Wednesday, December 1, 2010

There's Always Something About Mary ... Isn't There?

I'm continually amazed at what I learn about other authors out and about these days. This week I'm anxious to tell you about MARY.
Mary, you say? Which Mary?
Well, anyone called Mary usually has something great to tell, don't you think? Let's see what we'll learn from Mary Manners, this grand lady who hails from the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband, Tim, and their daughter, Danni, as well as dogs Abby and Molly and cats Lucky and Gus. Mary is an award-winning, multi-published author of inspirational romance. You can visit her at http://www.marymannersromance.com/  

SKC: Welcome to you Mary. I love that porch where you are standing! Tell us what book or project would you like to speak about this week?

MM: I’d like to tell everyone about my contemporary inspirational romance, Mended Heart

SKC: That's a great title. What inspired you to come up with writing in your genre?

MM: I like to share God’s many blessings with my readers, and give a message of hope and happiness.

SKC: And how important it is for us to hear and read those things in this day! How long had you been writing before you got your call (or email) from an editor?

MM: I have been writing since birth!! No, really…I completed my first full-length story in the sixth grade, but had been seriously pursuing a writing career for about three years when I got the email from Nicola Martinez at White Rose Publishing.

SKC: And what a joy it must be for you to be at White Rose. There are great people over there. What advice do you have for other new authors coming into the field of writing, Mary?

MM: Write, write, write! The more you write, the better you become. Also, submit your work to contests and take the judges’ feedback to heart. You can learn a lot from another reader’s ‘fresh’ eyes.



SKC: I've not been one to enter contests. Maybe I'll change that this coming year. How do you overcome writer’s block, or do you ever get that?

MM: I mow.

SKC: You MOW?

MM: Seriously…I live on two acres and when a block hits, I go out and push mow. It’s like taking a sledgehammer to a dam. During cooler months, I light some scented candles and just sit in front of the keyboard until the words come. I do not pass go…you know the saying.

SKC: I've NEVER heard that one before. What a great way to think! Hmmm. Mow. Okay, what do you think it takes to write a good book?

MM: A great imagination, outstanding imagery, and a desire to share what’s in your heart. I also think life experiences bring a certain authenticity to a person’s writing. The older you get and the more you experience, the better you can relate to what a character feels in any given situation.

SKC: Thank you for the wonderful insight, Mary. What is your process of writing a novel, briefly—from conception to revision?

MM: I begin with a phrase, idea or situation and build on it brick by brick, like building a house. I begin by writing in a steno pad—character names, quirks, fears, likes, etc. Then I weave the first few chapters before transferring over to my laptop. I don’t typically use an outline, but have a good idea of where I’m going. Sometimes I’m surprised, though, which is always good.

SKC: We hope to share one of your books with one of our readers this week. Are you ready? Think of something you might ask a fan that would spark your interest in subject matter for your next project. What would that question be?

MM: (Here it is) Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment that you wished you could take back, because it changed the course of a relationship forever? If so, what was it, and how would you handle the situation differently if you were given a second chance?

SKC: Now, that's quite a question for reflection! See that, readers? We thank you for participating, Mary! Before you leave, tell us where the readers can find you and your work.

MM: Readers can find MENDED HEART at www.whiterosepublishing.com  and at www.amazon.com  or order autographed copies by visiting my website at www.marymannersromance.com 

SKC: Great. And I know someone will be looking forward to winning a copy. Thanks again.  Readers and viewers: Check out Mary's question for you above and send us your comments. Don't forget to include your email address for me. Names are drawn at random at the end. God bless you all.


Congratulations to Pegg Thomas of Ossineke, MI. You JUST won a copy of Mended Heart. Be watching for it soon. A great Christmas gift, yes? Blessings for a wonderful Christmas and New Year to you.





25 comments:

  1. Mary the Mannerly Mower. :) It's so nice to get to know you a little better, Mary - and every interview I read adds a little something more to "my picture" of who you are. I'm liking what I see! Love your cover...the book sounds great...I'm honored to be a "fellow White Rose!"

    (And yes, I'd love a copy of Mended Heart!)


    delia (at) delialatham (dot) net

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  2. Hi Mary, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Mended Heart. The healing in the story was a blessing! So glad to see you here and you mow! You go girl!
    TanyaS

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  3. Great interview, oh Queen of the Mow! LOL!!! :-) I loved Mended Heart - anyone who reads/wins will be blessed by the story.

