Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Mary Eason

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Interview with Mary Eason:

Hi Mary. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

Ten Thousand Angels is definitely a switch in genres from Everlasting Love, which was a paranormal romance. To me, Ten Thousand Angels is all about second chances. The story is about two people who have been hurt very deeply by people they have loved. Kate Alexander finds herself alone and pregnant with no one to turn to except a man who is fighting demons of his own. Matt Stevens is genius when it comes to creating the best security software programs around, but his personal life is a wreck. Three year ago, he walked away from life and all the things that mattered to him after his son’s death. Together, Matt and Kate learn to both trust and to love again.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I have so much in the works right now, with both e-publishers as well as the traditional publishing houses. Plus I will be started up a new monthly contest on my website, Mary Eason.bravehost.com. Please stop by and take a look around.

- How do we find out about you and your books?

Please stop by my website, Mary Eason.bravehost.com. All of my books are listed there.

- How may readers contact you?

Please feel free to email me at maryjeason@netzero.com. I love to hear from my readers.

- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

There’s nothing like having positive feedback on something that you’ve worked so hard on. Everlasting Love was well received. I hope everyone enjoys Ten Thousand Angels as well.

- Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

The question I am asked to most by readers is how I come up with the ideas for my stories. That’s a good one. The answer is, inspiration comes in various forms. I can read something in the paper, see something on TV and before I know it my imagination takes flight.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I write what I love to read. I’ve been a fan of romance novels since I was a pre-teen.

- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

Quite a lot actually. You’ll see the things that I like the most, (such as coffee) as well as pets, (I’m a huge animal lover) in lots of my books. But also, my heroines have a tendency to reflect my personality.

- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?

Again, pre-teen. I wrote a terrible romance set in Hawaii. The need to succeed was what prompted me to submit my first ms. I think if you are a writer, it’s your ultimate goal to be successful at it.

- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

Depends on how well the story flows. I’ve written a three hundred page book in two weeks. The story just clicked. But on the average, I have a rough draft finished within a month.

- What is your writing routine?

I try to write a couple of hours at least every day. I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished anything if I don’t do that.

- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

I usually write the most productive in the morning. But if the book is really flowing it doesn’t matter, it’s hard to stop.

- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?

My husband is very wonderful. He understands this crazy need in me. And yes, my family does their best not to interrupt me when I’m working.

- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

I love to read. When I’m not working on a book, I’m reading.

- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?

Personally, that’s a preference, but I love humor in women’s fiction. Unfortunately, I have a very twisted sense of humor.

- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?

No, love scenes are not hard. But I think that there is a difference between love scenes and gratuitous sex scenes. Somethings it’s good to leave a little to the readers imagination.

- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I’m forty-five, (gees that sounds old), my husband and I have been married for over twenty years. I have two step-sons who are great and a wonderful daughter in law. My hobbies are simple. I love to read and of course write. I also play a little piano and my hubby and I like to travel from time to time. I went to college but couldn’t really find my nitch there.

- Fill in the blank favorites –

Dessert (Italian Cream cake)
City (hum…I’m not big on cities of any kind since I live in the country)
Season (That’s a toss up between spring and fall. In the spring everything is like brand new again, but the fall is crisp and the colors are so beautiful)
Type of hero (alpha—sue me, I’m a sucker for the strong type)
Type of heroine (Slightly imperfect).

- Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt. These ladies were a big influence for me.

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

I am a member of the RWA.

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

I am torn on critique groups. Personally, I think for someone just starting out its best to have one person that you trust to be a critique partner. Sometimes it seems like the groups feel that they have to give some negative feedback even if the work is good.

- Where do you see yourself in five years?

Sitting at my computer, typing away. Hopefully with a string of books behind me.

- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been writing forever. Serious though for the past three years. Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Even through all the various jobs I’ve worked at, I always knew someday I would have to seriously concentrate on my writing.

- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?

Fast Moving Train is my favorite. The book wrote itself. I love Carrie Sinclair and Tyler Bennedict.

- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

The story comes first, followed close by the characters. Then the setting.

- What are the elements of a great romance for you?

For me, the romance comes first. I have to feel the attraction between the two main characters. Having sympathetic H/h also helps.

- What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest?

Writing is a solitary profession at times. And it can be hard to write after receiving a rejection. The easiest part is coming up with the stories.

- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

As hard as I try, usually the characters do what they want. I’ll start a story with the general plot mapped out in my head. It never quite works out that way.

- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

Finishing the book. There’s a great sense of accomplishment in typing The End.

- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

A librarian or a bookstore employee. I love being around books

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Keep writing. Don’t give up and don’t get discouraged. You will get rejections, its just part of the game. The winners are the ones who keep writing even through rejection. And when you are finished with one book, start another. It’s through practice that you become better.

Thank you very much, Mary, for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

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