Fay Lamb: Embracing The Not Typical Story And Excelling

Everyone's Story warmly welcomes author Fay Lamb as its new guest. I've had a chance to get to know this Floridian these past few weeks and am excited to share her encouragement to champion the writing and reading of novels that show, as Fay says, the messy side of life. Please join Fay as she tells the inside scoop of what her characters reveal to her. Plus, Fay has a few interesting replies to the questions I've posed. She also is offering a generous giveaway of her novel BECAUSE OF ME. Come share the fun!

Book Giveaway:

Fay is graciously offering one copy of her novel BECAUSE OF ME to one randomly chosen commenter. The winner will be announced between 4-5 EST on Friday, November 23rd. Please leave your email address within the body of the comment.

Here's a blurb of the novel:

Michael’s fiancée, Issie Putnam, was brutally attacked and Michael was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he’s home to set things right. Two people stand in his way: Issie’s son, Cole, and a madman. Can Michael learn to love the child Issie holds so close to her heart and protect him from the man who took everything from Michael so long ago?

Check out Fay's YouTube Video: 

http://youtu.be/B_wZSGzbDPM

Characters: A Connection to the World of Your Reader by Fay Lamb

Writers love to talk about their characters. Ask us about our latest heroine or hero, and we’ll get a smile on our face, a gleam in our eyes, and we’ll share all we know. I have friends who frequently ask, “Now are these real people you’re talking about or characters in your latest book?

My answer: "They might live only in my mind, but they are as real to me as you are."     

Yes, my characters are real folks, born of ink and imagination with a purpose of making them come alive for my readers.

For a character to come alive inside a reader’s imagination, they first must spring to life inside an author’s imagination. They cannot be cardboard pictures with handsome faces and perfect bodies. They need flesh…they need desires…they need conflict…and they need a world in which all of this plays out.

Michael Hayes, my hero in Because of Me, is one of those characters who still lives in my psyche long after his story has been written. I didn’t seek out Michael, wasn’t thinking of a story to tell. Michael came to me. He pushed his dark brown scraggily hair from his weary deep chocolate eyes and ran a hand across an unshaven baby face. The sadness he bore in the stoop of his shoulder seemed to add years to his age.

I didn’t know who he was or what he wanted, but I knew Michael had a story to tell, and I wanted to hear it. With breath held and my fingers poised over the keyboard, I waited.

Michael took a steadying breath and with quivering lips, he said, “There’s a little boy. I’m not his father, but he was born because of me.”

And with that, Michael began to tell me the story that became one of the most meaningful in my life.

Michael didn’t introduce me to his heroine, Isabel “Issie” Putnam. He was very protective of her. So, I had to search Issie out, to discover what Michael loved about her—how a woman brutally raped at gunpoint in front of her fiancé, Michael, a woman who was separated from the man she loved above all others by his years in prison for a crime he did not commit—could continue on. The reason came in the form of the little boy Michael told me he could never come to love.

Issie and I didn’t become friends—not for a long while. I had to get to know her, to understand her, to see where she lived and what she did to take life one day at a time. Then one morning, I drove down a little mountain road, and I found the farmhouse where Issie lived, and the truth about the home she chose to renovate for her and her son—the home in which she had been raped.

I met Issie’s sister and her brother-in-law. Her good friends became my pals, and I began to understand her love for her son, and her fear of those who threatened to take him away from her.

Fay's next release

I met Issie’s sister and her brother-in-law. Her good friends became my pals, and I began to understand her love for her son, and her fear of those who threatened to take him away from her.

No cardboard characters here. Each one fully came to life in vivid 3-D. I cried with them, absorbed their anger, and their pain. I wanted justice for those wronged. I yearned for a happy ending, and in all my plotting and maneuvering, I learned that the characters were in control. They had a story for me, and I could only sit and type and watch it unfold.

Readers need characters that are real to them. They want to become lost in a story the way they get absorbed in a movie on a screen. Novels, though, are a more intimate medium. A writer brings what he or she knows to the story world onto the page, and the more intimate a writer’s knowledge of his or her characters, the easier a reader’s imagination will take over.

