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Dr. Marlene Caroselli is a keynoter, corporate trainer and author. Her clients include Fortune 100 companies as well as several federal and state agencies. The most recent of her 60 books is titled 8 Leadership Tips from Real Leaders and is published by Axzo Press. She also writes frequently on career topics for Employment Times. (Books by Marlene Caroselli on Amazon.com.)

Hello Marlene and thank you for answering some questions for us! Would you please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

My latest (ongoing) project has been the conversion of the book Principled Persuasion to an ebook format. Taryn Simpson (of Full Circle Admin Services), a virtual assistant, has done wonders with the new version. Now, of course, the marketing begins.

Have you received any awards for your work?

Two of my books have been chosen by book clubs. My very first book, The Language of Leadership, was named a Main Selection by the Executive Book Club. A more recent title, Principled Persuasion: Influence with Integrity, Sell with Standards, was made a Director's Choice by Doubleday Book Club. (This was especially important to me, as the book was self-published.)

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

All the time - most recently for the NYS Office of the State Comptroller. I stress the importance of communicating clearly and memorably in these classes. And, when I see evidence of really outstanding chiasmus statements, for example, I am wont to write complimentary letters to the bosses of my "students," commending their remarkable intellectual prowess.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?

My profession was the cause of my writing career. As a high school English teacher, I'd written a few articles - so deep was the desire to communicate ideas. But it wasn't until I began doing corporate and university teaching that my writing career really took off. The Language of Leadership was the direct result of an assignment requiring students to explicate the speeches of outstanding Americans.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

This wired world allows readers to contact me directly and immediately upon having read something of mine. I just heard, for example, from a cousin in Italy, studying for her master's degree in business. She found one of my books online and re-established familial ties.

What will your next project be?

I have several wannawrites in mind. One, a book about my mother who faced breast cancer with the same spunk that led her to sell an invention to a major American manufacturer (even though she had only an eighth-grade education). I have ideas incubating, too, about leadership and more about surviving despite these economic conditions.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Market, market, market. Seek publicity, even though you may be initially be uncomfortable blowing your own horn.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

At 5 am, without fail and without an alarm, my cat jumps from my head to my rump, announcing (with attendant moans) her desire to be fed. By 5:30, I'm in the local pool, where I water-walk for an hour. By 7, I'm home - my socializing, showering, and exercising done for the day. I go straight to my computer and write, write, write until about 5 p.m. When I need a break, I do some art work (saatchigallery.co.uk) or make calls or wrap gift baskets for charities. As a last resort, when I need to get away from the keyboard, I will do some cleaning.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

My early English teachers first noticed some writing talent on my part. I strove to please them (especially Roger Applebee) and in the process, wound up pleasing myself.

Who is your favorite author?

There are many, but Scott Turow comes to mind immediately. Such poetry in his prose. I just  finished The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman. As a literal Latin-lover, I found the references to "puellae" absolutely delightful.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

When I was in college, my roommates paid me NOT to sing aloud. I don't even do it now when I'm alone. I have been humming, though, to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."

Thanks so much Marlene! We wish you great success with your future projects!