"The Interview with MBridges"

THE ROCK: Who is MBridges?
MBridges: Not much to tell... I'm a writer.

THE ROCK: Where are you from and currently residing?
MBridges: Born in Chicago, raised in Carson, California, currently residing in Texas, still dreaming of the beach.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
MBridges: None whom are as serious about it as I am.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
MBridges: I've been doing it my whole life. I recall writing my first story when I was about six.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
MBridges: I don't know if anything I did.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
MBridges: Writing was just something I've always done. It's a part of my make up. My sisters encouraged me to read when I was little and my first grade teacher, Ms. Horton, put a pencil in my hand and told me I could create anything. I guess looking at it in retrospect, they are the ones that inspired me to write.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
MBridges: Sane people, making crazy decisions that I didn't like and couldn't control, couldn't change... so I created a character, put her in the same situations and made her do what I wanted. Betty Jean is the vicarious version of anyone in a bad situation, who can't quite see a way out.(smiling) Betty Jean is the flashlight; just follow her lead.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
MBridges: The premise for Are you satisfied, yet? is satisfaction...discovering the key to it, then using that key to free yourself. The question is universal, everyone has encountered it at some point and can relate to its urgency and insistence.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
MBridges: I'm contracted with LOF Publishing for three other titles within the next year or so; that’s about it.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
MBridges: I considered self-publishing, but it has such a negative stigma associated with it within the publishing world. Self published authors/titles don't get the same respect as the ones that were able to take the traditional route of signing with a major house. To side step all that, I signed with LOF Publishing.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
MBridges: I'm not really certain. From what I can see, they're looking for a set formula. Stories written in the vein of the tried and true. There's not really much room for an absolutely "fresh/unique" voice. You have to elbow your way in, and it's really hard.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
MBridges: I wouldn't have a niche. I'd just want the fresh/unique voices that traditional houses are turning away in droves. Just good writers with good stories.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
MBridges: For me, no. As long as I can establish an audience for my work, it doesn't matter to me if a small house like LOF or someone huge like Random House has the contract. The largest difference that I can see is the exposure and the money (the advance). LOF is giving me great exposure. I'm happy with it and as for the money... sounds lame, but I'm not in "it" for the money. I just want to write and if I happen to make money while doing what I love, that’s just the "extra".

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
MBridges: I signed a multi-book contract with LOF Publishing!(smiling)

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
MBridges: Harlen Coben is a master storyteller, Jude Deveraux; I'll buy anything with her name on it... Julie Garwood, Johanna Lindsey, Tanarive Due, J California Cooper, Dickey, Tate-Billingsley. The list is massive.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in five years?
MBridges: Writing... books, movies, plays, anything, everything...

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
MBridges: I have a tour schedule listed at www.lofpublishing.com

THE ROCK: Thank you, MBridges.

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