Every once in a while, I get to sit down with some extraordinary people and chat. These creative souls are some of my most favorite people in the world—authors. Granted, I may be a trifle biased, but when you pause to think about it, authors have the magical ability to breathe life into whole new worlds—people and places readers might not otherwise experience. They often hold mirrors up to our reality, challenging our perceptions and our ideologies. Sometimes, they simply make us reflect.
Reflection is one of the themes in today's featured novel from author Louis J. Ambrosio. InkSpired chatted with Louis as he reflected on what drew him to writing, his process, and his inspirations. His new novel, Reflections on the Boulevard, invites readers to continue the main character's journey from A Reservoir Man as he reflects on life's gifts of joy, friendship, and adventure.
Now, we invite you, dear reader, to grab a cup of your favorite beverage, find a cozy nook, and enjoy an excerpt from Reflections. Then spend some time with us as we talk with Louis. Don't forget to enter the giveaway contest for a $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card!
Happy Reading!
Book Details:
REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULEVARD
by Louis J. Ambrosio
Publication Date: April 23, 2023
Genre: Coming of Age
Synopsis:
Michael's story continues from "A Reservoir Man" (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protégé and journeys with him in a haphazard adventure throughout America and Europe. In Michael's final journey in life, each twist and turn of the road brings unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship, and discovery.
EXCERPT
They continued and arrived in Flagstaff, late at night. The motel looked just like the Bates Motel. Michael hurriedly got Ron into the room, which faced the Grand Canyon. Michael had reservations so they were able to get into the room quickly. Michael went outside, standing on the porch, feeling a significant pressure on his chest.
“The air is not meshing well with the smoke in my lungs,” Michael said to himself. When he got back to the room, Ron was already sleeping with Rhonda on his leg.
The next morning, Michael got up early and woke Ron telling him to wash his face. He then took Ron to the door of their room, opened it, and walked outside. Ron just gaped at the sight of the Grand Canyon. The colors and the sun bouncing off these jagged cliffs looked like cut out mountains from a magazine.
He turned to Michael, he said, “It looks like a painted drop! Not real. How was this created? What
events led to this? I understand all the bullshit you learn in Earth Science, but this is so much more.”
Michael noticed a little tear in Ron’s eye, shed for the beauty, for the nature that Michael had always talked to him about.
“Those guys in New England, those Transcendentalists, they knew the answer, this is God. This is it! I know we will leave but I will never forget this, and the emotions it moves in me.”
“Alright I have a surprise. We are off to the North Rim of the Canyon. We are taking an entire day tour of the North Rim on the Katibah trail, exploring the inner canyons. We will travel on mules.”
Book Links:
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reflections-on-the-boulevard-lj-ambrosio/1143396462
Vivlio: https://shop.vivlio.com/product/9798985965162_9798985965162_10020/reflections-on-the-boulevard
Interview
Tell us a little about yourself.
I had a varied career. I ran three regional theatres …we brought 2 plays into Broadway. I then opened a talent agency that grew amazingly fast - the agency was in both NY and LA and had an affiliation in London. I then produced several films (three remarkably successful), and taught at 7-9 universities from Los Angeles to New York. Now I find myself an author, but I'm still producing films when there is no strike.
What makes this genre you are involved in so special?
It is the truth covered with fantasy.
How important is research to you when authoring a book?
Oh!! So important especially locations and events—the worst is to not be specific and getting called out on it, because that could ruin your credibility and the book.
What works best for you: typewriters, fountain pen, dictate, computer or longhand?
Unless you have great penmanship, a computer with great spell and syntax checks is the only way to go.
When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?
About 17 months ago.
What inspires you to write?
My life, my observation of people and life, and my passion to know and explain.... my intellect. THE HUMAN CONDITION
How often do you write?
No more than 2 hours a night.
Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who write only when they feel inspired?
I am always inspired. I write every evening from 9-11 pm.
How hard was it to sit down and start writing something?
Never.
Do you aim to complete a set number of pages or words each day?
No. Tonight I just wrote a transitional paragraph that was important.
What makes being a writer so special, or is it just another job?
It is incredibly special. I get to explore my mind and my life experience.
Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?
I do have a general plot, but I added to it as I go along. Like tonight I was going from A to B, but as I was listening to some classical music lying-in bed, I added a whole new plot point. I will do this right up to the final read.
What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing?
Writing too fast and then forgetting on the first read what I meant.
What would you say is the easiest aspect of writing?
[The] flow of my mind.
Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last?
For me it is just like talking; I can never stop--I have no writer's block.
Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?
Pray.
Do you read much and if so, who are your favorite authors?
JD Salinger, Jack Kerouac, Thomas Mann, Albert Camus, Ginsberg, Emily Dickinson, Virginia Woolf. Shakespeare, Herman Hess...there are more.
Over the years, what would you say has improved significantly in your writing?
Spelling, but that is a lie ------age made me free.
If you had the choice to rewrite any of your books, which one would it be and why?
None. They are doing too well right now.
Any advice you would like to give to your younger self?
Do it again.
Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?
Write with passion. Do not hold back. Tell your truth.
Tell us about your writing style. How is it different from other writers?
I write stream of consciousness. I do occasionally change point of view which is fun but not confusing.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
All the time.
Are there any books that you are currently reading and why?
I am rereading Leaves of Grass a lot and Joyce's Portrait of an Artist.
Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?
Everything I write—I let them into my mind, my soul, and my condition.
Who is the most supportive of your writing in your family?
My son and a friend.
If given the opportunity to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?
Not a word.
Writers are often believed to have a Muse. Your thoughts on that?
[The] dragonfly is a muse for the book I'm working on now.
Does your day job ever get in the way of your writing?
My day job is promoting, writing, keeping the home and my wonderful dogs, and spending time with my granddaughter.
How do you see writing? As a hobby or a passion?
[As a] necessity.
Do you think it is true that anyone can be a writer?
People [may] have a problem with truth and grammar, but anyone could write.
Are you satisfied with your success?
Which success? I have lived a great life.
Are you a member of any writing committees? If yes, define your role.
No, I am a loner. I love to be alone, but that does not happen too often here.
What do you do in your free time?
I am not telling—[but] it is not reading a book.
How did you celebrate the publishing of your first book?
I slept peacefully with my two dogs on the bed with me listening to Leonard Cohen.
Which of your books would you want adapted for the silver screen?
Ask my friends. That is all they talk about especially with Reflections.
Author Bio:
Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.
Author Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ljambrosioauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorlambrosio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.ambrosio
