Mary Edmondson, is a writer, who, credits her avid reading, mom and sister, for her love of creative writing. Join me as I converse with her about her path to becoming an author.
1. When did you know you wanted to write books?
I’ve wanted to write since the 4th grade when I read the first Harry Potter book. I’ve always struggled with reading and comprehension, and so when I was finally able to enjoy an entire book without being forced to—it really gave me hope. I like to write to keep people like myself in mind.
2. Anyone(s) who you contribute to you wanting to be a writer?
Definitely my mother and my sister, because they were avid readers—reading was such a big part of my childhood. There was this camaraderie when they would talk about their favorite characters and plot twists, and I wanted to give them that.
3. What was your first book published? Give a brief synopsis.
My first book published is WILEY TRUDEAU AND THE KNIGHT-LIGHT. It’s about an eleven-year-old girl, Wiley Trudeau, who is investigating a murder with the help of a vigilante, Flower Power. Because they are both very young, the gravity of a very adult situation kind begins to weigh on their idealism. Trying to find out “who done it” is going to take a lot more than self-righteous indignation and a can-do attitude. But, it’s cute. It’s monsters with glitter and girl power.
4. What inspired you to write the story?
I went through a dry spell for about a year when I hadn’t written anything. I had a lot of problems with depression and anxiety after two failed books. I hadn’t produced anything fruitful and I had been rejected by around 120 agents, so I felt pretty discouraged. But what I didn’t realize was that the perfect story was waiting for me. I still needed to grow as a writer. Luckily, I’m surrounded by some amazing people that helped me get there.
You have to write a million words before you begin to write anything half-way decent. I wasn’t done cooking. I still don’t think I am. Writing is an amazing outlet for my depression and anxiety because it provides escapism. I started off with basing my characters of people who had made a huge impact on my personal growth like my friends and my family. Then I began to build a story around them.
5. What was your feeling the first time you held your first published book in your hands?
Ouch! Paper cut!
6. What is your latest book? Brief synopsis.
Hopefully the sequel to Wiley Trudeau; however, it is in its super early stage. I mean crustaceous period early. I don’t even know what to call it. So far I got Wiley Twodeau.
7. Are you working on anything new?
Well, I’ve always been interested in writing short horror stories—I find them a great outlet for… personal reasons.
8. Do you write in a specific genre? If so, what is it about this genre that gravitates you to it?
So far I’ve dabbled in black comedies, sci-fi, horror, romance, thriller, I love them all.
9. What advice would you give someone who wants to publish their first book?
You have to get a feel for what works for you. Start investigating different avenues of either self-publishing or traditional, and do what’s best for you. Get some beta-readers, make sure it’s polished, also have a bomb cover! Especially if you are self publishing, I used Canvas app for mine. People do judge a book by its cover.
Also, I feel like writers, because we are the masters of the universes we create, we forget we aren’t in the universe we live in—so don’t do it with any sort of expectation. Don’t publish thinking it’s going to solve all your problems. Because if things aren’t going how you planned it can be discouraging, so just listen to Shia Labeouf and do it!
Most importantly, you have to be your first fan. If you have loved your work, hated it, loved it again, hated it and had an emotional crisis, then you are on the right track.
10. If you weren’t a writer what would you be?
Crying.
11. Where can we find you and your books?
Well golly! I’m so glad you asked. My book is available on Amazon on kindle for 2.99 and free for Kindle Unlimited Subscribers. It is also available in paperback for 15.00.
https://www.amazon.com/Wiley-Trudeau-Knight-Light-Mary-Edmondson-ebook/dp/B07LCZWSYY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547143603&sr=8-1&keywords=wiley+trudeau+and+the+knight-light
It is also on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43239870-wiley-trudeau-and-the-knight-light?ac=1&from_search=true
We can also be friends and stuff on my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/WileyTrudeau/
