Interview of Mary S. McGuire

By Emma Kennedy

Versatile author, Mary S. McGuire, began writing on the college newspaper and entered poetry contests, but gave it up temporarily to teach school, marry, and raise a family. In college she majored in English and she later attended novel writing classes at Southern Methodist in Dallas. Her writing career blossomed with the release of a western historical romance, RACHEL'S JOURNEY, by Wings ePress Inc, in November 2001. This February she celebrates the release of her new book, A TIME TO TRUST, the first book in a contemporary romantic trilogy. Here's Mary S. McGuire to say more about her writing.

Emma: What was your inspiration for A TIME TO TRUST?

Mary: The heroine, Laney, an artist and teacher, was a familiar type with the common problem of a failed marriage. I see people struggling with life all around me and it was an easy step to describe her quandary and her love for Paul, a widowed father.

Emma: Describe your writing process. Which comes first, character or plot?

Mary: Characters come first. Knowing them leads to the plot. In my final book of the trilogy, TO TRUST AGAIN, it enabled me to combine humor with suspense. This took exactly the right supporting actors, namely Roman and Gerald and their interaction and dialogue.

Emma: Do you ever pattern your characters after real people?

Mary: No, not any specific person. Sometimes, I use a composite. As for real people, who would believe the truth? What is it they say, fact is stranger than fiction?

Emma: Are you a plotter or "seat of the pants" writer?

Mary: I always write the beginning and ending scene before I begin. However, sometimes the characters have a mind of their own and take me far afield.

Emma: Do you have a favorite time and place to write?

Mary: I like to write early in the morning; but, when I have an idea and the juices are really flowing, I can write anywhere, anytime.

Emma: Do you revise as you write, or revise after a rough draft?

Mary: I do some revision as I write but getting the idea on paper is important first.

Emma: In general, how many revisions do you usually find necessary?

Mary: Sometimes two. That is the value of having an editor.

Emma: How do you research your story? What tools do you use?

Mary: I always make a trip to the library and use a myriad of reference works. However, on-line has more and more help for us. A TIME TO TRUST begins in Hawaii, so I sent for current literature to jar my memory from the times I had visited there.

Emma: What do you consider your strongest writing skill?

Mary: I empathize with people and I'm generally optimistic, so I like my dialogue and my usually satisfying conclusions. I've been told I draw my readers into the story. The story is the most important aspect of writing.

Emma: Was there any author who helped get you started writing or helped you?

Mary: I worked with a small critique group weekly. Our Denton Writers' League had Lorraine Stephens as a guest speaker and that's how I met her.

Emma: What genres do you read when you're not writing? Any favorite authors?

Mary: Whew, let me draw a breath. I read all sorts of contemporary fiction but also a lot of non-fiction. The idea for my second book, A TIME OF FORGIVENESS, in the trilogy came from a newspaper article in the Dallas paper about the growing trend of older women marrying younger men. I also have a penchant for classical works. Recently, I read a Thomas Hardy short story. When I am actually in the process of writing, I avoid reading since I have an ear for other's phrasing and I want to preserve my own voice.

Emma: What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Mary: Use your minds, but mainly write from the heart.

Emma: Is there anything I haven't asked about A TIME TO TRUST that you'd very much like your fans to know?

Mary: During these last few dreary weeks of winter, the hopeful building of Laney's and Paul's relationship, from the lush shores of Hawaii to the vistas of West Texas, will warm the cockles of my readers' hearts.

As Vivane Crystal, reviewer for The Write Lifestyle says, "Buy this novel and relish a well-told romantic story! You will conclude, indeed, that it is a time to trust!"