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Interview: Marcus Dino, Author of 'Fifi: Anything Goes in the Double Os'
Published: Mon, 20 Dec 2004, 05:33 EST
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By Christopher Simmons
Staff Writer, Publishers Newswire
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Talking with first-time author, Marcus Dino, whose novel intertwines the life of a star-struck young girl with the excitement and pitfalls of show business and acting.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your novel?
Dino: Sure. Fifi Larouche, a young fiery, new-millennium actress from Des Moines, Iowa who has come all the way to Hollywood and, despite the overwhelming odds, is determined to realize her dream of being a "big name movie star" overnight.
Q: What is the underlying message or theme of Fifi's story?
Dino: Fifi teaches us that no matter what the odds are, do not give up on your dream. Life's too short and if you do not at least make some effort to pursue your dream -- you may regret it for the rest of your life.
Q: Why did you want to write this novel?
Dino: I've always had an active imagination and the storyline just kind of came to me out of the dark. I followed the storyline in my mind, and finally decided to write a book. After nearly ten years of hard work and sweat I had "Fifi" self published in December 2003 by iUniverse.
Q: How has your feedback been thus far?
Dino: My initial response from the many readers has been very positive. I received a very positive review in the Sunday June 20th edition of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Whittier Daily news and the Pasadena Star News, three large local newspapers out here in California.
Q: Why do you feel that you are the writer to tell this particular story?
Dino: My fascination and love for the cinema, my familiarity with Southern California and the fact that I know where all of the major Hollywood sites are located. Finally, I have contacts in the film industry who have given me invaluable information about movie making, so that my novel is realistic and credible.
Q: What are your hopes for this book?
Dino: I truly believe "Fifi" has bestseller potential. The challenge is to get the book in as many venues as possible and get some name recognition going.
Q: Where can we buy your book?
Dino: "Fifi: Anything Goes in the Double Os" (ISBN: paperback, 0-595-28925-8, hardcover, 0-595-65938-1) can be bought at almost any major online bookstore including iUniverse, BarnesandNoble.com, and Amazon.com.
Q: Has self publishing been a good experience for you?
Dino: It was challenging but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the book out in print. When you self publish you have to do a lot of work, especially with editing. Then of course you have to do all the publicity and promotion to get your book sold.
However the joy of seeing your book in print in such a short period of time is one real advantage I see with self publishing. I would recommend self publishing to any first time writer.
Q: Do you have any advice for other authors?
Dino: Believe in your book. If you have written and published a book, congratulate yourself for it is a great and difficult accomplishment that few people would even consider trying.
Yes, you may have to rewrite it, and yes you may encounter resistance as I have from agents, publishers, reviewers, and bookstores.
Yes, you may not sell that many copies of your book. Yes, there will be those dreadful times when you will get 'writers block' and wonder what the heck you're doing devoting so much time, energy, and even money towards a 'futile book' that no one will read.
However, if Twain, Dickens, Hemingway, Faulkner, and Tolstoy all gave up on their books the world would be a far poorer place. Again -- believe in your book and let no one or nothing discourage you.
* * *
*(Editor's Note: shortly after we published this article, the author, Marcus Dino, informed us that he has left iUniverse, and is republishing "FiFi" with Bookman.)
* * *
Marcus Dino is a lifelong movie fan, and has been fascinated by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for as long as he can remember. Mr. Dino visited several Hollywood studios and consulted with individuals in the entertainment field while researching this novel. Mr. Dino lives in Arcadia, California.
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