Interview with Marjorie Duryea, Author of A Little Blues Story from the Jersey Shore

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Little Blues Story from the Jersey Shore?

I was inspired by anecdotal experiences from my life I wanted to share, but I didn’t want to write a memoir or to write a nonfiction account of them in any genre. I chose to use them for inspiration only and create fictional stories in their spirit. Unsurprisingly, I am able to identify with the stories in my novel, but I hope other people will be able to do the same.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Little Blues Story from the Jersey Shore, what would they be?

Liz-I Will Survive; Rocky-In the Summertine by Mungo Jerry; Mitzy-Happy by Pharrell Williams

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Read: Contemporary fiction; thrillers; dystopian science fiction; Write: Women’s fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Trust by Daines L. Reed and Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Rocky and Liz’s honeymoon in Key West.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have a 21 year old cat behind me on my chair and occasionally climbing up my back.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Take one day at a time.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The people around you can bring happiness or sadness into your life but it’s all necessary to make you who you are.