Interview
Let me start by saying Congrats again Mary!! I'm beyond ecstatic for you :) So, when did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Becoming a published author was always in the back of my mind since I was twelve. I kept putting it aside. The fear of rejection held me back. A couple of years ago I decided to go for it and here I am.
Becoming a published author was always in the back of my mind since I was twelve. I kept putting it aside. The fear of rejection held me back. A couple of years ago I decided to go for it and here I am.
Oh, I definitely know how hard it is to face the possibility of rejection. It's what stopped me from wanting to do anything with my writing for so long! What has been the most difficult part about being a writer?
Writer’s block frustrates the hell out of me. Some days I go nuts typing away and then there are days when I just can’t think.
Ugh, is there anything more frustrating than sitting there knowing what you want to write, but you just can't find the damn words?! I digress lol. Who are your favorite authors?
Sandra Hill, Maya Banks and Shayla Black.
Love those authors! What authors inspire you?
I’ve had the pleasure to chat with so many authors on facebook who are going through very difficult times and still continue to write. They also support new authors and that inspires me to do the same.
I feel the same way! Facebook has been so wonderful for connecting me with so many awesome authors who keep me motivated. Do you like to plan your scenes out or do you just wing it?
‘A Heart’s Endeavor’ is my first book so I winged it. The editing process was a great learning experience. I know a lot more now than when I first started. I’m lucky to have found Beachwalk Press.
That's awesome, I'm so glad you found them because it means I get to read your awesome book! What type of books do you like to read?
Erotic contemporary and BDSM.
Love my BDSM lol. What do you like to do in your free time?
Taking walks. When it’s too cold outside I catch up on my reading. I also like to get on facebook and chat. I found a lot of nice people on fb. Fellow authors with several books under their belt are very supportive to new authors.
Yes, the community on FB is absolutely amazing. I never thought I'd meet so many amazing people. Where is your favorite place to vacation?
I like the beach and watching the seagulls.
OMG I love the beach almost as much as I love Disney World! Ok maybe it's a toss up. Anyway, do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions?
Lol. Usually after dinner’ I’ decorate the Christmas tree while hubs watches football.
Aw, my family used to always decorate the tree after Thanksgiving dinner too! Why did you choose to write romance?
Romance is what I read. I’m comfortable with it.
Can't get much better than that! My husband gave me the best advice ever: write what you know and love. What has been the most fun about working on A Heart’s Endeavor?
Believe it or not I really enjoyed the edits. Pamela Tyner is very pleasant and easy to work with.
Yay! Usually that's one of the hardest things to work through! Glad you have someone that helps make it go so smoothly. Let's get a little serious for a minute. One thing I really loved about your story was how you addressed depression. More often than not, heroes and heroines are perfect, but Melanie struggled with a condition that affects so many people. Was it difficult to write Melanie’s character?
Yes because I suffer with depression also. I know what it’s like to have panic (anxiety) attacks. It’s not a fun thing to go through. It’s easy for someone who’s never had one to tell you to just shake it off. Unfortunately it’s not an easy thing to do.
*hugs* Depression is something I've also struggled with, along with OCD and anxiety. It's so hard when the average person thinks it's something you should just be able to snap out of. I loved Jack, really loved him lol. Where did you get your inspiration for his character?
I met quite a few state troopers where I used to work. Although they seemed stern while on duty they’re really a nice group of guys and ladies. I know I couldn’t do that kind of job and still keep a sense of humor. Besides, a man in uniform is hot. lol
Oh, hell yes a man in uniform is so sexy. What has been the hardest scene for you to write?
The panic attack scene was the hardest. I remembered vividly the times when I would experience them myself. It brought back a lot of bad memories.
As someone who's suffered through a panic attack, you handled that scene beautifully. I can only imagine how hard it must've been Do you have any favorite characters?
Jack was my favorite to write. I love a stern and commanding hero.
That's my favorite type of hero :) Will this be part of a series? If so, can you tell us a bit more about it? If not, any chance I can talk you into it lol? I didn’t want this book to end!
It’s not a series, but Melanie and Jack have a small part in my next story.
*pout* I guess I'll have to be satisfied with that. For now. Until I can talk you into more books with Jack and Melanie :) We are just about out of time, but can you tell us what's next for you?
My next book, ‘It had to be two’ will be about Sara. She’s a cashier at the ‘Grab ‘n’ Go’ where Melanie is now the manager. Sara married a lawyer and finds herself falling in love with his best friend.
Ooo I can't wait! Well, sweetie we are out of time and I need to get to the review! Before you go, is there anything else you want your readers to know?
E-mail me: mkwehr (at) verizon (dot) net and tell me about yourself or join me on facebook and we can share some laughs.
Thank you so much for stopping by today! I always love chatting with you and it's so wonderful to hear more about your book :) Now my lovelies, it's time to get to my review!
Review of A Heart's Endeavor
About the book:
Publisher: Beachwalk Press
Price: $3.99
Description: (from Amazon.com):
There are times when it's best to allow your heart to overrule your head.Being diagnosed with depression not only messed up Melanie Manning's life, but her marriage as well. Her husband made it very clear that he considered her "damaged goods" and he didn't have time to coddle a mentally ill wife. After his sudden death, Melanie knew she was destined to be alone. Loneliness sounded a hell of a lot better than exposing her illness to another man. Her self-esteem couldn't survive another blow.When state trooper Jack Horan meets Melanie, the attraction is immediate. Her deep blue eyes make him weak in the knees, but those eyes also hold a hint of sadness. Jack is determined to wipe away her pain, but how can he do that when Melanie refuses to let him get close to her?Can Melanie learn to face her fears and trust her heart in the hands of another man?Content Warning: some strong language, spanking, and sex play with a piece of fruit wielded by a hot guy in uniform.
Buy it:
What I liked:
This was a fantastic book, not just because the characters were rich and drew me in, but because Mary tackled a subject so many people shy away from. Depression is a very real, very serious condition, and it's refreshing when an author isn't afraid to bring it up in their stories. Not only does the heroine suffer from depression, it plays a central role in the development of the story. It's handled beautifully and you can't help but root for Melanie. I liked the fact that the hero wasn't perfect either; Jack has diabetes and he handles Melanie's depression the same way he does his own medical condition: as a condition that can be managed and accepted.
I adored the relationship between the Jack and Melanie, and damn was this book hot. The things that man can do with a banana ;) Well, you'll just have to read to find those out. Overall this is a wonderful book I highly recommend to everyone. If you want to read an amazing love story with a hero and heroine who are relatable and anything but typical, run to get this.
What I didn't like:
This isn't really a complaint, but I wish it could have been longer. I loved meeting Melanie and Jack and I wish I'd gotten even more time with them because it's rare to find characters I can identify with as much as I do with these characters.
Overall Verdict: 5 Blue Duckies!!
I can't wait to read more by Mary. This was a very well written, polished debut novel. Her characters were so real, I felt like I knew them by the end of the story! I hope I get to see more of them in her future books!!
About Mary Sue Wehr
Connect with Mary Online:Mary Sue Wehr resides in Northeastern Pa. with her husband, pet dove and guinea pig. When the weather is warm she can be found outside feeding the wildlife or going for long walks.She has been reading romance novels since she was twelve and has always dreamed of writing one of her own.She believes that it's never too late to reach for that dream.
Fabulous interview!! Fabulous Author!! She got 5 blue duckies!!
ReplyDeleteAnother great interview and another book that I've added to my TBR list!
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