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  4. Wow....yeah. I think sometimes it can be fixed, but it was alot of work. I would work hard to make sure to show that i did not mean it, but I wish I could watch my words better. martha(at)lclink(dot)com

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  5. Thanks for the great interview. I enjoyed hearing about you.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  6. Thanks so much, fellow White Roses. White Rose Publishing rocks!

    I really appreciate your support and encouragement. Keep writing, all...there sre still so many stories to share!

    Mary

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  7. Mary sounds like an awesome person and writer,

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  8. Well, in answer to your question, Mary, I have said things before but the Lord has given me a pretty good hold on my tongue. I think it is mainly because I know someone who says things when they are angry they shouldn't. Then they have to apologize because of what they said. This has really helped me watch what I say. I would really love to read this book. Thanks so much!
    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  9. Hi Mary! I enjoyed reading about you!
    shawnawilliams (at) allegiance.tv

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  10. Unfortunately I have said things in the heat of the moment several times - things which I am not proud of. The best action to take is to go to that person as soon as possible and apologize. sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. These hard lessons have taught me to try to keep my tongue in check because the aftermath isn't fun.

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  11. Mary, I just realized that I haven't answered your question. I must admit that years ago before I was saved there was many times that I said things that I wish I hadn't said and yes, did change our relationship. Now, I hold my tongue until the L-rd puts in my mouth the words that He wants me to say.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. Toyin,

    Thank you for your sweet comment. I'm so glad you stopped by!

    Mary

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  13. Charity,

    I can really relate to saying things in anger. I think with age comes wisdom and restraint (though sometimes painfully).

    Thank you for dropping by and good luck in the contest.

    Mary

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  14. Hi Shawna,

    I have visited your blog and really enjoyed it!

    Thank you for dropping in. It was nice to hear from you!

    Mary

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  15. Tracy,

    Isn't God wonderful for giving us the grace to apologize? I am so thankful for this, and that people are willing to forgive.

    Have a great weekend.

    Mary

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  16. Jo,

    Thanks for stopping by...twice!! I appreciate you.

    Yes, again, I am thankful for the wisdom to keep my mouth shut during times of anger. Wow, it has been a hard lesson at times.

    Happy holidays!

    Mary

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  17. Martha,

    Thank you for your comment. Yeah, sometimes harsh words can only be 'undone' with a lot of hard work. Isn't it so much better just to hold our tongues until the anger passes?

    Take care and God bless.

    Mary

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  18. I told my husband that I'm too controlled, that just once I wish I could say what I think when someone ticks me off. He said I'd be like Meg Ryan's character in You've Got Mail and regret saying it. I still wonder what it would feel like. I'm just sayin'....
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com
    AnnLeeMiller.com

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  19. I can't say that I've ever said anything in the heat of the moment that changed the course of a relationship, that's not my personality, but I can think of many instances where I WISH I would have said something to someone. In hide sight, I've missed so many opportunities to witness and to encourage and to support.

    Pegg
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  20. I loved this interview ( and your porch))
    Yes, I recently said something to a relative that I wish now I could take back. And I hope I have the opportunity to do so!

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  21. Ann Lee,

    I can tell you from experience that you are blessed to have such vocal restraint. The other side of the fence is certainly not greener...I promise.

    Mary Manners

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  22. Oh, Pegg,

    What unique insight you've offered here...I never even considered this side of the coin when posing my question. Thank you so much!

    Mary

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  23. Terri,

    Thank you for your compliment. I like the porch, too.

    I truly hope fences with your relative can be mended. I wish you well.

    Mary

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  24. Ah, heat of the moment! My moment was with my mother-in-law. Not a good thing for our already shaky relationship. It was truth, but if I could go back and have a second chance, I'd hold both my hands over my mouth and squeeze my lips shut and pray my heart out over the whole situation. Asking forgiveness still hasn't changed or even helped the circumstances.

    I'd love to win a copy of your book. It sounds marvelous ~ thanks for the opportunity, and the advice! :)

    Amanda

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  25. I forgot ~ my email is
    kjv1611as/at/gmail/dot/com

    And! I'd so jealous! I was raised in a log home, and I so wish I could go back! What memories... :)

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