Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is another update. It’s been a really rough year so I must admit I have not accomplished much in the way of publishing. I had to have parathyroid surgery and a lumpectomy. They got all the cancer but I’m still in residual recovery from the parathyroid which has caused serious side effects as the result of calcium deposits along my spine and joints. Those parathyroids are mean little buggers. If you have read any of my previous interviews, you know I am a country girl through and through (having lived in rural Missouri all of my life) and a huge supporter of Awesome Gang and all their promotions.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Birds in Peril Boxed Set as an e-book collection. The first four books in the Birds in Peril Series. I am currently finishing–and hope to publish soon–the final two stories of the series. As the 4th story–Robin Unaware–was published in 2017, my goal is to renew interest in the entire series. Here is the official series description/blurb: Five women met, fell in love with and married men who aided the arrest and subsequent imprisonment of Sheldon Humsler. Even though the events that disrupted their lives, did not necessarily involve Humsler, they certainly invoked the conviction that one-day Humsler would find a way to enact his revenge. All of these women and the men they married are in some way closely connected to Humsler’s arch enemies, Benton Cromwell, T.J. Harvester and Thad Hunt. Because of Humsler, Benton Cromwell’s life and livelihood have become so precarious he now lives as an invalid on borrowed time. However, his friends, T.J. Harvester and Thad Hunt, continue to grow in family, and indeed. Both are well-loved by many. The time is near when a final confrontation with Humsler must occur. Humsler has an accomplice…someone closely connected to Hunt….but who could that possibly be?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a night owl…..awake more and more during the dark of night than I am daylight hours
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My reading habits are eclectic in that I read most anything and everything I can get my hands on. My favorite authors are romance authors who have branched over into suspense, mystery and paranormal. Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Jude Devereaux to name a few. I am also a huge fan of women who write non-fiction like Erma Bombeck and poetry such as Mia Angelou. My favorite book of all time is the historical romance Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.
What are you working on now?
5 and 6 editions to finish the Birds in Peril Series
#5 Wise, Bold Eagle
Sylvia Pentherst is the fifth woman to marry into the Hunt-Harvester-Cromwell group. A widow in her mid-fifties, she survived years of hardship caring for her invalid husband and raising her three sons. Her now-seemingly-settled life takes a turn toward unpredictable when she leaves the comfort of managing County Hospital Housekeeping for the chaos of opening and maintaining two novelty shops along with Lisa, Jani, Susie, and Stephanie. Is it really possible to find that second chance at love with Thad Hunt?
#6 BlueBird of Happiness
After her mother died, Anne was raised by a loving father. She’s always led a sheltered life, even after entering college. Now she’s grown up. An opportunity to spread her wings arises but…Will she soar? Or, will she crash? Is home really where her heart is?
Once the golden boy, Dan is the first to acknowledge the blessing in his remarkable recovery from a fiery automobile accident. But, the abrupt departure of the girl he hoped to be ‘the one’ left scars and uncertainties that haunted him during and after his recovery. Then he met Anne. Innocent, sweet Anne. Does he dare try love again?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Any and all websites that promote Amazon books, wherever, however, whenever I can find them. I also belong to several author promo groups on FaceBook where I can talk about and promote my books. And, these kinds of interviews where I can list my books as often as possible. These days, an indie author must also be their own sales representative so it is necessary to keep your name and work upfront and high on the list on all these promotional and advertising/listing websites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. No one can take those words/stories/poems out of your head and put them to computer page or paper but you. So sit down and do it, finish it….you can do all the rewriting you want after that first draft. The first draft is always the most difficult. Editing–rewriting is just improvement over a deed already done.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish it! Advice given to me many years ago by a best selling romance author who became a dear personal friend
What are you reading now?
Right now I am beta reading/editing a manuscript written by a fellow author. I have taken to buying and reading the works of newbie indies more than the works of well-known and often-published famous authors. We indies need all the help we can get
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I get 5 and 6 Birds done, I intend to rewrite another story originally written in the 80’s. It was contemporary romance then but I think I am going to leave the 80’s timeline as it is….just because. After that….who knows? I still have other ideas
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 and my kindle (loaded down with about 30 novels and a well-charged battery)
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