Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing for quite a while so have some books on the shelf: my own closet one, to be honest, that I’ve been dusting off, giving new life to, and discovering they’re not half bad. But I have written some new ones, too. So far, I’ve put nine books onto Amazon’s Kindle program. Four are memoirs but written in third-person so they read like novels. I’ve written two thrillers, one novella, and two novels that have a touch of fantasy in them. I was first a journalist but discovered I liked to make things up better or to embellish the truth. Mostly, I write with a light touch. My view of life is fairly benign. I don’t write chick lit because I’d have to research too much. Nor are there violence and gore in my books. I’m too squeamish for that. There is some sex in my books and an occasional swear word, but only as the story requires and never gratuitously. So you wouldn’t be afraid to give one to your grandmother.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Flowers in a Window” is my latest book. It was inspired by the power of one’s imagination to “see” things differently than they really are, and to use that power to escape from a horrendous situation. The story is about an interior decorator who has a great talent for visualization.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I do it in the morning, early, with coffee by my side, and no distractions. I never plan or outline a story because I can’t. It has to develop as I write it and so far I’ve never been let down.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love classic literature, all the old goodies like War and Peace, Pride and Prejudice, Madame Bovary, The Great Gatsby, and so on. When I was a child and read a book I particularly liked, I held it before me and saluted it. Oh–and I loved tales of the frontier, Indians, and the West. This is not to say I don’t like what’s being published today. John Grisham is a favorite, and I could curl up with a satisfying mystery.
What are you working on now?
One called “The Algonquin Book Club.” It’s a fantasy about women characters from classic literature gathered around a table and discussing the books they appeared in. (And some aren’t happy with their portrayals.)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found that exactly yet, not that it doesn’t exist. But I’m rather new to marketing so am experimenting with several different sites. I don’t do much social media.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The same old that everyone tells them: just keep at it, always trying to improve your writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To tell the truth in writing. I think it comes from Hemingway. That is, make your story true to life.
What are you reading now?
Ann Patchett’s latest book, “This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage.” It’s a lot about writing and is a collection of essays.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure. I’d love to wake up some morning with a tremendously exciting new idea.
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?
This is hard to answer. A big book of American and British poetry. The Anne of Green Gables books; something by Evelyn Waugh, Tolstoy, James Thurber, and maybe Fitzgerald.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mary McPhee Website
Mary McPhee Amazon Profile