So, the next time you find me jabbering away about someone near and dear to me, you don’t have to ask if they are make-believe. For me, they are very real…and someone I long for readers to meet.

A Few Questions For Fay:

I've often seen the following phrase attached to your name: Not your typical Christian fiction. As someone who also sees my own fiction as not typical I'm intrigued. Please explain your version. Is selling and marketing your "not typical" fiction more difficult?

In a way, that tag is an inside joke I have against industry standards. Don’t get me wrong. I feel that Christian authors are the best in the writing biz. We have an awesome responsibility to our readers. We need to be both entertaining and write stories that show the truth of God’s Word, whether that showing is done covertly or overtly. We need to avoid anything gratuitous, and the messages in our stories, need to be in line with clear Biblical teaching. At the same time, we need to show Christians living in a world where everything is not perfect, where life gets messy, often because of our own decisions and occasionally through no fault of our own, but God is always in the details of our lives, working out our messes, confirming the truth of Romans 8:28—that all things work to good…

The inside joke comes from the time I sat across from an industry professional and provided my best practiced pitch for Because of Me. The response: “Your fiction is too complicated for Christian readers.”  Well, first of all, Christian readers are a pretty smart group of people, and secondly, I think they can handle complicated. In fact, I think that often a Christian reader will cross the aisle to find a secular book because they need “complicated” and some of our larger Christian publishers want to feed Christians brain candy. The smaller Christian publishers seem to me to be the ones who are getting the big picture.

Since I’ve been seriously writing for the Christian fiction market thirty-something years, and Because of Me, published this year is my debut novel, I’d say, yes, I have had a difficult journey. At one point my husband asked me if I had confidence in those stories that do not fit the standard Christian-fiction mold. I’d had enough feedback and quite a bit of critique from authors and mentors I trust, and I was able to tell him without a doubt that I was sure the stories would entertain readers as well as share a message. My husband then recommended that I write stories which were solely formulaic and to pitch those. His reasoning was very sound—you have to prove you can present a masterpiece by coloring within the lines before you’re given a blank canvas. The advice was wonderful, and I did write two stories that are strictly formula romance. I never gave up on my stories like Because of Me and my next release Stalking Willow, and to my surprise, those aren’t the stories I’m waiting to publish. I’m still looking for a home for the formula romances.

Everyone has their own fears or... quirks. I belong to the club of Way-Up-There when it comes to them, so please don't think I'm picking on you :) You openly admit that though living in the gateway to the Kennedy Space Center, you will not fly. Can you share with us what your faith in God has enabled you to do that once you never thought possible?

Funny you say that, because I have flown this year. I flew in January for an ACFW operating board meeting in Dallas, Texas. I was fine on the flight out there, but for some reason, I froze like a deer in the headlights of a semi-truck when it came to leaving the hotel and getting back on a plane. Author Kim Vogel Sawyer and I roomed together during the meetings, and bless her heart, she did everything but hold my hand to make sure I got onto the plane and back to Florida. Once home, I stumbled off the plane, and you’d have thought I hadn’t seen my husband in a year instead of less than a week. I broke out in tears and declared that I would never fly again. So, we made arrangements to drive to Dallas from Florida. Those plans changed, and I had to fly to the ACFW Conference. I could easily say that God enabled me to triumph over my fear and to fly, and He did, but I see God is so many changes in my life over the years. Just the fact that I’m able speak in front of people, to teach, to minister to writers, and well, to write, that’s all God and nothing to do with me.

As an acquisitions editor for Pelican Book Group, do you have any words of advice for those of us writing the different type of story and pitching it to an editor or agent?

My book Because of Me is one of those different stories, and I’ve sat across from editors trying to pitch the story. I’ve walked away with great advice, and on occasion, I’ve walked away shaking my head, realizing that the professional across from me had a much different vision for my story than I wanted to portray. The first advice that I’d give an author with a difficult sale is to know that what you present to an editor or an agent is a well-written, professionally presented manuscript (grammar, punctuation, spelling, and storytelling elements). Many authors try to pitch a story before it’s ready. Writing is an art, and authors need to treat it as such…practice, study, continue to learn and to master every detail of what paints a vivid story in a reader’s mind. Once an author is confident that they have a well-written story, they need to have faith, not only in themselves but in God’s plan for what He has given them. Trust your instincts. If you feel the advice given you can enhance your story, work on it. If you know without a doubt that your story is where you want it, pray and move forward. There will be a publisher out there with your vision.

