Marlene Castricato

BIW Member Interview

Marlene Castricato is tenacious by definition. She backpacked around the world for three years and worked on a cruse ship as a senior officer for seven years. At forty-five, Marlene is a stay at home mom, nurturing her five year old daughter, ten year old son; ageless, but childlike husband and their assorted transient playmates and pets. When Marlene isn’t busy arguing with the voices in her head, she is designing websites and launching a publishing company, running a real estate business with her husband, and a travel business with her brother. Did we mention PTA and Soccer mom? Life is very full.

Moe: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Marlene Castricato: When I was seven years old I won the NYC school poetry contest. The words tumbled out of me. Each word felt right and I knew the poem was good. I knew then I wanted to be a writer.

Moe: Describe three lessons you have learned about writing?

Marlene Castricato: I’ve learned writing is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. You need to sit down at the keyboard every day. That is why programs like BIW are so important for developing professional habits.

I’ve learned to let go and allow the characters to tell me their story. When I give the character free reign, the story often soars, though perhaps not in the direction I intended.

Show don’t tell. I attended a workshop given by Margie Lawson on Show Don’t Tell about two years ago. As a psychologist, Margie broke down every conceivable emotion into physical tells. It was equivalent to an advanced class in psychology. I went home and rewrote everything.

Moe: What are you working on now?

Marlene Castricato: I am currently working on a paranormal time-travel that deals in absolution. The story is filled with strong scenes that leave me exhausted or totally pumped. I never know which way till I’m there.

Moe: Do you have a favorite writing related book?

Marlene Castricato: One of my favorite writing books is… The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Volger.

Moe: What is your favorite writing website?

Marlene Castricato: One my favorite writing websites is Deb’s Historical Research Page.

Moe: Do you have an important BIW tip you’d like to pass along?

Marlene Castricato: BIC HOK TAM! Several weeks ago Moe asked us to define BIC HOK TAM! I think of it as a Call To Arms in a community of warriors who will watch your back. The final word is that the only way to get published is to write.