about consignment options. These avenues can all help spread the word about your book.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Nah, I’m happy with BookBaby…but if someone wanted to make a screenplay from my book, I’m all ears. Haha.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Connection, hands down. If someone finds something in my book they can connect to, I consider my publication a success. Nobody should feel alone in this world.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Oh geez! Asking a bibliophile this question is like asking a parent their favorite child. And again, since I read mostly autobiographies I’ll say Chuck Palahniuk is my jam when it comes to fiction.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Meh. I don’t want to steal anyone’s unique voice. There’s room on the shelf for all of us!