Viewers, let's chat: Will you continue to write or read the "not typical" kind of novel? Would you like to see more publishers pursue this type of story?

Author Bio:

Fay Lamb works as an acquisition editor for Pelican Book Group, offers services as a freelance editor, and is an author of Christian romance and romantic suspense. Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Because of Me, her debut romantic suspense novel is available at all book retailers. Her second release, Stalking Willow, will be available from Write Integrity Press in May 2013.

Fay has served as secretary for American Christian Fiction Writer’s operating board and as a moderator for ACFW’s critique group, Scribes. For her volunteer efforts for ACFW, she received the Service Members Award in 2010.

Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and five grandchildren.

You can find Fay at:

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Marin Thomas: A Passion For The American West Cowboy

Everyone's Story warmly welcomes this week's guest, author Marin Thomas. I've known Marin for several years now, but it's amazing what I've learned about her in preparation for this blog segment. Relax a bit with Marin and see how this once Chicago-based woman has settled in a place where her vision of a perfect cowboy sits on his horse and watches as the Arizona sky turns fiery red and orange as the sun sets.

Check out Marin's awesome Giveaway, and see what she says in a mini interview.

Book Giveaway:
HARTS OF THE RODEO, a six-book miniseries about a family determined to rebuild their ranch and their lives, with love, hard work, and the help of a legendary stallion...

Beau: Cowboy Protector is Book 5 in this six-book series out this month. 

Beau Adams can’t stop thinking about Sierra Byrne. Her feisty spirit and ample curves dominate his thoughts, while he should be focused on getting himself and Midnight, the Harts' prized stallion, to the National Finals Rodeo. When Beau and Sierra’s electric connection finally leads to a steamy night together, Beau hopes it’s the beginning of something more.
As much as Sierra wants to be with Beau, anything long-term is out of the question. A recently diagnosed eye disease will soon leave her blind, and she can’t ask a rising rodeo star like Beau to take on that responsibility. Though she tries to pretend their tryst was just another item on her bucket list, Sierra’s true feelings run a lot deeper. Will she let her affliction steal not only her sight, but her dreams of happiness, as well?

Marin is offering one copy of Beau: Cowboy Protector to one commenter randomly chosen. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 16th between 4-5 EST. Please leave your email address within the body of your comment.

Romancing the Cowboy and the American West 

by Marin Thomas

Thank you, Elaine for inviting me to your blog!  I never turn down a chance to chat about cowboys and my passion for writing current-day western stories for Harlequin American Romance.  I'm often asked…."Why cowboys?"  If you visit my blog All My Heroes are Cowboys you'll notice the blurb at the top of the page….

"America needs the Cowboy both to remind us of how far we have come and to bring us back to the simplicity of the values he represents. He is also needed because he is a piece of who we are as a country. He represents a lifestyle and a time period that is a cherished part of our History. Little boys want to grow up to be him and the little girls want to grow up to marry him." ~cowboycrew.com

I became enamored with the cowboy and ranching way of life when I was sixteen and my family traveled to Colorado.  We visited second cousins who owned a horse ranch and after spending a week with them….watching…learning….listening….I fell in love with their way of life and it has stuck with me all these years.  

What is it about the cowboy hero that fascinates me—aside from his big belt buckles and the way he tips his Stetson to a woman as he passes her on the sidewalk?  Cowboys are inherently strong men inside and out and that raw, elemental strength still appeals to the modern-day woman.  Although the traditional cowboy from the Old West is long gone from this world, you'll still find his DNA in the modern-day cowboy hero.  

