marcoujor: Interview with Author, Mary Craig

marcoujor

​Curling up with a page-turning story is one of life's luxuries to me - the kind you can't put down no matter what the clock says.

"Meeting Lizbeth", Mary B. Craig's breakout novel, fits the bill in this category for me.

Craig weaves the stories of three generations seamlessly as the reader is immersed in Lizbeth's life ~ from when she was rocked in her Dad's arms as a baby.
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CLICK THE PIC to get it from amazon.com

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Hoping I've piqued your interest to add this book to your library. I'm including the Amazon link, just in case...!

​"Meeting Lizbeth" is rife with skeletons in the closet ~ family secrets that span the generations. I was both shocked and intrigued at the twists and turns of this story of family dynamics at its finest.
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CLICK THE PIC to get it from amazon.com

​"Light in the Trees" is a modern day fairy tale,  with appeal for all ages.  As author, Mary B. Craig, sprinkles life lessons of gentle kindness and consideration through this story, the colorful and magical illustrations make it come alive for the reader. 

 Ann is a little girl who feels different from the other kids because she wears glasses.  As I started wearing glasses in second grade, I was pulled into this story 'hook, line and sinker'.  I found myself looking out Ann's bedroom window right along with her and wondering about the lights in the trees.

Lest I give away the story, I'm sharing a link to Amazon...treat yourself and a child in your life to this whimsical fantasy.

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Author, Mary Craig

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​Have you noticed that both of this month's featured books were written by my friend ~ author, Mary B. Craig?  As a matter of fact, both books were written and published in the Fall, 2015. 

I was honored when Mary recently took some time to virtually sit with me for an interview. Her conscientious dedication in connecting with me while hospitalized with pneumonia was 'above and beyond' duty and my expectations.

Hoping you enjoy hearing the back story on these books from Mary, as I did.

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​Can you remind us of the titles of your books, Mary?

"Meeting Lizbeth" is my novel. "Light in the Trees" is my children's book.

Where did the idea come from for these books?

"Meeting Lizbeth" started out as a short story on HubPages.  It was so well received I wrote a part two, then three, then it started taking on a life of its own.

"Light in the Trees" was a response to a HubPages challenge by a friend, annart. That's why the little girl's name is Ann.  I thought it was the least I could do since her picture was my inspiration.

What genres do your books fall under? 

I guess romantic fiction for "Meeting Lizbeth". I see "Light in the Trees" as a read aloud for parents~ that way it can spark conversation.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
 
Hmm, that's a good question.  I don't know the names of most modern actors and actresses that well, but here goes... Bradley Cooper as Tom, a main Character and lovable guy.  Lizbeth, Jennifer Lawrence, and Louise maybe Jessica Biel ~ Alice, Megan Fox.  Just some thoughts.

What is a one-sentence synopsis of your books? 

"Meeting Lizbeth" ~ a novel that moves back and forth in time to show you how Lizbeth came to be the woman she is.

​ "Light in the Trees" ~ the story of a little girl who finds more then just lights in the tree.

Are your books self-published or represented by an agency? 

Self-published.  Actually I really wanted to publish these books and due to life circumstances I thought this was the best way to go.  I wanted to hold my books in my hands.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscripts?  How did you juggle writing two books in one year?

I'm almost embarrassed to say that "Meeting Lizbeth" took six months, while "Light in the Trees" took two nights.

The juggling came with the editing. I had two different editors and a guardian angel ~ all who by the way were excellent.  There were a lot of back and forth emails and consults. (Mike Friedman was my guardian angel.)

What other books would you compare your stories to within your genre?

That's hard to say.  As a new writer I'm still trying to decide that myself.  Certainly not "Gone With the Wind" or "Fifty Shades of Gray".

Who or what inspired you to write these books?

I'm one of those people who always wanted to write a book, but didn't think it was possible. After four years of writing on Hub Pages I realized it was possible, I could write a book!  Then, as I said the inspiration presented itself to me and I ran with it.

What's next?  Working on any new books or ideas you can share with us?

No promises, but Lizbeth certainly has a future.

That's music to my ears, dear Mary.   I'm one of many readers who will be anxiously awaiting the sequel. For now, self care is your priority. Thanks for spending this time with me, Mary. And indeed you inspire me in every way.  
    

See you next week

Thank you for visiting today and getting acquainted with Mary's work.

Until next time, surround yourselves with people and things that inspire you.

mar