Interview with Marla Martenson
Q: How did you get into writing? I wanted to be a writer since I was in grade school. I used to write letters to my favorite authors telling them how I wanted to do what they did when I grew up. I used to write a lot of poetry and short stories. Then my interest switched to acting and I did that for twenty years, but writing was always in the back of my mind. I didn’t have the confidence to write and get my stories out there. Once I started working as a matchmaker, I realized that I had a lot to say about what men and women are looking for in a partner and a lot of tips to ensure a successful date, so I went for it and starting writing my first book, Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate Is Waiting in 2006. It was published in 2008.
Q: How did you realize you were good at matchmaking? I realized it on the job. I am a people person and found that I am very patient and a good listener and also my positive sunny nature helps a lot as well since clients demands can be outrageous on occasion.
Q: How do you pair up potential couples? I meet with both parties and make a detailed profile on them. After that I look to see which of my clients will match up well based on their criteria and lifestyle. I contact the woman first and tell her all about the man I have in mind for her. If she agrees, then I contact the man and give him her info and number, he calls and asks her for a date. After the date I get feedback from both parties and pass it along if asked.
Q: What is your favorite part of a wedding? The cake!
Q: How did you meet your husband? A mutual friend introduced us on May 21st 2001. My husband is an entertainer and was playing the piano and singing at a piano bar in Playa Del Rey, Los Angeles. My friend took me there one evening, I walked right up to the piano and introduced myself, and we have been together ever since.
Q: What are your top 3 dating tips? 1. Don’t talk about your ex. Your date does not want to hear about your bad break up or your drama. 2. Keep your phone in your purse, answering calls or texting at the dinner table is just plain rude. Give your date your full attention. 3. Listen more than you talk. Be truly interested in your date. I have heard so many times from both parties, “All my date did all night was talk about themselves.”
Q: Your latest book, Diary of a Beverley Hills Matchmaker, looks to be hilarious. How much fun did you have writing this? I had a blast writing this book. It is a true story and people keep telling me that they can’t believe it is all true! I have a lot of fun reading it as well since my friends and family are the stars!
Q: Do you have any new projects in the works? Yes, I am writing the sequel to Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker now, it will be published in the fall of 2011.
Q: What is some love advice you can give to readers? I would say not to give up on love, there is a top for every pot. But the most important thing is to work on yourself before you look for someone to get into a relationship with. Make sure you have worked through your issues, are open and ready for a relationship. If you need to get healthy, or lose a few pounds to feel great and raise your confidence, do that so that you are your best you and bring something great to the table.
Q; How about your best advice for aspiring writers? Just go for it. Write and enjoy the process. The publishing industry is a tough one to crack, so make sure that you are writing because you love it. It is not a way to get rich quick. Writers are also readers, so read everything you can get your hands on, all genres. Reading opens your mind and gets your creative juices flowing.
Q: Where is your favorite place to travel? I love Europe, I have been about 12 times. I speak fluent French, Spanish and get by in Italian. Paris is my all time favorite, and Prague was a dream. I also go to Mexico every year. My husband is from Mexico City so we go visit family. We recently went to Guanajuato which was a 5 hour bus ride from Mexico City. It was so amazing. I felt like I was in Spain. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I would love to spend a few months living there writing a new masterpiece.