So what's in cowboy DNA?  To put it simply….characteristics that demonstrate a decent, hard-working man who takes his responsibilities seriously and treats others with respect, tolerance and patience.  A man who isn’t afraid to admit when he's wrong or give credit where credit is due.  And let's not forget cowboys make great fathers!  What woman wouldn’t want to fall in love with a man like that?  

I'm always doing research on cowboys for the Wild West Trivia Contest I run in my monthly newsletters.  One area that that I've delved deeper into is the cowboy and his religion.  The cowboy quietly goes about his daily life without making a commotion, yet demonstrating his relationship with God in just about everything he does.  You see, a cowboy's religion is with God.  Not with the church.  Not with members of the church.  Not even with the policies and social causes the church supports.  His relationship is between him and God and he keeps it that way. 

There's something very powerful and inspiring about a man who lives a personal and private relationship with God.  The cowboy knows he can't save the world but he can care for those within his immediate circle and his community, and he focuses on helping those within his reach—his family, his neighbors and on occasion the person stranded on the side of the road with a dead car battery.

More often than not, you'll find the traditional, old-school cowboys attending a local Cowboy Church in their community.  The Cowboy Church is a Christian church that embraces the cowboy culture with a western flare.  These churches meet in barns, metal sheds, rodeo arenas or even outside in a rancher's meadow.  They embrace the "come as you are" dress code. And if you put a donation in the hat that's passed around you know the money will go to a local family in need.

When the rest of the world changes around them, Cowboys work from sundown, holding fast to a set of time-honored values that have been passed onto them through generations of men who were passionate about the life they chose to live.

Courtesy Google Images

Two Questions for Marin: 

Call it the Wild West Days or the Last Frontier, but many are fascinated by this era of American history. Have you ever met a true modern day cowboy, characteristic-wise? If so, what was your first impression of him?

I was sixteen when I met my first "real" cowboy.  Our family was vacationing in Colorado and one Saturday afternoon we attended a local rodeo where an old geezer-cowboy who'd once been a local rodeo legend in the area sat near our family in the stands.  He did all the things authors write about in their cowboy romances: He tipped his hat to women, called everyone "ma'am" or "miss".  People stopped to greet him and chat with him and a couple of really cute younger rodeo cowboys came up in the stands to get his autograph.  Everyone called him Tex and I remember thinking how funny that was because he lived in Colorado.  His face looked like a wrinkled road map and his skin was dark and rough from years in the sun.  His cowboy hat was so old it had molded itself to the shape of his head. At the time my mother (a big fan of western historical romances) moved closer to talk to him.  He entertained her with stories of his rodeo days and I'll never forget that he told my mom he longed for most was a return to the days when men were real men and women stayed women…I don’t think he supported equal rights for women.  In the end I believe my mother was more enthralled with him than I was but I've never forgotten that cowboy.  Come to think about it…isn’t that what cowboys are known for—making big impressions on people?

 And for fun: on a purely platonic basis, if some genie waved a wand over your head and a cowboy (and yes, your husband's invited too!) appears to whisk you and he back into history, where would you like to go/what would you like to see, and what would you like to chat about?

This is easy…I'd go back in time to the Old West and I'd drop in on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  I'd love to ride along with them for a few days and visit the famed Hole in the Wall hideaway and their ranch in Bolivia when they fled to Mexico for a time.  I know history has romanticized their adventures but what woman wouldn’t want to be adored and loved by these two famous outlaws? 

Viewers, let's chat: What heroic trait does your real-life hero (husband, father, grandfather, neighbor...) possess and why does that make him so special?

Author Bio:

Marin Thomas grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin. She left the Midwest to attend college at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where she played basketball for the Lady Wildcats and earned a B.A. in Radio-TV. Following graduation she married her college sweetheart in a five-minute ceremony at the historical Little Chapel of the West in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the years she and her family have lived in seven different states but have now come full circle and returned to Arizona where the rugged desert and breathtaking sunsets provide plenty of inspiration for Marin's cowboy books.  Marin is represented by Paige Wheeler of Folio Literary management, LLC.

