Interview with Barbara Roberts, Author of the Xlibris Release The Vineyard on Mulberry Street

Aug. 15, 2008 - PRLog -- Barbara Marolla Roberts, born in New York City, is a graduate of Skidmore College where she majored in art. She taught elementary school and was an executive recruiter before working for Pace University in Westchester, New York, first as the Assistant Director of Graduate Admission and currently as the Graduate Program Coordinator of the Master’s in Counseling Program. She resides in Putnam County, New York, with her husband.

Xlibris: Why and how did you go about publishing your first novel, The Vineyard on Mulberry Street?
Barbara Marolla Roberts: My first novel was a story I felt needed telling for many reasons. I almost felt it was a mission and once I started writing it seriously and consistently, I didn’t stop; making many sacrifices until it was finished. But I loved every moment of it.

Xlibris: Was self-publishing your first option?
BMR: Self-publishing was not my first option, sbut after reviewing other options, self-publishing proved to be the most expedient way to go and less complicated than the others.

Xlibris: As an established author, what are the hardships you still encounter as a writer?
BMR: The biggest hardship as a writer is finding the time to write. I can only write in the mornings when it’s quiet and I have no distractions. It is very solitary but immensely fulfilling.

Xlibris: Can you say that the character, Catherine, reflects who you personally are: strong independent and enigmatic?
BMR: The character, Catherine, is based on my mother – strong, independent and enigmatic. I, too, am strong and independent, but not enigmatic. I am not as compelling or interesting a person as Catherine is.

Xlibris: What does your book have that will give readers a different turn from the usual forbidden love stories?
BMR: The moral code in America was stricter in the 1940’s and 1950’s. To deviate from the established norm, “Backstreet” love was not viewed at kindly. There was a great deal of stigma attached to non-conventional lives. I want the readers to know Catherine as a person, understand her dilemma and have compassion for her. When Kirkus referred to her as “brave and loyal” it warmed my heart. That is exactly what I wanted to portray.

Xlibris: What is your view on writers who are afraid to take the self-publishing route?
BMR: I would recommend writers to take the self-publishing route, especially with Xlibris. My first contact at Xlibris was Cheryl Gratz, who was professional and helpful. She made the first step easy, and the following steps easier than one would think. The transition from one phase to another was not complicated.


About Xlibris
Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia, PA and provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound, and full-color formats.

For more information, please visit www.xlibris.com, e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.

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Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication