18Q Mary Eason

Mary Eason

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve absolutely loved writing. So I guess you can say it chose me.

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

I grew up in a small town in Texas. My parents were very poor, but they did the best that they could with four children. I grew up being a very shy child, so I began creating stories at an early age. Once I graduated from high school, I tried university life but it didn’t quite fit me. I moved to Austin, met my husband and raised two children. Once the kids were out of the house, I found myself with time on my hands, which brought me back to my childhood love of writing!

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

When I received my first check. No, actually I think that was when I felt justified in calling myself a writer, but really the first time knew I was a writer was when I forced myself to start writing again after receiving my first serious rejection. When you can’t do anything but write, no matter how many rejections you receive, then you know you’re a writer.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

I write everything with a touch of tongue and cheek humor. I love to laugh and it is reflected in my writing.

5. What is your writing process?

Fly by the seat of my pants. Seriously, a story idea will come to me, and I give myself a few days to ponder where the story might be going then I begin to write it. I’d say about nine times out of ten, the story never ends the way I imagined.

6. What was your path to publication?

Strewn with lots of rejections-hah. I think receiving rejections help to strengthen you as a writer as well, if you’re lucky enough to get some personal insight from an editor, help you tighten your story and see areas that can stand improvement.

My path to publication started with a paranormal romance. I wrote the story and polished it for years before I started to take my writing seriously. I submitted it to several houses before a new publisher like it and snapped it up.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

My website is by far my favorite way to self-market. And I love hosting contests on my site. So check that out from time to time.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

Hum, well I’d say realizing that just because you like your story, and your crit partner likes your story, doesn’t necessarily mean an editor or even a reader will. My biggest surprise was learning that you have to have tough skin to survive in this business.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

My biggest source of inspiration is reading. I love to read everything I can get my hands on. Reading is by far my biggest source of creativity as well.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

Seeing my work in print. Getting a good review from someone who got me. For a writer, those are great things.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

Don’t give up. No matter how many rejections you get. If your serious about writing there really is no other choice but to keep pressing on until you are published.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

Getting a bad review. Those still haunt me even today.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

Writing versus self-promoting is a tough one. Finding time to actually write amongst all the other business details you must take care of to be successful can be very frustrating at times.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

I’d say give back to others. I try always to remember how hard it is starting out. I’ve had lots of help from other writers along the way. I’d love to return that favor.

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

My husband and I have a brand new granddaughter that we adore. We’ve also just bought a cabin in the mountains of Colorado so we’re busy redecorating it. And of course I love reading.

16. Who do you like to read?

Romance, Chick Lit, Suspense, Inspirational fiction.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Don’t give up. You’ll hear that a million times during the course of your career but it is so true. If you’re ready to give up after receiving your first rejection you might never know the immense joy that comes from seeing your name in print. Another piece of advice I’d give to a newbie is to make it a point to write something every day. It keeps your skills sharp.

18. What are you currently working on?

I’m finishing a Romantic Suspense that’s been requested by a publisher along with another Contemporary Romance.

Mary’s 18Q