You Can Find Marin on the Web:

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Amazon

Lilly Maytree: Taking A Leap Of Faith

Everyone's Story is pleased to have author Lilly Maytree as its new guest this week. Lilly's story is truly an inspirational one: taking a chance on the what ifs in life and testing out a dream to see if it's one's destiny. Lilly reflects on this through the eyes of Megan Jennings, one of her characters in her novel GOLD TRAP who took such a chance.

Check out the YouTube video to see what happened when Lilly dared to live out one of her dreams.

Book Giveaway:
Lilly is offering one e-book version to one commenter of GOLD TRAP an one e-book version of HOME BEFORE DARK to another commenter. The winners will be chosen by The Captain and be announced next Friday on November 9th between 4-5 EST. Please leave a comment for Lilly, and include your email address within the body of the comment. Thanks!                

A Few Thoughts on Destiny by Lilly Maytree

One of the most common practices of an author thinking up stories is the exercise of "what if." Take Megan Jennings, for instance. I knew she would be someone dissatisfied with the hum-drum of her own daily life, even though she was a good person, and a good teacher, having a good effect on many  students. Other than a few quirks in her personality, she should have been content. Except for a secret dream, and the niggling thought there might be something else for her somewhere.

I think a lot of us feel that way. We do, but then we continue faithfully in our own good (or not so good) lives, until the opportunities for doing anything different are long gone. In fact, we seldom want to, anymore. But I said to myself, "What if this Megan Jennings decided (rather secretly) to give one of her dreams a try? Just toss a sort of 'hello' out into the netherworld, to see if there was really anything  there?"

I thought how she could make a little “leap of faith” to see what happened. Be back before the end of Christmas holiday, so that if she failed, she would be the only one to know. Which wouldn't take a lot of faith, really. But if it only takes a smidge of the stuff to move mountains, she could certainly muster up enough to experiment with.

What came of all this "what-iffing," on my part, was a book. Which was what I expected, and what I originnally set out to do. What I didn't expect, was the effect Meg's thinking began to have on my own life. Like maybe I could make one of those little experiments, myself. Who would even know? I mean... WHAT IF?

I love writing adventure stories. Especially when I am safe and snug in my own little study, far away from the dangers and deceptions that rule such territories as real adventurers have to go through. Oh, how bold I can be walking in Meg's shoes, through jungles, or paddling down rivers, while I have a nice fire crackling in my woodstove, and a fresh batch of cookies in the oven that will be ready in time for tea.

Except somewhere along the line, her world began to look a little better than mine. I started to admire her for having the courage to leap out. To tell you the truth, there were occasions I actually forgot I invented her in the first place. There might even have been a bit of envy. Then came the usual let-down when a book is finally finished. She was her own person, now, and didn't need me anymore. In fact, nobody seemed to need me, so I...

Took a little "leap of faith," of my own.

One that landed me smack in the reality of my own lifelong dream of adventure. It's true. And while living aboard a "go-anywhere-in-the-world" sailboat, might not be everyone's idea of a dream, it's definitely mine. Waking up to the call of seagulls, the gentle rocking of the sea, and the muffled chugs of engines as boats go in and out of this little waterfront marina, has actually expanded my creativity. I didn't even have to give up cookie-baking. But the biggest surpirse of my experiment was to find out my dream was more than just a figment of my imagination. It was a real place, somewhere.

What if all dreams are like that?

What if those heart whispers you hear snatches of at the end of a trying day, or just before drifting off to sleep, are calling out as much for you to fullfil them, as they could fullfil you? A real place that might be found through the simple door of one tiny "leap of faith.” What if there is a place like that for everybody? Something we may have even been MADE FOR?

WHAT IF?

"For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord... thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an EXPECTED end..." Jerimiah 29:11

Viewers, let's chat: What are your what ifs?

