Do writers choose their stories or do the stories choose writers?
Why would I write a book about a forty-year-old virgin? It’s complicated. That sounds like a good name for a movie. Oh, wait, it is. (grin) Why would I spend months writing a book that was not likely to grab a New York editor by the throat and yell “best seller”? I guess I still must say, “It’s complicated.
The Gift was indeed a gift to me. Edna Mae, my old fashioned heroine, reminded me of all the women I knew who had given up their lives to care for parents, siblings, husbands, or their own kids. I understood her need to love and be loved by her parent’s. This shy woman insisted we tell her story her way. Editors and agents have said they liked the characters and the story, but… I finally decided to self publish. You would not believe the HUGE learning curve that presented me.
Now I must promote the book, and I will repeat, IT’S COMPLICATED! Yes, I meant to shout.
Blurb.
On Edna Mae’s 40th birthday she buried her controlling father and lost her virginity in a one-night-stand with a stranger she never expected to see a gain. Her life is about to change in more ways than she can imagine. This woman’s fiction has explicit sex and is very southern.
Excerpt:
Edna Mae’s lawyer has taken her for a bite to eat after seeing to the probation papers and business.
Sam looked patient and businesslike. “Thanks, we’d like a booth out of the main traffic.”
The hostess shrugged, tossed long blond hair over her shoulder, then walked away with hip action that would have crippled me. I’d never try the incredibly high heels she wore, either.
Once seated in the booth, I stared at the menu. What would I like here? Every meal I’d prepared for my parents had been simple and bland, doctors’ orders.
The waiter came to tell us about the specials, recommending the grilled salmon.
“That sounds good,” Sam said.
“I’ll have that, too,” I said.
Sam added his salad choice, the house salad, and ordered Sweet Tea.
I ordered the same, heaving a heavy sigh of relief when the waiter left with our orders. No more decisions for my information-overloaded brain.
“So, how are you really?” Sam asked. He stared at me over the water glass he held, as though he wanted to read my mind.
No longer a servant to my father. No longer a virgin. He’d likely choke on the swig he took if I gave him either answer. Settling back on the leather cushions of the booth, I took a couple of swallows of water to stall answering.
“Okay, guess.” I shrugged.
The waiter brought large glasses of iced tea and salads.
Sam put his water glass on the table and speared a chunk of lettuce. “You’ve had a lot of information to digest today.”
“Yes.” I took a bite of salad. It was tasty with a citrus dressing and bits of dried fruit. Maybe Sam wouldn’t expect me to speak with my mouth full. Maybe I’d make better conversation with a glass of wine. Last night drinks helped me relax and talk with the stranger. He had made me feel comfortable.
Meals at home had always been silent, even when I’d come home from school with the excitement of a child eager to learn and to share with my parents.
Sam ate his salad with the relish of a starved man. He must really be hungry. I’d wondered if he stopped here because he thought I needed to eat.
I finished as the waiter brought our entrees.
The salmon was divine! I’d eaten half of it before I remembered the rest of my food.
Sam’s laugh drew my attention to his smile. “Good salmon?”
I paused with my fork on the way to my mouth. “I was hungrier than I thought.”
Sam grinned. “I’m glad you like it.”
By the time I finished my meal, I was actually relaxed and comfortably full. When the waiter came to take dessert orders I glanced around the room. Oh, God. The place was full now, and I wanted to hide from all the people. Were they watching me?
“I don’t need dessert.” I tried not to show the panic building inside. “You order, though.”
Sam, bless his heart, shook his head. “Nah, I need to get back to the office. A lawyer’s work is never done.”
“That’s not the way I remember the expression.”
Do you know anyone who has sacrificed everything for family?
One lucky commenter will win a download of The Gift and another book by Mary Marvella.
The Gift is available for only 99 cents until April 2.
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MaryMarvella.com
http://pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com/
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Other books by Mary Marvella
Haunting Refrain, Forever Love, and Christmas’s Best Bet, Humble pie.
To be honest,I was leery of a 40 year old virgin, but I loved the excerpt. You convinced me.
Sounds like a great book. Best of luck with it!
Thanks, Gerri. My critique partners said it wouldn’t fly. Edna Mae convinced ’em!
This sounds like a great story. Being owned by a Golden Retriever I also love the cover.
Jezebel, that golden retriever found Edna Mae when she needed someone to love her unconditionally. Goldie was unloved before he adopted Edna Mae.
Thanks, Ally. I appreciate your support.
Sounds like a fun story. And I love the concept. You made it work.
Thanks, Patrice! I hoped it was working. Love my fuzzy slipper ladies!
Mary, I love this story. I think most women sacrifice a little something to raise a family, help out with parents and give emotional support to others. But we’re made that way. That’s why I love stories like this when someone who’s never been given a chance for happiness finds it! Good luck with it.
Judy, you got it! We do so much for love and approval ’cause it’s in our genes.
What a fin interview. I’m already a fan of Mary M.’s work, but a little behind. She’s prolific. 🙂 I need to catch up. She’s a great story teller who really draws you into her world and makes it believable and engrossing.
I do believe that should read ‘fun’ interview. *Mumbles to self about new glasses not being much better than old.
Beth, I understand! Did you notice a missing ” in the blog part here? Blaming it on my bifocals.
I love the concept of this story, Mary. Sounds like a real winner.
Thanks, Joanne. I loved this woman the way her parents should have. I couldn’t change her.
THE GIFT is next on my list after the one I’m reading that should be done tonight. When I think about your heroine, Mary, I see Susan Boyle (right name?.
YES!, Mona and the world loves her.
Great premise, great book, fantastic author!
Women are notorious for putting family before self…
This is such a sweet story. I read a book once years ago (eons ago) about a woman who was an older virgin (at the beginning of the book she was, anyway). It was a wonderful story, but I can’t for the life of me remember the author or title!! Anyway, I’m glad there’s another one out there. 🙂
I probably read it, too long ago. I was channeling the old women’s fiction authors when I wrote this one.
Great post, the story does sound like a winner!
Glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Hildie!
Great except, Mary, nad such an interesting plot. Congrats!
Thanks, Autumn. This story wrote itself.
I loved this excerpt and the cover. The story is very different and refreshing. How nice to see a more than 20’s heroine.
I so agree, Linda! My girl broke a lot of rules for perfect heroines.
You grabbed me with your excerpt too. Good on you for persisting with this story.
Edna Mae left me no choice.
This is a fantastic cover for a great read. I love the down-home southern comfort of the swing on the porch. Southern charm, southern comfort, hunky hero and a heroine that is mature enough to know what she wants. If your tired of the young nubile vixens and want a read with real life likeness, this is the one to read.
Thanks, Scarlet! I’m blushing!
I look forward to reading this book. The excerpt just drew me in. Western/western romance are my favorites, but I do love to expand out from that with other genres. This book hit close to home for me as I am currently and have always been the caregiver in my family. I am now the caregiver of my handicapp husband. We have been married for 31 yrs. In my quiet times, reading is my rest, my unwinding time.
Take care and best of luck. Reba
Reba, I hope this book gives you pleasure! Please let me know if it speaks to you.