Author's Name: Mary Eason
Website: www.maryeason.bravehost.com

Mary writes contemporary romance for several publishers. Her first romantic suspense has just been released.

New Release:
DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES
Cerridwen Press, August 2007

Megan Beaumont's psychic powers allow her to witness the unimaginable pain inflicted by the Angel of Death serial killer on his victims, and it almost costs Megan her life when she becomes the Angel's final victim.

Now, six years later, FBI Agent Jack Montgomery has no idea his love affair with Megan resulted in a child, until a killer copying the Angel of Death's MO resurfaces and he turns to the one woman he never stopped loving for help.

The Opening:

The Beginning

“Are you ready to die?” he asked. With a seductive little grin he handed her the white lilacs.

She returned his smile after a moment. Still somewhat uncertain, she believed this to be part of the game.

The drive over to the seedy side of town where deserted buildings polluted the landscape excited her. It felt dangerous. None of her previous lovers had ever been so daring.

Read An Excerpt

On Writing: How did you get started in writing?

Like most writers, I started out as an avid reader. I read anything I could get my hands on – from romance to suspense and everything in between. But I think I first knew I wanted to be a writer around the age of ten years old when I read my first Victoria Holt novel, ON THE NIGHT OF THE SEVENTH MOON, and fell in love with the romance, the passion, and the drama.

I wrote my first romance, using every cliché in the book, as a preteen. Needless to say, it’s tucked away in a drawer, never to see the light of day.

My first published novel was a paranormal romance that will soon be reissued through Love Struck Books.

On Genre

I write in several genres, including Chick Lit. THIRTY LESSONS – Available now through Samhain Publishing is my first published Chick Lit story. I’ve since sold two more Chick Lit stories to Samhain. But I always seem to come back to Romantic Suspense as my favorite genre to write, (I guess that’s due to reading all those Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney novels I read as a child).

DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES – coming to Cerridwen Press August 30, will be my first published Romantic Suspense.

On the Writing Process

My ideas come through various outlets. It might be something I see on TV or read in the paper – even a dream. Before I know it, an idea for a story forms. I’ll take a few days to sketch out the story in my head and then begin the process of putting it to paper. I write the full story first, then go back and edit. That way the creative process isn’t interrupted by details.

The hardest part of writing for me is promoting. It’s hard for me to brag about myself because I’m such an introvert. But I’m getting better.

On Writing Schedule

I find that I do my best work early in the morning when I have my coffee in hand. So I usually I work on new story ideas first thing in the morning, then leave the emails and promoting to the afternoon.

On Writer's Block

I haven’t experienced writer’s block as much as writer’s burn out. There was a time when I’d write 5,000 or more words in a day and turn out manuscripts in a matter of months. As you can imagine, it eventually caught up with me. Now, I work at a somewhat slower pace, which seems to work better. There's less burn out that way.

On Conferences and Contests: Have conferences or contests played a role in your path to publication, and if so, how important do you feel they were?

Actually, no. While I’ve entered a few contests in the past, I’ve never really enjoyed them. I’d rather just concentrate on submitting directly to the publisher. But I do know many writers who swear by contests. I guess it’s what you’re most comfortable with doing.

As for conferences, well, I’ve made myself a promise. The moment I sell to my “dream” publisher who shall remain nameless for the present time, then I’m going to treat myself to a conference.

On Getting "The Call"

It’s like no other feeling. To have someone else in the business tell approve of what you’re doing enough offer you a contract, well it’s an amazing feeling.

On Being a Published Author

The best thing for me is to see my name on the cover of my book. The worst thing is the feeling can only last for so long and then you have to try to do it again. Just because you’re published once, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll do it again. That’s the biggest challenge.

Best Advice Received

The best advice I’ve received is what I always try to impart on other writers trying to break into the business. Don’t give up on yourself and always believe in what you’re doing. This is a tough business. It can crush you if you let it. You have to become strong and not take criticism too personally. Easier said than done, I know.

Worst Advice Received

Someone once told me to try to write what’s selling in the current market. It doesn’t work now and it never will. Write what you love to read and you’ll get there.

On Promotion

Self-promotion is crucial to a writer’s career. Look around. There are literally thousands of books on the shelf. What sets yours apart from the rest?
Having a website and keeping it fairly current at all times is essential for a writer. Also, I’d suggest that a new writer join as many yahoo groups or listservs that relate to the genre they’re targeting as possible. You can learn so much from other seasoned authors. They’ve been there and know what works and what doesn’t. Networking is key as well as getting your name out there.

Participating in chat groups such as Yahoo or other listserv groups is a great way to get your name in front of potential readers. Contest giveaways are great promotional tools as well. I host a monthly contest on my website where I give something different away each month. I’d suggest a newsletter to announce upcoming books.

On Publishers

I love my publishers.

Samhain Publishing who published my first Chick Lit novel -- Thirty Lessons -- and will be publishing my two upcoming Chick Lit stories -- The Things You Think You Want – Coming November 2007 and Survivor – Coming early 2008, has been a dream to work with. My editor there was the best. Samhain made me feel as if they are glad to have me on their team.

Cerridwen Press where my first Romantic Suspense novel – Don’t Close Your Eyes – will be published August 30, 2007 has been a truly wonderful experience as well. I love my editor Helen. She’s the best.

I’ve just signed a contract with Wild Rose Press for a Romantic Suspense spy story. I’m very excited to be part of Wild Rose Press. I’ve heard great things about them.

On Agents

Depending on the type of genre you are targeting, I believe the right agent can be invaluable.

On the Future

I currently have several new ideas brewing. But first, I’m finishing a Romantic Suspense story that was requested by my ‘dream’ publisher. Wish me luck.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Don’t let anyone tell you Chick Lit is dead because it isn’t. But it is evolving. So do your homework. Romantic Suspense, in my opinion, will continue to grow. It’s a great genre to write for. There are so many possibilities.

But again, the best advice I can give any aspiring writer is not to give up. Rejection is part of the trade. Very few people sell on their first try. Most editors and agents will give you some good advice with rejection letters. Take their advice and keep trying. The only published authors are the ones who didn’t give up. And if you can give up writing then maybe it wasn’t for you in the first place.

On FTHRW

FTHRW is a wonderful place for writers, no matter where they are in their career, to network. The advice I’ve learned here has proven to be invaluable to me.

The Last Word

I love hearing from readers, so please feel free to contact me at maryjeason @ netzero.com.

You can also check out the latest news and book releases along with contest updates at my website: www.maryeason.bravehost.com

(Interviewed September, 2007)