Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I recently published my seventh ebook! It is the third installment of my Sweet Pea Trilogy, titled, The Price of Passion (Sweet Pea III). I’ve written several of these interviews so this is really just an update. The Sweet Pea Trilogy is published and ready for all to read! For those who have not read my previous interviews: I am a country girl who has lived my entire laugh in central Missouri on the north or the south side of the Missouri River. I work in partnership with my fifth generation farmer/husband of nearly thirty-seven years on our family farm–when I’m not writing or being wife, mom or grandma. We have two grown sons married to two beautiful women and the two most awesome grandchildren in the universe
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sweet Pea III: The Price of Passion (1984-1990)
Time has come and gone, years pass, Johnie’s children are growing and she has learned to accept her parents’ untimely death. Her friendship with Marsha continues to thrive. By the time ‘the 70’s’ become ‘the 80’s’, Johnie has also built an enduring relationship with her mother-in-law, Amie. Her marriage to Phil is a sham. Although they tried, they were never able to rekindle the trust they once shared. All those years, a secret part of Johnie’s soul survives nurturing the memory of Jake. Fate strikes several more dramatic blows and once again, everything changes.
Description of the Sweet Pea Trilogy: To one man she gave her virginity; to another she gave her heart. One, she would mourn. With the other, she would share life’s triumph and turmoil. With both, she would endure times of love, and passion and complete happiness as well as times of despair, confusion, and sorrow. One day at a time—each day, building unforgettable memories.
Sweet Pea spans from the late 1960’s into 2009. Set in rural Missouri, it is a story for those who remember the profound cultural changes and historical events that took place in the later part of the 20th Century. It is especially written for those with rural backgrounds, who understand the continual mental and physical effort it takes to maintain a family farm (then and now). Sweet Pea is a nostalgic story of growing up; of forging lifelong friendships and loyalty within family that supports every life event, good or bad. It is a story of love that binds a man and a woman despite all odds. It is also a story of obsessive hatred and how such hatred destroys not only the innocent, but those who hate.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a night owl. Is that unusual? I do my best writing around midnight when the television has been turned off, the telephone isn’t likely to ring and my family has gone to sleep
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have eclectic reading habits but my favorite reads are generally some form of romance or paranormal and the occasional science fiction.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m recovering from publishing the Sweet Pea Trilogy. After the first of the year, I plan to return to writing the 5th story in my Birds in Peril Series, tentatively titled ‘Wise, Bold Eagle’
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe interviews like these or promotionals like Book Goodies, My Book Place or the numerous websites Amazon sponsors are very good for getting the word out when an indie author published a new e-book
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. No one can take that story from your head and put it on paper or computer screen but yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish it! Don’t worry about rewriting or publishing now. Just write the story to the end. You can make changes later.
What are you reading now?
I’m on a breather stretch right now. Christmas plans are underway–the extended Fricke family is gathering on our farm this year–and I don’t have time to read. And, I feel guilty about it because I’ve promised some writer friends reviews for their books and have yet to read them.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Back to writing the Birds in Peril Series
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Bible, Daily Prayer Book and My Kindle (with a freshly charged battery, of course)
Author Websites and Profiles
Mary Elizabeth Fricke Website
Mary Elizabeth Fricke Amazon Profile
Mary Elizabeth Fricke’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account