Saturday, June 16, 2012

Meet Mary Merrell - Mystery Author


Mary Merrell's background as a realtor brings us this intriguing book of what else? A house haunted by a sexy ghost. The good news is House Haunting is FREE today and tomorrow. But first, let's see what Mary has to say about her latest book.

Mary: The book I'm editing right now is Affinity-Bird in a Gilded Cage. It's a YA Urban Fantasy. Hope to have it out by fall of 2012.  I wanted to do something different than my paranormal mysteries. It's about a young man who can communicate with crows. He meets others like him and learns what his gift is all about, besides crows following him around all the time. He and his friends are trying to unravel a rash of robberies going on in his neighborhood, only to find it's something much more sinister, something no one would expect in this upscale suburbia.

Oh, sounds spine-tingling. Crows always creeped me out. What genres do you like to write in? Do you pay attention to genre rules or bend them?

Mary: I do love paranormal, and am getting into urban fantasy. I guess I do pay attention to the rules. I'm kind of a rule follower. Although, I believe you have to write what works best for your book, even if that means bending the rules a little.

Sounds like you're also adding a bit of suspense and romance too. What kind of books do you like to read? Which authors influenced you?

Mary: I love to read all kinds of books. Used to read a lot of romance, now mostely paranormal, urban fantasy, science fiction. My favorite author is Lois Bujold-McMasters. She writes fantasy and science fiction. Her books are character driven and you love those characters.

Are you a character driven or plot driven writer?

Mary:Definitely character driven.

Do you have any advice for writers who are just starting out?

Mary: Take some classes, learn the rules, join a writer's group with people who give positive feedback and listen to them. But most important of all, be true to yourself. If the rules don't work for you, bend 'em break 'em, whatever it takes to get that story out the way you want it.

Okay, some random questions:

Pink or Blue?  That's hard. Always loved blue, but wear a lot of pink. Goes with my complexion.

Chocolate or Wine?  Chocolate, definitely. Hardly a day passes...

Clogs or Stilettos?  Loved the fancy shoes, but nowhere to wear them. I have this one pair I keep in its box, and every once in a while I take them out and walk around in front of the mirror. Then I put them back. Mostly, I wear my cheap, fake ug slippers.

Romance or Mystery?  Have to say Mystery, since that's what I write. There's always a bit of romance in there though.

Hide or Seek?  Hide. I'm a great hider.

Thank for for being such a good sport. To find out more about Mary, please visit her website  www.maryemerrell.com 

Be sure to download your FREE COPY of House Haunting (June 16 and 17). I guarantee it'll be a "hauntingly hot"  read.

3 comments:

  1. Mary! I didn't know sci fi ran in your blood as well! House Haunting is a great book...I still recommend it to family and friends ;).

    Rachelle,
    Love your interview style.

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  2. Rachelle,

    Thanks for having me as your guest. I loved your questions. As an indie writer, I can't thank you enough for all your help marketing House Haunting. Where would be be without bloggers?

    Christina, there's a lot you don't know about me!

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  3. Oooh! I love a really good mystery! :D something that will really surprise me. ;)

    Mary, I'm with you on those fancy shoes. I always admire one but can't really wear them. I work at home so even if I want to wear it, I'd just look ridiculous. Haha.

    Rachelle, another great interview! :D

    Ara of My Book and My Coffee

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