Interview with author Mary Gibbs on her young-adult pirate novel, "Secrets of the Maiden."

This interview shares Mary's newest ideas, the origination of her idea for the pirate novel, and her many dreams for the future. Her wonderful new website, Author's Link, is discussed as well.


*Mary Gibbs lives in Michigan with her husband, son, dog, cat, bunny & fish. As you can easily see, she’s never alone! One of Mary’s favorite pastimes is fencing and last year she worked at her Renaissance Festival, doing fencing demonstrations. She is president of her fencing club (Schoolcraft College Fencing Club) & congressional representative of her division. Mary was selected to play the lead in an independent film, but it fell through because half the cast was smoking dope on the set! (I thought that only happened in the 70’s) Her nickname "Buffy" comes from the “Buffy the Vampire” t-shirt her dear friend bought for her birthday. Mary wore it to a tournament one day and the fencers teased her about looking like Sarah Michelle Gellar. Mary really doesn’t see the resemblance, other than the two are short with an attitude, but from her pictures, well, I believe I do see a bit of one. Mary ended up hitting a girl (with the sword) & scoring a point as the girl fell. It's perfectly legal until the opponent’s bottom touches the ground. She says people are still talking about that! Visit Mary at her personal website URL is: http://hometown.aol.com/moonitic/index.html and feel free to drop her a line. Now, let’s go on to the interview.


Mary, it’s a pleasure to interview you. I feel as if I personally know you
even though we’ve only spoken through e-mails. From your pictures, you
look so long. How long have you been writing?
Hi Richelle! Like many authors, I've been writing from a very young age.
It will be 20 years in May.



Your heroine, Alex, in “Secrets of the Maiden,” is independent and
courageous. Did anything in particular draw her character in your mind?

With most of my protagonists, I tried to put myself into Alex's place.
It helped me to feel what she would feel. Alex is who I hope (well, try!) to
be.



Where did you get the idea for Secrets of the Maiden?

To be embarrassingly honest...The Pirate Movie. Yes, the eighties' musical
adaptation of Pirates of Penzance, with Kristy McNichol & Chris Atkins. I
can't help it. I love that movie!



Why a book about pirates?

I love the romance & adventure. I also find the true histories of
pirates intriguing. Their superstitions, creed, etc.



Was a lot of research involved?

Since I already had an interest in the topic, the research was
relatively easy to accomplish.



What do you hope young people will learn from this book?
I hope that young people will learn that it is okay to be themselves. They
are faced with so much peer pressure that sometimes they need someone to
say, "Hey! I like you the way you are. Don't change just for someone else."

Where may our readers buy this book?
www.publishamerica.com & Amazon.com, or go as your bookstore. Pester them
for me!

I understand you have a new novel called “Destiny’s Fire.” What is the
theme of this book?

Even though this is a contemporary fantasy, it deals with some serious &
timely issues like alcoholism, abuse, low self esteem and abandonment. The
overall theme would be "Conquer the dragons...all of them!"


Can you tell us a little about it?
Elizabeth Morrow learns she is last in a long line of dragon slayers. To
defeat Kieran, the dragon, she must find a magical amulet before Kieran
destroys the town. But she also must deal with the problems her two best
friends face, as well as someone who does not want her to defeat the dragon.


Destiny’s Fire is an interesting title. Does it possess a hidden meaning?
A quote from my marketing outline says it best, "Within each of us are
powerful tools to help fulfill our destiny. For some, that destiny includes
fire. Why? Because fire is a purifier. Like The Phoenix, we too can rise from
the ashes."


Is it young adult as well?
Yepper. But, as always, it's a good read for the whole family.


When will it be released and available to our readers?
Your guess is as good as mine. Seriously, I just submitted it to the
publisher on Monday (April 9, 2001), so I'm waiting now.


Why did you choose the young adult genre rather than adult?
Young adult readers are tough customers. They know what they want & how
they want it. They are also super honest & loyal. I've always read the young
adult genre. Now it's my turn to give back to the art.




Do you have a particular age group you enjoy writing for?
The pre-teens have been the most fun, but the early high school crowd have
their moments too.


Which authors have influenced you and your writing?
L.J. Smith is a big one. She is the best young adult author I've ever
read, & I've read a lot! Lois Duncan, whom I have had the pleasure of
speaking to over email, is a complete sweetheart. I want to be that giving
to my own fans. And Frank Peretti, a Christian novelist, is one powerful
writer. I can't put his books down. If a book gets me emotionally involved,
it's a hit!


Do you feel as a young adult writer that you have to be more responsible in
what you write and the way you write?
Oh my, yes! Young people emulate those they admire. I feel I need to be a
positive figure, rather than a negative one. My writing has to be the same.
It's been said that kids are like sponges. The really are! Don't say this
too loud...but a good does of honor & morality never hurts in a book...


You tend to lean toward fantasy and action, such as pirates. Any
particular reason?
It is just plain FUN! I've always loved a good escape. It's great to slip
into a book world for a while. Sometimes we need that escape.


I understand you take fencing lessons and have competed as well. Does this
have anything to do with your writing, or is it just a hobby to have to
someone poke at you with a long slender blade? I owe my fencing to the fact
that I'm a highly creative individual. It really is a creative sport. Not
to mention an excellent stress relief & weight loss plan!


Your website, Author’s Link seems to have everything from Writer’s Links,
to e-zines, e-groups, publishers, and writer services. I visit it quite
often. Why did you create this website?
Since I've become published, I've had several curious people ask me about
just about everything I have listed on the site. That helps the newer
writer. More established authors benefit from the free advertising. I offer
it as a link exchange, which helps my own work along. It's rough out there!


What do you foresee as Author’s Link future?
I'd love for it to continue to grow. It would be wonderful to start a
mentoring program for young writers, or something along that line!



Thank you, Mary, and we’ll certainly look forward to reading Secrets of the Maiden and Destiny’s Fire. Again, visit Mary’s personal website above and Author’s Links.

Richelle Putnam
Editor of Children’s and Young Adult Genre
Gotta Write Network

Author of “Fallout,” a middle grade fiction
Available at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com