Friday, December 21, 2012

MaryAnn Diorio: A Talented Artist Praising God

Everyone's story welcomes Dr. MaryAnn Diorio as its new guest during this holiday week. I've had the pleasure getting to know MaryAnn in the Northeast Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Now it's exciting to see MaryAnn's release of her novella, A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING. Yet, MaryAnn isn't new to the writing world, having written hundreds of articles for magazines, as well a columns for newspapers. MaryAnn has also appeared in several radio and television talk shows, is a Certified Life Coach, and as you can see below, is also an artist. Her bottom line: she praises God for all that He has done in her life.

Book Giveaway
MaryAnn is offering one e-version of A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING to one randomly chosen commenter.
And here's some great news: because this is an e-book, anyone in any country can be a winner. The winner will be announced between 4-5 EST on December 28th. For convenience, please leave your email address within the body of your comment. Thanks.

Here's a blurb on A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING:          

Seven Christmases have passed since Sonia Pettit last heard from her daughter Jody. Since Jody’s departure, Sonia’s world has been turned upside down. Her husband has died of a broken heart, and her son, bitter over his sister’s destructive actions, has become rebellious. 

Her greatest desire is to have her family together at Christmas, but after what Jody has put them all through, can Sonia truly forgive her daughter? 

Jody Pettit O’Dair ran away to experience a life of adventure and excitement, but since her departure, her world has been turned upside down. She’s been abandoned by the man she met and married, lost her job, and is unable to care for her two children. With nowhere else to turn, this prodigal daughter begins the long journey home and prays she will be welcomed after walking away so long ago. 

Will Jody find forgiveness in the arms of her family as easily as she received it from God? 

Questions for MaryAnn
Your bio on your website is impressive. Congratulations in achieving your goals of writing, counseling, fine arts, and theology. Can you share your secret of your energy source? Only joking! Please share with us your path to publication.

I wrote poetry from the age of fifteen when my first poem was published as the result of winning a national poetry contest. I continued to write poetry and still do so today. At the age of 30, I sensed God’s call to write for Him. My ministry was launched as the result of a poem that I wrote and that was accepted by The Saturday Evening Post. Being the novice that I was, I had no idea that this was a difficult market to tap. I considered my acceptance by that prestigious publication as God’s confirmation of my call to write for Him.

How has your background helped in shaping you as an author? Despite this rich, varied history, did you still have to overcome obstacles before the success of publication?

Oh, my yes, I still have to overcome obstacles. What serious writer doesn’t? As for how my background has shaped me, it has taught me to dream big, to persevere, and to believe. It has taught me that there is a price to pay for success, and that success comes to those who never quit. It has taught me to trust in God and in His timing, purpose, and plan for my life. 

You’re also an artist that works in oils, acrylics, pastels, colored pencil, and pen-and-ink. Would you like to share any of your work?

Sure. Thank you for asking, Elaine. This is an acrylic titled Geometrics. (more will be below)

Copyright by MaryAnn Diorio.  All rights reserved.
Any tips on how to make the most out of one’s past when it comes to creating?

First of all, I don’t believe in the Muse. I believe in the Holy Spirit who gives me ideas and helps me to write them into stories. I believe that every experience we have had plays into who we are which, in turn, plays into our writing. Holy Spirit can take our experiences, especially our difficult ones, and use them to touch lives through the talents God has given us.

A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING is a novella released by Harbourlight Books, an imprint of the Pelican Book Group. The story has an interesting spin on the prodigal son: the prodigal daughter. Where did this idea come from? Would you like to expand this theme into a full-length novel?

Last spring, I saw a notice from the Pelican Book Group that this publisher was looking for Christmas novellas. I discerned a nudging in my spirit that I should write a story, so I asked God to give me an idea. The idea for A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING emerged as a result.

B&W Man, in acrylics
Copyright by MaryAnn Diorio
All rights reserved.
What advantages did you find by working with a small publisher?


The Pelican Book Group, and, in particular, Harbourlight Books, has been a wonderful publisher with whom to work. From my book cover designer, Nicola Martinez to my editor Fay Lamb, every person involved in the publication of my book has demonstrated the utmost professionalism, expertise, patience, and kindness. They have treated me as though I were the only author with whom they are dealing, which is definitely not the case.  This kind of personal attention is one of the 
advantages of working with a small publisher. 

Author Bio: 
Dr. MaryAnn Diorio is passionate about writing compelling fiction about the deepest issues of the human heart.  She has won several awards for her fiction, including First Place in Inspirational Fiction in both the 2011 Colorado Romance Writers Heart of the Rockies Contest and the 2011 Space Coast Launching a Star Contest for her novel, The Madonna of Pisano. Dr. MaryAnn, as she is affectionately called, resides in New Jersey with her wonderful husband.  They are the blessed parents of two grown daughters and a fantastic son-in-law. In her spare time, MaryAnn loves to oil paint, read, walk, and play the piano.