Author Bio:

Lilly Maytree is an inspirational adventure novelist, who is the author of GOLD TRAP, and HOME BEFORE DARK. She is, at this very moment, living out her dreams aboard the sailing vessel Glory B. You can follow her adventures by visiting her Armchair Traveler's Portal

Lilly's website

Lilly's novels on Amazon:

GOLD TRAP

HOME BEFORE DARK

Mary Curran Hackett: Proof of Determination

Everyone's Story welcomes this week author Mary Curran Hackett, whose debut novel PROOF OF HEAVEN stirred up an excited buzz. That's how I became acquainted with Mary, and when I connected with her on Twitter I invited her to be my guest here. While Mary's personal story may have provided much inspiration for the novel, unlike other stories of dreaded prognosis, Mary's novel offers hope that love will save the day. The protagonist of the novel, the mother, is full of determination that her son will live. Like this character, Mary exhibits this strength. For more insight on Mary, please see the mini interview below. Plus, Mary offers her take on the art of persistence, as well as an exciting book giveaway. Lots of fun this week!

Book Giveaway:

Mary is offering a signed copy of PROOF OF HEAVEN  to 3 commenters. For convenience, please leave your email address within the body of the comment. The winners will be announced next Friday on November 2 between 3-4 EST. For a reading excerpt, please visit on Amazon.

Born on the Day of Dogged Persistence

by Mary Curran Hackett

Several years ago I looked up my birthday sign in the mammoth Secret Language of Birthdays astrological sign book and discovered that I was born on the “Day of Dogged Persistence” (March 19). I was struck dumb when I read it. (Believe me, not much does.) Because, nothing and I mean nothing, matters more in my life than this singular belief that I have held dear from even an early age: Never ever give up. I have always believed (some might say rather naively so) that nothing is out of reach if you want it badly enough--and you’re willing to do the work to achieve it. Whether I was preternaturally disposed to this belief or not is up for debate. But I can safely say (thanks to many trials and tribulations) even if I wasn’t born under said “persistent sign.” no one character trait matters more to one’s survival (and success) than one’s ability to persevere. I know this especially when it comes to writing. No one gets to be a published writer without doggedly pursuing the craft--writing every day, submitting and submitting (and the requisite--accepting rejection after rejection), and rewriting and rewriting until you get it right.

And even then…it’s just the beginning. And sometimes persistence and wanting it badly isn’t enough. 

Like everyone else in the world, I’ve had to face some obstacles along the way. Though my obstacles--debt, unwed pregnancy, children’s illnesses, husband’s cancer (he’s recovered) and my own heart condition---are far less monumental than most, I can say with absolute honesty: it’s not easy to go after what you want.

And lately, I hate to admit this, but I’ve been wondering if I was born under the wrong sign after all. Yes, I’ve considered giving it all up--my freelance writing, my books, everything as I know it.  Just a couple of weeks ago I was ready to close up my laptop--if not chuck it out the window. I thought that once I got published things would ease up a bit. But, in reality I found myself trapped in fear and self-doubt: The stakes are higher. Expectations are higher (mainly my own). People will judge me (sometimes quite viciously thanks to the anonymity of the internet). There is no guarantee anyone will want to read my second book.  The bills still come in every day, my kids still want to be fed and clothed (imagine that), my bosses still want their work done, and my husband still needs his wife --and writing just seems like a pain, an added nuisance, especially when it seems like no one is even reading, buying, or aware that my book Proof of Heaven exists. (I know this is not true…but when throwing yourself a pity party--why not go all out?). So I asked myself: What’s it all for? What am I doing? Do I still want this? Those are the questions I asked myself again and again. I went on long walks. I called my sister and brother. I stayed up at night thinking. I hate to admit this: But I cried. Like a baby. It’s not that I had writer’s block or nothing to write about (rarely am I at a loss for words--much to my husband and kids’ chagrin), but I had lost my drive. My desire. My beloved dogged persistence.  And I felt like I had failed--not just me--but my younger version of myself, my family, my kids, my husband, my parents, my publisher. Everyone.

Wah, wah. Wah. I know, I even hate hearing me whine. What I needed was Cher to come and slap me and say, “SNAP OUT OF IT!”

So without Cher on call for a good slap, what did I do? I went back to the beginning. I remembered why I started writing. I remembered when I was a little girl and loved to read, and believed, however silly and/or audacious it may have been, that I too could do the same thing someday. I remembered the thrill of hearing my third grade teacher read my essay about a bird that watched soap operas with her owner aloud to the class and watching my classmates roar with laughter and slap their desks as they listened to what I wrote. I remembered the mixture of joy, sorrow, compassion and gratitude I felt when I received the first letter from a fan of my novel Proof of Heaven, who had said she had never felt so connected to a character as she did when she read my little story about a mother who wouldn’t give up on her son--because she too was like Cathleen before her only child died.   

