Mary is the Bestselling author of the Crossroads Saga. She is joining us today to answer a few questions, and will also be giving one lucky reader the chance to win an ebook copy of 'Between', the second book of the series, and 'Beyond' which is the third instalment.
'Crossroads' The first book of the sage is available to download for free from Amazon US. Just click here to get your copy now! You can also download it for free for the Nook, just click here.
1. If you could meet up & chat with one author who would it be and why?
It would have to be Stephenie Meyer because she wrote Twilight based on her dream. Crossroads is also based on a couple of dreams I had in high school. She was one of my inspirations to write this book.
2. How long of a process is writing a book?
Ahhh!!! I say this in a good and bad way. First, it was so much fun writing about these characters, and many characters are based on people I know. In some ways, Claudia is a lot like me, so her character was easy to write. There was one time when I wiped out the last five chapters because my friend thought I could do better. I’m glad she told me I could, but deleting those chapters brought me to tears. Then there is re-reading, re-writing and re-editing. Let me just say that I found a new profound respect for authors.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever thought about becoming a writer. To tell you the truth, I didn’t really enjoy reading. I read because I had to. Not until I became a teacher did I find reading truly enjoyable. I started writing because it was a way for me to heal from the death of my grandmother. She is also a character in my story-Gamma J.
4. What were some of your "inspirations" for writing this novel?
One of my inspirations for writing this novel was my grandmother. Writing was a way for me to heal. Another inspiration was my dreams I had in high school. I can vividly recall all the details of them, which comprises chapter one and two.
Besides spending time with my hubby and my two children, I enjoy shopping, watching movies, oil painting and making jewelries. I also enjoy reading young adult novels. They help me escape the stress of everyday life.
6. Which character in Crossroads was the most fun for you to write?
It’s difficult to say because many of the characters are based on people I know. But I can narrow it down to two characters, Claudia and Michael. Claudia’s character is based on me and my experiences. The first car, the first job, camping, and yes…I was very sheltered…lol!!! Michael is also somewhat based on my husband, the protector and romantic. I especially had fun writing about them being together and the chemistry of getting to know each other, knowing that they didn’t have that much time.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today!
Now for the giveaway of Between and Beyond. Remember you can download Crossroads for free for Kindle and Nook by clicking the links above.
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Thank you for the giveaway Mary. Your books look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteCool interview, will keep my fingers crossed to win.
ReplyDeleteYour covers are very beautiful!