Interview with
Mary Ramsey
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was eleven and started to write stories that caused my parents and teachers and be concerned for my mental well-being.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I write 1-2 books a year, keeping to a schedule of creating a chapter a week (posted on my blog dourdan.wordpress.com.)
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Some people will hate your art and writing. Rest assured, out of the billions of people on this planet, there will be at least a few who feel the way you do.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Sometimes. It's always nice to know when someone can relate to what I'm trying to do.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
I like to work on multiple projects because if I had to devote 100% of my mind to a single story I would get very tired very fast.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Attempting to focus on my (retail) day job.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I have no idea what my readers will want, so I just write for myself and see what sticks.
What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?
Albert Camus, Stephen King, and Suzanne Collins.
At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?
If they write. Even something like fanfiction or a blog post. Anyone can be a writer.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
Start a new project and come back to the 'block' later.
Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know?
Sometimes. I have written characters inspired by workplace crushes and celebrities. I've never written about close family.
What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
Characters. I always have an idea for a person with who I want to take on an adventure and the 'adventure' just rolls out like a red carpet.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
Someone who wants to find an escape from reality.
How much research did you need to do for your book?
I went to Google to answer questions about specific true-crime mysteries, but the majority of what I write is based on my own experience.
Tell us more about your book/s?
I write whatever is on my mind; horror, thriller, romance, erotica. I'm inspired by LGBTQ characters and confronting questions of life, death, and the existence of souls.
https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ramsey/e/B076VVX9DJ/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1