Happy Release Day!
Tell us about your characters and your writing.
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Tell us your name and a little bit about yourself My name is Mary Marelli, and I am a wife, mother, and happy Oma. God and my family are my two main priorities. And I can’t forget my dog. That old hound won’t let me. |
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Where do you live, and why do you choose to live there? I live on a private lake in Pennsylvania. I choose to live here because of the quiet, peace, and seclusion I find in nature. During the summer, I often spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing on the water. Every morning I walk along the lakeshore with my dog, and when weather permits, we enjoy a morning swim. Those are the times my mind runs free, I relax, and have my best talks with God |
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What is a quirk of your personality that people don't know? I talk to myself. Or so I lead people to believe. I believe prayer doesn’t have to be formal. To me, praying is an ongoing conversation I share with our Lord. He loves for us to share every aspect of our life, and I have even been caught talking to myself. I just smile and say, “I’m talking to my best friend”. |
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Who chronicled your story, and why do you think he/she picked you? I’m not quite sure what you mean by this question, but if you’re asking who thought my story was good enough to move ahead with, I’d have to say it was my editor, Fay Lamb. Fay is not only an inspiration, she worked tirelessly with me, never gave up on me, and what she taught me through this entire process, is invaluable. |
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What obstacles did you overcome in order to reach your happily-ever-after? I had to overcome many rejections, and my own self-doubt. There was a time I thought to give up on my stories, because with no audience to read them, they must be lousy. But I kept on trying, and even though I often had what I called dry spells in which I didn’t write for weeks or even months on end, I always picked back up and forged ahead. All the while, I turned to God. I began writing for Him, instead of for myself. That’s when everything changed for the better. |
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Tell us about your special romantic interest. What makes them so special? That would be my husband of 46 years, Michael. He always believed in me, supported me, and has spoiled me. We have never been rich, but if I wanted something, he would say ‘hey, if we can, go ahead and get it’. And if he said no, but I wanted it anyway and went ahead, he would just shake his head and laugh. He knew I’d get it anyway! |
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The first time you saw your special person, what did you think? Was it love at first sight or did they have to grow on you? It definitely was not love at first sight. Mike and I met on a blind date and while my mother took to him right away, I really didn’t want to be bothered. After our first date, I went so far as to ignore his calls and even stood him up one night. Only he showed up on my doorstep first thing the next morning. So we continued to date. Between Mike and my mother I was outnumbered anyway, and he slowly began to grow on me. We married less than a year later, and will soon celebrate our 47th anniversary. |
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In no more than Ten (10) words, what is the spiritual takeaway for your reader? Trust in God. Everything happens in His time. |
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Is there anything edgy/possibly controversial in your book? If so tell us what that is in Twenty (20) words or fewer. The main characters’ fight to save a herd of wild horses. Today, many groups are fighting to save our horses. |
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What is your hero's main character flaw? Cam is vulnerable, crippled by grief from losses suffered when younger. Those losses caused him to shut down at a young age and he sought a solitary life, one in which he worked his ranch and embraced lifelong friendships, but shut out love. |
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What is your heroine's main character flaw? Megan also suffered a deep grief, and that caused her to make a decision she regretted. She went to Montana seeking to settle her grandfather’s estate, but deep inside she was looking for something more. But when faced with the prospect of a new relationship, she did not trust her own feelings and feared making another mistake. |
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What can readers learn from your villain? I hope they learn there is a way to move forward with your life, no matter how daunting the circumstances. Believe in yourself, and don’t let fear guide your thoughts and actions. Fear does not come from God. |
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What makes your hero heroic? His sheer belief in standing up for what is right, and fighting to protect those he loves. |
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what makes your heroine heroic?
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