And with that proverbially slap, I snapped out of it.

But I also snapped to another realization and it forced me to revise my belief about persistence. Persistence is nothing without purpose. My purpose is not to be solvent (let alone wealthy). It’s not to be a NYT best-selling author. It’s not to be anyone less--or more--than who I was made to be. It’s definitely not what others expect me to be.  My purpose here on earth is to do what I love--every day--and to connect with other human beings struggling to get through each day like I am. And I have to say, once I figured out that purpose, it’s nearly impossible not to be doggedly persistent about what it is that I am meant to do: To write and to connect.

And so, I will.

Two Questions for Mary:

Courtesy of Google Images

You've certainly have had your fair share of health concerns through the years. Would you say that your brushes with death have taught you anything in particular about living?

Absolutely. I don’t take any day—any moment for granted. If you’re not living every day like it’s your last, you’re not living. I may hug my kids a little longer, a little tighter than I should, but I don’t ever regret it. I greet them every single morning with a smile and a hug. I make sure no matter what is going on in life—no matter how bad I feel, exhausted, tired, and run down—that they see me happy and smiling, ready to take on the day. I have my moments, believe me, but I want my kids to see life as something beautiful. I make sure we laugh every single day—that there is space for silliness and joy—the spontaneous dance party, milkshake, day off, movie night, Justin Bieber concert. I make sure we watch, listen, and read things that infuse joy and hope into our lives.  And I don’t care how busy I am, how many events we have to get to each night, or how many deadlines I have, we eat together every single night—no television, no music, no distractions. I know from my own experience (my mother was big on mealtime bonding) that these are the moments my kids will always remember: All of us together—laughing, talking and being a family. I try to make sure I surround myself with beauty—beautiful souls—my kids, my husband,  my sisters, my brothers, my parents, my nieces and nephews, my best friends; beautiful places—my home, my garden, my favorite spaces (bookstores, art galleries, parks); and beautiful things—flowers, clothes, artwork, my kids’ drawings and creations. I don’t sweat the small stuff—petty arguments, politics, haters (bullies, critics), money. Somehow, the bills get paid, and no one who has an opinion on my life has to LIVE my life—so I don’t care what anyone else thinks about how I live my life. It’s not their life to live: It’s mine. It’s a funny thing: when you focus on living your life right, you don’t have much time to make judgments on how anyone else lives. So I spend less time judging, less time being angry, annoyed, bitter, and more time trying to understand, give, and love.   

Courtesy Google Images

And a lighter question: if you could blink your eyes and be transported to any one place without worry of deadlines, obligations, and the practicalities of everyday life, where would you like to take a personal "Mary Retreat"?

Without a doubt—I’d hightail it to the  quietest, least inhabited, hottest, white sandy, blue water beach on the planet. I’d bring a bag full of books—my old standbys and the stack of books I haven’t gotten to yet that having sitting beside my bed for months, and I’d park myself on a beach chair and read, read, read. I’d occasionally get up to get into the water—and maybe sip a cocktail with an umbrella, but mostly I’d sit and be still. It would be lovely. Actually, I feel better just thinking about it.

Viewers, let's chat: What are you determined to accomplish in your life? Mary will enjoy hearing from you--drop her a line or two!

Author Bio:

Mary Curran Hackett is a writer and mother. Like her character Colm Ma­gee, Mary’s heart stops at the “most inopportune times,” but thanks to a kind doctor, she now has a pacemaker and a heart that beats on its own—at least most of the time. PROOF OF HEAVEN is her first novel. 

Mary is currently working on a collection of real-life stories similar to Cathleen, Colm, Dr. Basu, and Sean’s quests to find heaven. Feel free to send your own stories of “proof” to mcchackett@fuse.net or submit them through her website’s contact form at www.mchackett.com.