You can find MaryAnn on the web:
Twitter: @drmaryanndiorio


21 comments:

  1. Dear Elaine,

    Thank you so very much for having me as a guest on your wonderful blog. May our Lord bless you and your readers as we enter a new year. May you all have a Merry Christmas!

    MaryAnn Diorio

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, MaryAnn. And your guesting on my blog is a blessing to me ♡

      Before I launch each blog segment,I always pray that it will honor God,each of my guests, and viewers.

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  2. Please don't enter me in the drawing as I have already read MaryAnn's lovely novella and just stopped by to say I gave it 5 stars! It will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit. And I can also recommend her as a life coach, one of my first introductions to MaryAnn and her many talents. I loved seeing some of her artwork, too. I know you will keep listening to Holy Spirit, MaryAnn, and sharing your light with others.

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    Replies
    1. Rose, I'm sending you a warm welcome to Everyone's Story. What a glowing review of both MaryAnn and her novel. Now I'm really wishing she is my neighbor :)

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    2. Dear Rose,

      Ever the faithful friend you are in supporting me with your love and prayers. Thank you so much for your comment. May our Lord continue to bless the work of your heart and of your hands, for His glory and for the building of His Kingdom.

      Merry Christmas!

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  3. Wonderful interview. Thanks for sharing. :) Blessings - Kimberli

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting today, Kimberli. I like the spelling of your name!

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    2. Blessings to you, too, Kimberli! Thank you so much for taking the time to post.

      Merry Christmas!

      MaryAnn

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  4. Enjoyed this interview with MaryAnn and the opportunity it provided to know more about her and to discover her many talents. Love the art work. Happy to know she had a rewarding experience in working with the publisher of A Christmas Homecoming. Thank you, Elaine, for featuring this dedicated writer and all around gracious lady. Blessed Christmas.

    patjeannedavis[at]verizon[dot]net

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Pat. So glad for your visit today. I'm glad you enjoyed reading about MaryAnn.

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    2. Dear Pat,

      Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to post. I trust you are doing well, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

      Blessings for a joyous Christmas season!

      MaryAnn

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  5. I enjoyed the interview too. I followed the link from Face Book. I'm an Australian author who would love to chance to win this ebook. Sounds great. My address is paulavince[at]internode[dot]on[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paula, I'm so thankful for your visit... and all the ways from Australia. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Do check back later for MaryAnn's reply. Christmas blessings.

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    2. Dear Paula,

      How lovely of you to connect all the way from Australia! Part of my story is set in Sydney. I trusty you will be blessed as you read it. What do you like to write?

      May our Lord bless you this Christmas season and always.

      MaryAnn

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    3. Thank you very much, MaryAnn and Elaine. I'm so pleased! When I saw that anyone in the world may have a chance of winning this eBook, I thought I'd love to have a try. And I'll recognise the scenery of the parts set in Sydney :)
      I live in Adelaide, South Australia, and set my novels in the rural area of the Hills, where I live. They are contemporary romances with strong elements of intrigue and suspense. You could probably count the number of Aussie Christian fiction authors on your hand, but we love what we do.
      Looking forward to reading the book.
      Blessings,
      Paula V

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  6. Great interview at your sea
    Sounds like a wonderful publisher too for thee
    Hope a merry christmas is had all around
    Even if one has a hound haha

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    Replies
    1. You bring such fun when you visit, Pat!

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  7. Thank you for commenting, Pat. I enjoyed your sense of humor. Merry Christmas to you, too!

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  8. This wraps up not only another week at Everyone's Story, but also the end of 2012. We've seen a lot of good and bad things happen in this world this year... perhaps some may argue more bad than good, or even horrific. I have no pat answers to why these things happen, or a simple comment easily squeezable into a short space, but I will say one thing: I thank God for my God, for my Lord and Savior. He lifts me up, gives me hope, gives me His undeniable love, forever and ever, and I am grateful.

    I wish you all a very lovely and peaceful 2013, one of health and joy.

    MaryAnn, I'm honored that you have graced this blog with your guest appearance. Thanks too for all the time you've put into it, and especially for your awesome book giveaway...

    And the winner of MaryAnn's novella, CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING, in e-format, is Paula Vince. Paula is this blog's first Australian Book Giveaway winner! Congratulations. Both MaryAnn and I will contact you shortly.

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  9. Congratulations, Paula, on winning a free copy of A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING! I trust you will enjoy my story.

    Blessings for a Happy New Year!

    MaryAnn Diorio

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  10. Dear Elaine,

    Thank you so very much for the opportunity to serve you as a gues ton your magnificent blog. The honor was all mine. :)

    Blessings and Happy New Year!

    MaryAnn Diorio

    ReplyDelete

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