Interview Mallary Mitchell

by

Jim Green

I recently had the opportunity to interview Ms. Mallary Mitchell, whose novel, The Widow’s Ransom, will be forthcoming in April of ’07. The following is part of that interview:

1) Hi, Mallary. It is a treat to have the opportunity to interview you for Wings-Press, Inc. Could you tell us a bit about your writing background? How long? What genres? Where does The Widow’s Ransom fit in, and so forth?

I have been writing as long as I can remember. I actually began with songs, and had one published at the age of fifteen. I moved to short stories and then to novels. The Widow’s Ransom is my first published novel. I have a second coming out in 2008.

2) It seems that every writer has someone or something that is inspiration for his/her works. How about you? Can you share with us?

It depends. Inspiration can come in many ways. When I get an idea, I usually start a file folder and then put in notes, photos, clippings, drawings, etc. I have one manuscript that just hit me one day when I was looking through some travel brochures. My inspiration is usually something like a house or a place, something visual.

3) Do you write every day? If not, when? Where? Do you use pencil, computer, you know, what are some of the mechanics of your craft that make the works of Mallary Mitchell come to life?

My goal is to write at least a page a day. I most often write with my computer. I outline by hand. I like to use every opportunity. For example, I can write in the line to pick up my kids from school. I know one book in particular was written in part in the carpool line. There are always some great feelings that come with achievements.

4) Share with us some of the emotional moments that have come from your writing: Your first contract; seeing your name and your title posted; your first cover; those kinds of things.

It doesn’t feel real yet. I know it is. This is something I have been working toward for a long time. I don’t think it’s hit me yet.

5) How do people close to you feel about your writing success? Family? Friends, etc?

They are supportive. My mom always asks if my book is out yet.

6) Do you have any special advice to would be writers that might make a difference for them down the road?

My advice is to write. If you have an idea, write it down. Don’t stop after ten pages. Keep going. The more you write, the more you grow. Don’t give up!

7) Is there anyone or group you would like to thank for helping you along the way to become a published author?

Thanks to my parents who always encouraged me, and to my grandmother who always had a romance novel lying around; to Shannon who has read everything I’ve written and has always been a wonderful encouragement; and to my family for allowing me the time to write. Thanks, too, to Shirley, who pointed me to a writer’s group.

8) Now let’s talk about The Widow’s Ransom: From idea to development? Did you outline? Did you let it evolve? Your character River Kirby, interesting name. Something unique there? Is a sequel in the works?

The Widow’s Ransom is actually part of a larger work. My 2008 release, Cissy Cain and Able, was my first historical. Cissy is a proper young lady with a very improper family. The Cain family originated from the South. They were a fine family from Alabama who lost everything during the Civil War. To escape the memories, Eli moved his wife and children to Kentucky. With their remaining money, he built Magnolia House. The war had already taken its toll. His wife had lost her mind. His oldest, Vivian, had been taken by soldiers. Isaiah, his son had killed to get Vivian back. Little Bea and Cissy had to hide often in the hayloft so they wouldn’t be seen by those soldiers who weren’t so humane. That’s where it began--two little girls hiding in a hayloft while soldiers searched and burned their house. To save her family, Vivian sacrificed herself. I began outlining from there. Isaiah and Vivian had a habit of picking up strays and River Kirby was one of them. He was born in the Black River Saloon, and that’s where his Shawnee mother got his name. His father was Irish.

9) What’s the best part of being a writer, and what’s the worst?

Writing is what I love to do. That’s the best part. The worst? I don’t know that there is a worst part. I would say, finding time to write is the worst part.

10) Where do you go from here, Ms. Mallary Mitchell, professionally, I mean? Many writers have several projects in the works at all times. What about you?

I would hope to keep on publishing. I have several sequels with peripheral characters from the original Cain story. One I have started is Vivian’s Story. It’s one of strength, stamina, and redemption. My current finished manuscript is a departure from historicals. It’s a suspense called Virginia Creeper.

11) Finally, it’s been enjoyable, and thanks, but finish with something profound. Can you give us a famous thought that has guided you along the way, you know, something that you might call your mantra, your song, your philosophy for life?

I would say Churchill’s “Never, never give up.” Or maybe ELO”s “Hold on Tight to your Dreams.”