You may know Mary Ann McNulty better by her pen name, Mary A. Perez. But whichever name you use, you probably know that Mary is quickly becoming recognized as the author of the Chart House Press best-seller Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace (Chart House Press, 2015). Since publishing her book earlier this year, she has been busy telling others about her inspirational true story of healing. We caught up with the author this week to ask a few questions about her story and her book.
Mary Ann McNulty
Mary, you’re an inspiration to everyone around you. Where do you get your writing inspiration?
My inspiration comes from my experiences in everyday life. I write for reflection that I might inspire and encourage others, that they may know they are not alone.
Your book is very personal. What was the most challenging part of the writing process?
The most challenging part for me was revisiting the memories of the loved ones that I lost though death, and the love lost after fifteen painful years with my first marriage.
Published by Chart House Press, 2015.
If you had to sum up the message of your book in under five words, what would you say?
She seeks inner-healing from brokenness.
Your book is quite an accomplishment. How did you feel after you finally finished the process of writing and publishing your book?
There were tears of joy, like after giving birth to a baby!
We agree! Writing a book is like giving birth! Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about writing a book?
First of all, simply start writing. Write every day. Begin jotting down your ideas. You can add fillers later. There’s a time to “tell” and a time to “show.”
Then when you’re ready to “show,” add imagery to your sentences and paragraphs. Include the five senses. Don’t just write a report or a news piece. Add dialogues. Take the reader with you and get them lost in the story.
Also, be sure to find like-minded writers and join a writer’s class or a critique group. Be prepared to have thick skin and be able to take constructive criticism, but don’t lose your voice along the way.
Finally, have your work professionally edited.
What do you hope readers gain from reading your book?
No matter what life has dealt you, your yesterday does not have to define your today. Never allow yourself to become a door mat or develop stinking-thinking where you have such a victim-mentality that you cannot think for yourself or change your situation. You have an identity. You have purpose. You have worth.
What’s your next project?
I’ve been a pondering and a praying about what my next writing project will be. And the more I hear of other ladies’ stories of survival, the more I feel their voices need to be heard. So, I recently announced my next plan in an interview. Check it out! . . . https://thewritinglifeeparker.wordpress.com/2015/10/13/author-interview-mary-a-perez/
We wish you all the best, Mary! To keep up with Mary or to find her book, follow her online at:
Website: www.maryaperez.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Running-Heels-Memoir-Grit-Grace/dp/1631250280/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/running-in-heels-mary-a-p-rez/1121713380
Indie Bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781631250583
Chart House Press is a small assisted publishing company based in Houston, Texas that publishes and promotes quality books and business brands. Visit our Submissions page or follow us on Linked In and Facebook for tips and updates.