October 2, 2024
Author: Nancy Mangano
Book: Running Stop Signs – A Natalie North Novel
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Author Interview Questions:
- When did you know you wanted to be an Author?
I knew from an early age that I had the talent to write and a love for the craft. When I was a young girl, 12 or 13, I would sit at the kitchen table and write fun, entertaining stories (Joe’s Book of Love and a whacky soap opera speech come to mind). I even made an About the Author page and pasted my 6th grade school picture. By the age of 18 I also knew I wanted to write screenplays. When I graduated from high school I had an English teacher who wrote me a note saying I should be a writer as a career since I had a way with words. At that time I had other aspirations I wanted to pursue, but I knew someday I would come back to writing. I truly feel writing is in me.
- Favorite topic to write about?
In addition to writing, I love law enforcement and detective work. I received college degrees in Communications: Radio/TV/Film and Law Enforcement. I was employed at the Orange County, California Sheriff-Coroner Department for five years. In my Natalie North murder mystery series, Natalie is a 29-year-old private investigator who busts cheating spouses and somehow manages to get involved in solving murders in the Los Angeles County area. I blended two of my favorite things to write about in these novels: creating fun, engaging, entertaining stories that also satisfy my interest in police work and solving crimes.
- Any ideas for a new book?
Since my Natalie North novels are a murder/suspense series, I am currently writing the next novel to keep the momentum going. The entire story exists in my head, now it’s merely getting the book from my head onto the paper. I don’t write using notes or outlines. I can truly say I allow the characters to tell their own story. I write off the top of my head and somehow the story manages to flow and come together. I do know the two main crimes that will take place in my current novel but I don’t want to give the story away. I will say the book is already taking both fun and suspenseful turns and I’m pleased with the way the story is coming along. I get great enjoyment writing the Natalie North books and I hope readers get a thrill reading the novels as well.
- Who do you see as the ideal reader for your book?
I hope everyone. My novels have something in them for tweens, young adults, men, women. I feel all people that love to read can have a good time and take something positive away with them after reading the perilous capers that Natalie North gets herself wrapped up in. For those people that aren’t big readers, I feel they’ll still have a great time reading about Natalie North’s adventures. Books are so powerful…words on paper can stimulate emotion, move people, entertain, and with an excellent novel you don’t want to put the book down or have the story end. With my novels I’m aiming for readers to fall in love with the unique, quirky characters and have a great time. Overall, enjoy the ride.
- Do you have advice for other authors?
I feel every author needs to find their own voice and write their own stories. Toni Lopopolo, a literary agent, taught me to write by character point of view, with no room for author narrative. I feel that’s the best writing advice that’s been given to me. For all authors I would say write what’s in your head and your heart and write on. Never stop; don’t give up.
Nancy Mangano is an American fashion journalist, screenwriter and author of the Natalie North murder mystery book series. Visit Nancy on her global online fashion/style/beauty magazine Nancy Marie Mangano Style at https://nancymariemangano.com, her Facebook page Nancy Mangano at https://www.facebook.com/nancymmangano/ Twitter @https://twitter.com/nancymangano and her author website http://nancymangano.com
