Welcome, today we are talking with Mary Martinez! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.
Can you share a little something about Mary Martinez that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?
I love to run. I’m a former marathon and ½ marathon runner. Not that you could tell by looking at me. I have the furthest thing there is to a runner’s body! Now, because I have a knee replacement (because of my running) I only walk/run 5k’s. I will be running one tomorrow before the 4th of July parade in my little town of Magna, UT.
My favorite holidays are St. Paddy’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas, in that order.
I’m adopted. I found my birth mother ten years ago, we went ziplining. I found a half sister on my birth dad’s side; he had passed away so I didn’t get to meet him. And I found a niece on my birth mother’s side and one on my birth father’s side.
How long have you been writing?
I began my love of writing when I was in Jr. High school. I wrote a few short stories and they weren’t any good. Then I got involved in life and time passed by too quickly and I started writing again when my kids were younger. And again, life got busy with kids and a day job, to feed them. Then in the early 2000’s I said I’m writing. Most of the kids had moved out of the house so I converted one of the bedrooms into an office. I’ve been writing ever since.
What have you found most challenging about it?
Interruptions. When I’m in the zone, someone will call or text or walk into my office. I’m one of those people who cannot leave a text or an email unopen if I know it’s there.
What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?
I love it, it’s all of those things. I have been known to cry when my characters are hurt of sad.
Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?
Before I retired from the day job I would write in the morning before work. It was much easier when I started working from home. Now I try to write first thing in the morning. I could be very disciplined if life didn’t get in the way. I do write every weekday and if I get a chance on the weekends. My goal is between 1k and 2K words.
Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?
My dream career. If people say ‘Oh, that’s a good hobby.’ I am totally offended.
What inspires you?
Mostly music. Sometimes I’ll see something or hear something. Music though talks to my soul. I listen to music when I write. The music depends on what I’m writing. When I wrote my first book Watching Jenny I listened to No Doubt/Gwen Stefani and Alanis Morissette. While writing my Christmas book I listened to holiday songs. And Disney Christmas hits.
Let’s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.
What are your pet peeves?
People who talk to me when I reading.
When I write a long email with ALL the information about an event and I get all kinds of questions that were answered in the email.
Who is your hero?
My (adopted) dad.
Give us one thing on your bucket list.
I would like a 1964 Red Ford Mustang convertible with white tuck and roll leather upholstery.
What would readers find surprising about you?
I grew up on a farm. We had black angus cows, horses, chickens, and peacocks. I had a pet cow, Curly.
If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?
My adoptive parents, my friends, Denise, LuAnn, and Nikki.
Just for fun. What is your least favorite:
Hero type – A mean bully with no redeeming qualities, but the heroine loves him. I just want to ask if she has no self-esteem or something.
Body part – I can’t think of one.
Overused word in a title – I can’t think of one of these either.
Genre – Science fiction. Though I love to watch it, just not read it.
Dirty word – C**t
Now that our readers know who Mary Martinez is let’s get down to the business of your Christmas Series.
Please tell us a little bit about what you have planned for your Christmas Series.
I have a contest for the month of August. I am giving a print Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) to one lucky person (US Only) and an eBook to another person.
The winner will be announced September 3rd.
Enter here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/187a7f4640/?
The series is called: Wintergreen Village Series
In a little suburb of Chicago is a magical place called Wintergreen Village.
The community is charming and caring.
Once you’ve visited, you’ll never want to leave.
The Kristmas Project – book one. On pre-order now. https://amzn.to/3xQPLYI
Blurb
Kris’s childhood memories of the holidays were not filled with peace and joy.
Kristmas Noel Holly was born in December, so her parents named her after Christmas. She had no idea why because they hated everything about the holidays. The older she got, the greater her disappointment grew until she no longer tried to capture the spirit of the season. Since Kris can’t escape the festivities, work is her salvation. An invitation to present at a prestigious conference in Germany the first week of December is something she can’t pass up. Her business associate is one unhappy camper when she insists he join her.
Nicholas Joseph Holladay loves the holidays, every Christmas tree, carol, and Hallmark movie. Nick’s idea of a perfect Christmas for his daughter doesn’t include working every December. His job is perfect, so he can’t quit. Fine, he’d go, but he had a few conditions along with an idea of how to remedy Kris’s holiday workaholic tendencies. He planned to use the conference in Germany to share with her the special magic of the season by introducing her to the Christmas markets. Show her how much she missed while working.
Will his plan work, or will he blow it by falling in love with her?
What was your hardest challenge writing this book?
I didn’t finish until April. I left my office tree up and listened to Christmas music until I finished. I will be honest my tree came down about mid-March. But I listened to the music until I was done. That was a challenge.
How many books do you plan for the series?
I have two more:
Grandma Gerti’s Guest – Book Two – release 2025
The Holiday Cooking Club – Book Three – release 2026
What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?
Mutual respect.
Any other works in progress?
I am working on the third and final book of my Roni’s Investigation Files.
Web of Smoke. Will be out in February or March 2025.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Find a writing group near you to attend. The help with the ins and outs of the industry is invaluable.
Final words?
Thank you so much for the fun interview! I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
Please include the following links and an author picture:
Website | Blog | (my monthly newsletter) | Email
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