Author Interview: Jo Maeder: Truth is Stranger than Fiction

She is the author of the memoir When I Married My Mother and the novel Opposites Attack. Maya Angelou said about WIMMM: “This book is important to every mother and daughter, and to every woman who wants to be one.” Cassandra King heralded OA as “A fun, rollicking tale with an enchanted setting, the kind of book you want to share with your dearest friends.” In 2013 she was named Best Local Author in the News & Record’s Go Triad Reader’s Choice Awards.

Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, New York Daily News, More magazine and on AOL. She is a contributor to O. Henry magazine. She is none other than Jo Maeder.

Welcome Jo!

What is your favorite genre and why?

Memoir and auto-biographical fiction. As Lord Byron said, "Truth is stranger than fiction."

What are your forthcoming writings?

NAKED DJ - a novel about my experiences as a radio DJ living in New York City.

What four top most things do you take care of while writing a book?

Conflict, plausible resolution, taking the reader somewhere they've never been internally and externally, no empty calories. I want the story to stay with the reader, like a delicious, filling meal.

Your dream destination on Earth?

Ooty, India. I want to write a book that takes place there. Can't say more at this time. :-X

Your favorite time of the day?

The early morning, when the birds start to sing and the end of the night when you feel the world sigh.

Your favorite book and why?

The Secret Language of Relationships by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Eiffers. I find it is often very accurate, but sometimes not at all, and therein lies the mystery.