Author Spotlight- Mary Ramsey

Mary Ramsey is a blogger, artist, and writer. She is currently signed with Charleston, SC-based Diamond Life Presents Publishing.  She currently has one published novel, a tale of one man's journey of dealing with a chronic illness and its impact.  The novel touches on other things as well as the chronic illness like the supernatural, familial issues and the LGBTQ community.  

Mary is currently working on her 2nd novel, Mystical Trash, a paranormal erotic romance, is due to be released on July 1, 2019.   The book synopsis reads as follows:   Mystical Trash is the story of Sunny, a high school senior with a strange past. In 2017 Sunny is 18 she is about to leave home and embark on her life’s journey. When Sunny meets Jahil, the migrant worker father of her Mother’s boy-toy, she thinks nothing of showing him kindness. In return, Jahil shows her a world of magic and heroes and erotic love that will change the course of her Midwestern life.

Mary served in the United States Air Force and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema. Although born in California, her work in the military took her all over the world including the diverse Midwest with its beautiful landscapes and small-town charm. She always had a fondness for unique superheroes—underrepresented minorities, LGBTQ, abuse victims, and so on. She loves an inspiring story that will make her cry. Which is why her favorite movie will always be 13th Warrior.

I had the pleasure of finding out a little about this new talent on the literary scene.  Keep reading for a little insight into this new writer on the move.

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

From the time I was 10, through high school, I loved to write stories that would make me cry. This was before I even had the courage to pursue fanfiction or other public forums. I wanted a means of expressing the depths of pure emotion.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

Not that long. I wrote my first book in about a year. Editing and making it into something worth publishing- that is another story.

3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I write when I have an idea or feel inspired. If I have an idea but my brain is blocked, I go for a walk or exercise. I guess my main goal is to not get too distracted by other things that need to get done (like housework, or unlocking a new character in Super Smash Bros.)

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I like to write sad scenes. A lot of the time people say my endings are too sad, and I need to find a balance, but I believe sadness can be cathartic.

5. How did you feel when your first book was published?

My first time getting published was ‘Unearthly Delights: Tales of Paranormal Desire (The ERWA Anthologies Book 1)’ which included a short story featuring characters from Mystical Trash. It was exciting to be among the short list of authors who had the privilege of making it into the book. And it was my first time working with an editor, someone who truly wanted to help me present my characters in the best way possible.

6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? What inspires you?I get my ideas from pop culture and the media. Many different things inspire me, from politics to videogames, to YouTube stars. Mystical Trash was inspired by the political climate of 2017.

7. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

My first book ever? When I was 12 I wrote a full-length play about figure skating stars of the ’90s (picture the drama of Tonya Harding but cranked up to 11- there was murder, suicide, drugs: pretty much any and all movie tropes of the 80’s/90’s.)

8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Art. I went to School of the Arts high school as a fine art major. So, I spent my high school years in a studio full of canvas, clay, and paint.

As soon as I got to college I fell in love with digital drawing and never looked back.

9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Just how much of an opinion I held about certain cultural and/or political topics. I like to think I am a pretty neutral person but when writing, suddenly the characters are political revolutionaries. Everyone has a point of view that, I think, is the point of view I would take if I was a braver person.

10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? Why?

I have written 3 books that I want to see published in some capacity. I would have to say, at the moment, Mystical Trash is my favorite since I went into it with the goal of writing an original superhero story.

11. Do you hear from your readers much? What kind of feedback have you received?

Sometimes I hear from fans of my short pieces. Reedit users are pretty kind. They say I write sweet, emotional stories. However, when I attempt horror or action, I have been told that my characters are sometimes too brave to be believable/relatable for the genre.

12. What do you think makes a good story?

A good story leaves you with a sense of fulfillment/understanding, like opening a gift on Christmas day.  You may like it or you may not, but it provokes an undeniable reaction.

13. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

In all honesty, (my parents and sister will attest to this) I wanted to live in a trailer and work as a waitress in Arkansas. Being a Hispanic American from a major California city, I think the idea of living someplace completely different appealed to me. And I kinda like working in customer service.

Mary's novel, Dakota Son is available via Amazon.   Get your copy and don't forget to support authors by leaving a review!