Tell us about yourself.:
This is my official bio: Mary Elizabeth Fricke has lived her entire life within five miles of the Missouri River. She and her husband of 40 years have lived 38 of those years on a farm that has been consistently owned and operated by his family for five generations. They have two grown sons married to wonderful women and two beautiful grandchildren.
A graduate of the Writer's Institute of America and a member of the Heartland Writers Guild, she has published a number of articles in various forums and magazines. She is also a prolific ghostwriter.
Her stories, based in rural mid-western areas, concern the unique but quickly vanishing way of life on the family farm as well as other mysterious intricacies that evolve life from generation to generation. Romance is her preferred genre.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I'm country, through and through.
But as I've grown older I've watched the existence of the 'family farm' dwindle acre by acre, generation by generation. The world we live in today is so different from the simple rural world that is engrained in my brain from childhood. The wish to preserve some of that precious time, way of life, has caused me to base my stories in rural areas and incorporate as much 'farm life' into them as is relevant to the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I'm a night owl. Is that unusal? The muse seems to flow much more freely in the dark, silence of the night after everyone else has gone to bed, the T.V. is off and the phone is not likely to ring.
What authors have influenced you?
I'm country, through and through.
But as I've grown older I've watched the existence of the 'family farm' dwindle acre by acre, generation by generation. The world we live in today is so different from the simple rural world that is engrained in my brain from childhood. The wish to preserve some of that precious time, way of life, has caused me to base my stories in rural areas and incorporate as much 'farm life' into them as is relevant to the story.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't expect an easy road to publication. There aren't any. It takes a lot of stamina and determination just to get work published, whether you go with a traditional publisher or self-publish. And to not expect your work is done just because you got published. It's not, not by a long shot.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Finish it. Given to me by a dear friend who is also a well known romance author. She said, "Finish that story. Just finish it, get it all written down. You can edit and perfect it later."
What are you reading now?
I tend to read novels from unknown writers, newbies, self-published works these days. I just finished editing/beta reading a manuscript for a friend. However, grandkids and I are having a good time working our way through 'Charlotte's Web' when they come to spend the night with Grandma
What’s your biggest weakness?
I procrastinate too much and I'm easily distracted when whatever I'm writing has not gripped my mind, heart and soul.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
reading or working jigsaw puzzles on my computer
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Matilda and Her Kittens. Not the first I read, I guess, but definitely the first I remember. I was six, I think, when I checked the book from the 'book mobile' and during the next month proceeded to memorize it. I even named our cat and her four kittens after Matilda and her kittens, Silk, Satin, Calico and Rags.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
The writing style derives from a determination to emulate a fading kind of lifestyle. I've been inspired by many fellow writers, several favorite authors and one published poet, my mother.
What are you working on now?
I'm still struggling to finish the Birds series.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
websites such as this
What’s next for you as a writer?
finish that series, one way or the other
How well do you work under pressure?
I seem to function better under pressure with a deadline bearing down on me.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
The tone depends on the story, where the plot is going, and what it wants to achieve.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I'll have to consider this question. Right now I have no idea
Mary Elizabeth Fricke’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Amazon Profile
Mary Elizabeth Fricke’s Social Media Links
Facebook Page
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