Q&A With Marilee Albert

Marilee Albert is a novelist, screenwriter & producer and it was such a lovely surprise that she reached out to me first to do this Q&A with me! Marilee has written two novels, one is The Tutor & her second novel coming out on November 24^th is titled, He’s Gotta Go. 

Q: Welcome to Book Notions Marilee! Would you please give a brief description of both of your novels, beginning with your upcoming release, He’s Gotta Go? 

A: HE’S GOTTA GO is a satirical domestic thriller about marriage, motherhood, money, sex, lies, and power. Set in Hidden Hills, CA (Kardashian land), the story follows Nina, a woman whose financial security is evaporating, leading her to plan a dangerous “exit” for her husband. Obsessed with true crime, she believes her vast knowledge will make her immune to getting caught. The story unfolds through multiple POVs, including a glamorous but mysterious neighbor, a private investigator desperate to escape corporate purgatory, and a self-destructive artist. 

Q: You are a screenwriter and producer on top of writing novels & I find that impressive! How do you juggle all three? Which movies have you screen written and produced?

A: That is a great question! It really is not easy to juggle all the work, and I can only work on one writing project at a time, so that’s what I do, which is one reason why I have only published two books so far! As for producing, I’m just getting started and about to go into preproduction on my first film this winter.

Q: Would you say that your screenwriting & producing career has helped when it comes to writing your novels? 

A: Screenwriting helps with novels because the controlled structure forces you to write actively and concisely which makes for a great page turner. I’ve also written crime screenplays so have spent years honing my skills in creating suspense and tension with as few words as possible. 

Q: Which one of your novels would you write a sequel to and why?

A: I would write a sequel to this book, because I set it up to be the first in a series! If there is interest, I will get started on book two. 

Q: Since you are a screenwriter and producer, have you written screenplays for both of your books? 

A: I wrote HE’S GOTTA GO as a pilot before I even wrote one word of the book. I used the script as an outline for the book. And I even developed a few seasons of the series (which I call HIDDEN HILLS) so those will serve as outlines for a sequel.

Q: Are you currently writing your next book and can you reveal any details about it, or is it too early?

A: I am not currently writing it as I’m writing a screenplay right now (about a country band) but I have started it. It’s called LAST OF THE BOHEMIANS and it’s a sweeping multiple POV story set in Calabasas about a group of families, a private school, a famous football player and a tragedy. Think Bonfire of the Vanities meets He’s Gotta Go. I will work on it again when my schedule opens.

Q: What lessons and emotions are you hoping readers come away with once they finish your novels?

A: Firstly, I hope they enjoyed a respite from their lives! Then I hope my books spark them to take a deeper look at their lives and dreams and hopes and moral limits. What would they do for a perfect life? What line might they cross if any to protect their family? What would they do if faced with a similar situation? What do they really feel about the people in their lives?

Q: Marilee, would you please provide your social media links so the readers of the blog and I may follow you and your work?

A:  FOR INSTAGRAM:  @marileealbertbooks and @marileealbert

 MY WEBSITE:  https://www.marileealbertbooks.com/

SIMON AND SCHUSTER TO ORDER BOOK: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hes-Gotta-Go/Marilee-Albert/9781644285817