Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my very first book. However, I am in the process of writing a series of three Historical Romance Novels. I am almost finished with the first in the series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shit That We Should Never Pass Along, And All That We Cannot Leave Behind is a fictional memoir with lots of drama and dark comedy moments built around true life traumas. Although set in rural Kansas in the 1980s, the book is incredibly relevant to the issues our modern-day society is busy tackling. By the end of the book, every current living generation is challenged to look at where each engages in extremes that often lead to problematic outcomes.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Several reviewers have noted that my take on trauma is something that is very unique. Memoirs that are written based on traumatic experiences are often somber retellings. My fictional memoir is filled with very dark humor. In many respects, this is part of what keeps the book so very authentic in nature. Most Gen Xers are children of Boomer Parents. Boomers are the children of the Greatest Generation and are subsequently known for their appreciation of dark humor applied to things that Millenials and Zs would call out as inappropriate and offensive in nature. The Xer Generation is a bridge gap generation standing directly in between two very different approaches to life. The older generations believe strongly in the use of one’s head, while the younger ones believe in the use of one’s heart. The writing habits in this book showcase for the reader the fact that Xers tend to know how to stand comfortably inside both extremes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I mention many of them that have followed me throughout my own lifetime. Maya Angelou, Ken Kessey, Patrick F. McManus, Erma Bombeck. And, Flannery O’Connor is pulled into one or two of the darker comedy scenes. My mother is most assuredly rolling in her grave over that one.
What are you working on now?
I’m in the process of completing the first of a series of three Historical Romances that will all intertwine one another. My romances will also have dark humor, be naughty in nature, and still manage to comment on societal norms here in the U.S. I hope to become known as the writer that you seek out when you are looking for a little offense.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatbook1972/
On Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552195914015
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient with yourself and the process. Your voice and your story are incredibly important. Don’t let anyone from any generation tell you otherwise. What I’ve learned over the years is that even when I disagree with a thing, and call out an idea that I think may be sitting inside of poverty, I do so knowing that my opinion is always open to challenges from others.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My Godfather reached out to me in my mid-twenties and told me that my mother wanted me to know that, “God will always help you. But, you’ve got to row the boat kid!” I actually use the quote towards the end of Shit That We Should Never Pass Along, And All That We Cannot Leave Behind. The point had been needed and necessary for me to hear at that time in my life, shortly after I lost my mother. Still, I couldn’t stop myself from poking fun at the fact that I’m from a land locked state.
What are you reading now?
I’m an audible gal, and I tend to listen to anything that’s read by Rosalyn Landor. I keep telling folks that those who intend to have her read their books need to hurry up and finish writing them, so she can record them, and I can listen to them.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My series of three Historical Romances.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Author Websites and Profiles
M.J. Boin De Website
M.J. Boin De Amazon Profile
M.J. Boin De’s Social Media Links
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