Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridges DelPonte.
Hi Bridges, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been writing my entire life. As a kid, I tortured my 8 siblings with my writing and directing of annual family plays. Starting with a pad of paper, then moving to a plastic orange Smith Corona typewriter, and now to my trusty laptop, I have always enjoyed the puzzle of finding the right word, phrase, or plot twist. So far, my published works are both fiction and non-fiction. I am a member of the FWA, Sisters in Crime, Inc., Citrus Crime Writers (Central Florida chapter of SinC), volunteering to manage its online social media channels, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, serving on its Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
My legal mystery, Deadly Sacrifices, A Marguerite “Monty” Montez Mystery, won a Royal Palm Literary Award (2d place – unpublished mystery) from the Florida Writers Association (FWA). I also published an underwater fantasy novel, Bridles of Poseidon, a children’s book, The Little Dusties – The Roar of the Silver Dragon (with illustrator Michelle Bakay), and numerous short stories in mystery and sci-fi/fantasy anthologies. Right now, I’m submitting two different women’s fiction novels that I completed to literary agents for their consideration. It’s an exciting, but nerve-wracking process.
As a legal educator for over 30+ years, I’ve also written and published three legal textbooks, numerous scholarly articles for law journals, and tons of online content on business law topics for Nolo.com. I taught legal studies for three years at UCF before teaching at Florida law schools, including Orlando’s FAMU College of Law. I enjoy making educational presentations to my fellow writers about important copyright and trademark issues.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Publishing moves as a very slow pace. You have to be very patient and recognize that it is an incredibly competitive and subjective field. Getting an agent’s or publisher’s attention is very challenging, especially if you are not in one of the major media markets. I’ve self-published two novels and a children’s book on my own which is quite time-consuming to create and market. I’m hoping to work with an agent and a traditional publisher on my current women’s fiction novels. A fellow author advised that finding a good agent is like winning the lottery and then their ability to sell the book to a major publisher is akin to winning the lottery a second time. I’m still hoping for my numbers to be called! If not, I’ll continue to self-publish my works to get them out there to readers.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I enjoy writing in multiple genres–mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, and children’s and women’s fiction. I think that in all of my works, I like to inject some humor. There’s plenty to cry about in the world, so it helps to have a few good laughs every day.
As a Portuguese American, I’m proud that my mystery, Deadly Sacrifices, and my two upcoming women’s fiction novels feature a strong female protagonist who has Portuguese ancestry. It is gratifying to increase reader awareness of Portuguese family life and culture in my fiction writing.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
There are so many great writing resources available today. Here are a couple that I find very useful, one local and one national. Locally, as a member of Central Florida’s Citrus Crime Writers, I learn so much from our chapter’s monthly “Ask the Expert” hour-long presentations from fellow writers, editors, marketers, and subject matter experts, such as funeral directors and poison experts. These experts share great information about the business of writing, writing craft tips, and scientific accuracy in our mystery novels,
Nationally, Kelton Reid’s podcast, The Writer Files, interviews established and up-and-coming writers. He asks questions that help them to dig deeply into their writing process. It’s fascinating to see what motivates other writers in their creative process and what tricks and tips they can offer to other writers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bridgesdelponte.wordpress.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridges.delponte/
- Other: Amazon Author Central page:https://www.amazon.com/Bridges-DelPonte/e/B00BW7BZYU; Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/bridgesdelponte
Image Credits
David Riddell
Bridges DelPonte
Michelle Bakay B
DeepGreen
Shutterstock.com
Laura Givens
Dawne Dominique
Stephan’s Quintet
istockphoto.com
