Who’s That Indie Author? Mary Anne Edwards

Mary Anne Edwards

Name: Mary Anne Edwards       

Books: The Charlie McClung Mystery Series

Genre: Clean Traditional Mystery (not cozies)

Background: Mary Anne and her husband live in Canton, GA with an ill-tempered Tuxedo cat named Gertrude. Mary Anne volunteers at MUST Ministries and is a library liaison for her local chapter of Friends of the Library.

When did you first decide you wanted to be a writer: In 2009, my sister was involved in a shooting. That was how the Charlie McClung Mystery Series began.

Do you write full-time? If not, do you have an outside job or other responsibilities? Yes, I write full-time, sort of. Once a week, I volunteer for a non-profit who help those who are financially and food insecure.

If you write fiction, where do you get your ideas for characters and plots? The first idea for my fiction series began with the tragic shooting of sister, fortunately she lived. The other plots originate from a combination of music lyrics, news stories, and the devious side of my brain. My characters are like Frankenstein, bits and pieces from people I observe.

For fiction writers, have you ever written yourself into a story? Some people who know my husband me and have read my books asks if the two main protagonists are us. Yes, they are, well, the wish-we-were versions.

If you write nonfiction, tell me about your projects. What subjects motivate you? I’m writing a cookbook inspired the Charlie McClung Mysteries. My fans wanted it.

What kind of research and preparation do you do before you write? The series is set during the 1980s, so I do a lot of research to ensure things did or didn’t exist during that time period. I have a team of subject matter experts, a forensic pathologist, FBI agent, retired chief of police, a doctor specializing in poisons, a nurse practitioner, and the internet. I want my stories as accurate as possible down to the weather and what the crime scene would look like.

What is your editing process? Do you hire an outside editor? I cannot self-edit. My husband does two edits. Then I send it to an outside editor.

How do you decide on your book covers? Do you outsource? I outsource my book covers. I give them the short description of the book, genre, and a few ideas, then they work their magic.

How did you come up with the title of your latest book? From song lyrics, mainly Tom Petty

What route did you take to get published? Describe your experience.: I spoke with indie/trad writers who steered me toward indie. It’s been an eye-opening adventure.

Have you ever tried to get an agent? If so, what steps did you take? Nope!

What kinds of things do you do to promote your book? Amazon ads, social media, paid promotions, blogs, and word of mouth

Have you ever had a book-signing event? Tell us about your experience. I’ve had successful ones and some embarrassingly duds.

Have you taken writing courses? Yes, lots of them

Do you belong to a writer’s group? If so, is it in-person or online? Tell us about your experience. I used to be a member of Sisters in Crime, in person group, which I enjoyed.

Are you in a book club? If so, tell us about it. Is it in-person or online? Friends or acquaintances? I’m a member of an in-person mystery book club with friends and neighbors.

Do you ask friends/family to read your WIP? Friends and fans

Name three unread books on your bookshelf. Dark Tide Rising, Evil Never Dies, and Tidewater Inn

What is the last book you read? Defending Jacob

How many pages do you think a book of fiction/nonfiction should be? I don’t care if the book holds my interest.

What is the riskiest or wildest thing you’ve ever done? I went sliding down the side of a dam like all the other kids were doing.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done? Having to plan my mother’s funeral

What advice can you give to new writers entering the writing and publishing arena? Save a lot of money for your writing expenses. Don’t worry about writing every day. Family comes first.

Website and social media links:
Website: https://www.maryanneedwards.com/index.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormaryanneedwards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maedwards58/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maedwards58
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryanneedwards/

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