Interview with Gabriel Constans, Author of A Woman Like Maria

 

Gabriel's latest works of fiction are A WOMAN LIKE MARIA and THE LAST CONCEPTION, which is also a film being shown worldwide. Previous fiction includes BUDDHA'S WIFE, SAINT CATHERINE'S BABY, THE SKIN OF LIONS, and JUST A HEARTBEAT AWAY.

He has written for numerous magazines, newspapers and journals throughout North America, Europe, Africa and Asia; has 15 books published in the U.S. and continues to write fiction, non-fiction and screenplays. His latest work of nonfiction is GRIEF, YOUR WAY.

Dr. Constans has worked as a trauma counselor in a variety of situations and environments, most notably with local and international non-profit organizations such as hospice, the coroner's office, hospitals, state prisons, the Center for Street Children and the Ihangane Project (both in Rwanda).

Website: http://www.gogabriel.com

Twitter: @GabrielConstans

When did you begin writing?

When I was 16 and edited an alternative high school newspaper, which the principal tried to have me arrested for. 

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I usually write in the afternoon, when everything else for the day is done.

What is this book about?

Sophia grows up in small German village in the 1970s in a tight knit farming family. When she turns 18 she is accepted into a Catholic nursing school in Berlin. While there she meets a smooth-talking American who promises her everything. Turns out he’s been lying to her about a lot of things. Then, she meets his sister, Maria, and everything is turned upside down. After that, her life is pulled in many directions and she finally moves to America. Will she and Maria ever reunite? A Woman Like Maria feels like an unbelievably real romance story, with a happy ending.

What inspired you to write it?

I used to work with a nurse from another country who told me about a similar experience she had in her life and it sounded like it would make a great story.

Where can readers purchase A Woman Like Maria?

Here’s a global link to various distributors. https://books2read.com/u/4Xl6YL  

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Keep reading and learning and be consistent.

What is up next for you?

Presently working on getting a film made, which I wrote. It’s called The Sunday Morning Rowing Club, and is based (loosely) on a number of women who have been meeting for over 40 years to go rowing in the ocean together every Sunday. We have some well-known actresses staring in the roles and are waiting for the final financing.