LJ Ambrosio Reflections of Michael Q&A

Don’t Tell A Soul by Jessica Huntley If You Were A Seed by Claudia GJ Moore

LJ Ambrosio Reflections of Michael Q&A

In Book One ‘A Reservoir Man’ we were introduced to Michael. Everywhere Michael turned he saw a Reservoir Man.

Michael’s endless trials of survival included sexual assault, the Vietnam War, an arrest in Spain, Hollywood scandal, the AIDS outbreak, 9/11 and beyond.

If only Michael could have found the one thing he valued most, his freedom. Michael’s coming-of-age was tarnished by many, but the courage to live his truth may have just kept Michael one step ahead…or would he succumb to the embraces of a Reservoir Man?

In Book Two ‘Reflections On The Boulevard’ Michael’s story continues from ‘A Reservoir Man’ where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protégé and journeys with him in a haphazard adventure throughout America and Europe. In Michael’s final journey in life, each twist and turn of the road brings unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship, and discovery.

In the final chapter ‘Exiles’, Ron’s story concludes from ‘Reflections on the Boulevard’.

Michael’s wish was for Ron to exile himself in the heart of Paris with its beautiful culture and citizens as they protest and fight for the soul of the city.

Ron’s journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way. It’s the final book in the ‘Reflections of Michael Trilogy’.

I have read and reviewed all three books in the series, and I had some questions for the author, particularly about Rhonda, my favourite character.

Q&A

Is Rhonda based on a real dog? If so, did she eat cheese and ham sandwiches?
I have had 14 rescue dogs in my life having a great relationship with all. Rhonda is based on all. Yes, one of my dogs ate turkey and cheese.Where did you get the inspiration for Michael? Ron? Louise?
My life was my inspiration as were the people that were close to me. I tried to understand their pain, their attempt to have joy and peace.Do you have a favorite of the three characters –
Lily and Louie are equally favorites of mine, I enjoyed them slowly understanding love. Being free is so important and so is experiencing all the different parts of life that help you grow as a person.Are any or all of them based on people you know? Do you take inspiration from real life?
No, the first book had real people in them. My other novels had elements of people who I know and elements from myself.How important is setting in your books?
Location is especially important in my book ‘Exiles’ for my characters. The urban setting in ‘Reservoir Man’ is extremely important. ‘America’ in ‘Reflections on the Boulevard’ is important in celebrating nature and God.Where do you write? Do you have an office, or do you go out to a cafe, for instance?
I have a great office, with all the windows looking at a huge lawn and lots of plants. Every morning, I watch the birds in the bird house. It makes me feel at peace.Do you listen to music while you write? Or do you prefer total silence?
From Leonard Cohen, Donna Summers, ZAZ is a great French signer and of course Piaf. The music prevents thoughts that have nothing to do what i am writing and some inspiration for their sound.What sort of books did you read as a child, and what is your favorite book ever (adult or child)? You can have more than one!
Never read as a child—I was a bad student until high school where i still did not read. My favorite novel is Catcher in the Rye (JD Salinger) – also On the Road (Jack Kerouac) and Death in Venice (Thomas Mann). But when i started to read i did not stop—found so much of myself for my Rite of Passage. I took my pen name to honor JD SALINGER – LJ AMBROSIO. He started the ball rolling.

Competition

L.J. Ambrosio will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card, a dragonfly necklace, or a second dragonfly necklace, to three randomly drawn winners via Rafflecopter during the tour, and a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn host.

Many thanks to Goddess Fish Promotions and the author for inviting me to be part of the ‘Reflections of Michael’ tour.

About the Author

Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.