Author interview with Mary M. Forbes
Mary M. Forbes is a member of the Alberta Romance Writers Association and has been writing since she was a teenager. She is the author of two other books, Alberta Wild Rose and Hawk’s Gift, both historical romances. An enthusiast of everything country western, Forbes also thoroughly enjoys history and crafts. She has completed certified coursework in a wide variety of fields including writing, computers, accounting and weather observing.
Forbes currently resides with her husband in a beautiful mountain town in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
1. Tell us about your latest book.
One Dance with a Stranger is a story about Wade, a country music superstar who gains success too young and Emily, raised on the streets and now determined to follow her mind and never her heart in order to obtain the life she craves.
2. How did you get started as a writer?
I always knew I wanted to write when as a teen I avidly read all the romance books around and other stories including literature. I was the only student that put my hand up when the teacher asked who liked Shakespeare – it was embarrassing at the time, but it was the truth. I wrote poems, short stories and won awards . I enjoy learning and research and always ‘critique’ books and movies saying ‘what if…’ or correcting glaring errors or weak plots.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
I need my morning coffee, then answering e-mails, writing, researching or outlining stories and sometimes playing games. Occasionally I go on trips with my long-haul truck driver who travels all over North America. I try to take walks along the river at least once a day. I spend time with my grandson and my daughter most days as well.
4. Describe your workspace.
I have my desk/computer in my kitchen beside a patio door. I have a large yard full of hills and pine trees, close to a river and usually see the deer and squirrels and birds just outside the window. Once I even saw a bear. I am usually alone as my husband is on the road.
5. Favorite books
My favorite books are Something Wonderful – Judith McNaught, North and South
– John Jakes and War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy.
6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you
I love ‘debating’ (some call it arguing) and will research and question everything. I often see humor when someone gets too intense. I don’t believe in Global Warming.
7. Favorite quote
Only God can Judge me or It’s amazing how much people believe beauty is goodness (Leo Tolstoy – maybe not exact quote)
8. Best and worst part of being a writer
Best – going into a world where I can be/do whatever I want.
Worst: – Being interrupted when everything is falling into place and then after forgetting ‘the place’ you were in.
9. Advice for other writers
Don’t take yourself or your characters too seriously. Humor goes a long way to make stories interesting and enjoyable.
10. Tell us a story about your writing experience.
When I published my first book and was so proud of, I met with the author Bev Jones who had inspired me to do it, for lunch. The waiter saw the book and started talking to me about his wife loving romance. Bev Jones stepped between us and started ‘selling’ her book. I realized I was not aggressive enough (like she was) to sell myself – and I realized sometimes when you think someone is helping you maybe they’re helping themselves?
Where can people buy your books?
My books ‘Hawk’s Gift’ and ‘Alberta Wild Rose’ are available on my website
http://www.marymforbesauthor.com (paypal) as well as contacting me directly at marymforbes@hotmail.com.
‘One Dance with a Stranger’ is available on my website, through Authorhouse, Amazon, Barnes & Noble as well as e-published on Kindle(Amazon), Lybrary(Authorhouse), shortcovers (Indigo/Chapters)
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