Good morning, happy Monday to you!
I'm thrilled to have a new-to-me author here today. She's a science fiction and time travel author as well as...well, check it out!
In addition to her recent novel, "Sail Again – An Unexpected Travel in Time," Mary Ann is the author of two historical fictions created around the timeline of when Yeshua (Jesus) walked the earth.
A Journey of Faith: Book I – “Sons Rise,” Book II – “A New Day”
She has also written several short stories. As a member of the Florida Writers Association, one of her short stories, "Scents of Heaven," had been chosen as one of sixty short stories published in the FWA 2009 Anthology compilation "From Our Family to Yours."
After a long eight-year hiatus from writing her last novel, Mary Ann began writing "Sail Again" during the pandemic to fill the hours. The Titanic-themed time travel novel had been developing in her thoughts for many years and finally came to fruition on April 10, 2022, the 110 Anniversary of the Titanic’s sailing.
Mary Ann has contributed several serial stories on Amazon Kindle Vella and is working on her new novel, “The Gateway Continuum,” Book 2 in the Unexpected Travel in Time series.
She has also published two low-content journals – “A Writer’s Notebook” and “Pay It Forward.”
Mary Ann lives in North Central Florida with her husband, Felix, and her two dogs, Declan and Eddie.
LINKS
Amazon Author Page Link:
Facebook Author Page Link:
“Sail Again” Novel Amazon Link:
“Sail Again” Novel Barnes & Noble Link:
Vella Stories Link:
Journal – “A Writer’s Notebook” Link
Journal – “Pay It Forward” Link
Reboots – a great idea or a lack of creativity?
Sometimes reboots work, but the writers often try to make them too different. Sometimes they reboot the wrong series.
A book you’re looking forward to release (by someone else)?
Anything by Michael Connelly in the Detective Bosch series.
Coffee, tea, or cacao?
All of the above. Coffee first, however. Especially in the morning to kick-start my brain.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve been writing since I was around eight or nine. I’d write plays and act them out with my brothers or neighbors. Sometimes we’d invite our parents to watch.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I’ve been a fan of the time-travel genre for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been intrigued by the history of Titanic. Put the two together, and there’s a story.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Now that I’m retired, my schedule is flexible. I try to write or edit at least four times a week.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I’ve read and watched many time-travel stories, as well as reincarnation. Which, I feel, also fits the narrative. Since it’s a historical event, there are easily obtainable facts to study.
When did you write your first book, and how old were you?
I started writing Christian Historical fiction in my early 50s while working. It took several years to finish two novels. I was very green in my writing. I didn’t sell many books, became discouraged, and stopped writing, though I kept up with learning to write with how-to’s and attended conferences to sharpen my skills.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Besides spending time with my dogs, my husband, Felix, and I like to attend festivals and try different restaurants.
What does your family think of your writing?
They don’t say much. They aren’t readers, so they haven’t given me much feedback. They don’t even ask about my journey. I guess to them; it’s just a hobby because I can’t live on my royalties.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
As I mentioned l, two Christian Historical fiction novels. My latest released novel, “Sail Again,” is my third and Book 2, “Gateway’s Continuum,” for the Unexpect Travel in Time series is in the works. I have also published two low-content journals; one for a writer’s journey and one for tracking good deeds to encourage paying it forward.
Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Start writing. Connect with other writers either in a group setting or on Social Media. Keep learning. Go to conferences to hone your talent. Take online virtual courses. Most of all, write.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I hear back mostly from my local readers. They enjoy my time-travel book. I wish I could get them to review it on Amazon. The more positive reviews, the better your ranking and the more people see your book to purchase.
Do you like to create books for adults?
My novels are for adults and young adults. I don’t have any profanity or erotic scenes in my stories.
What do you think makes a good story?
I like happy endings. If the story leaves me sad or asking why, it’s disappointing.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I always thought I would be a Biology teacher or a photographer.
What is the first book that made you cry?
“Follow my Leader.” It is a book for young readers. I was about ten years old when I read it. The book is about a boy hit in the face with a firecracker and loses his eyesight. It shows his struggles and how his German Sheppard Guide Dog, Leader, helps him get out of his depression and his feeling sorry for himself.
What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
I don’t know if it’s unethical, but most of the time, if you're not a celebrity or a famous author, it's rare that a traditional publisher would even look at your manuscript. Of course, they are in it for the money, but many of the stories they publish aren’t very good; the author’s name sells them.
Also, traditional publishers take too long to get back to the author.