One Dance with a Stranger by Mary M. Forbes : Interview

 

 

Handsome and fun-loving Wade Hart is a country singer superstar. With his choice of women he doesn't understand his obsession with a centerfold beauty he's never met. She looks like every man's dream girl. When he finally meets her, he is further intrigued to see she is nothing like what he'd expected. But regardless of the fact she is his brother's fiancee now he is determined to have her. Emily Van Sheldon as an orphan living on the streets wanted only to climb out of the dirt and mire of her youth by any means at her disposal. If she doesn't love her sauve fiancee it's not important to her. Emily has no intentions of letting emotions interfere with her plans. And she is determined that even devasting famous Wade Hart will not change her mind.

 

 

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Welcome Mary!  I’m so happy to feature you here today on my blog.  How do you describe your writing style? 

My writing style is light and entertaining meant to bring enjoyment into people’s lives.  It is pure escapism and fiction in a world of stress and problems.  I offer hope.  I am an optimist and a dreamer.  I believe that everyone can make mistakes and everyone can become a better person regardless.  I like to think that is reflected in my writing.

 

How do you develop your plots and your characters? Do you use any set formula?  

 Any single event, movie, song or sight can create a story in my mind.  I have never experienced writer’s block in my life.  I doubt I’ll get everything in my mind written. There isn’t enough time. 

Because many family and friends often think I get my characters from actual people – I always say –  To make my perfect hero - I take all the characteristics I don’t like in men I know and make sure my hero doesn’t have them.  In reality – I am very much a people studier whether it’s on Television or if I meet someone.  I pick and choose characteristics all the time.

 

If you were to write a series of novels, what would it be about? 

A series of novels would definitely be on my ancestors.  I have recently finished doing ancestry research on them and have a website: - http://themillerstory.com.  Conquering their problems and tribulations are so inspiring. I doubt few now could survive as well as they did.  They were uprooted so many times.  Yet all my memories of my current ancestors (parents, grandparents) make me marvel at their hard-work without complaining and especially their wonderful sense of humor. 

 
Do you listen to music while writing? If so what? 

My novel – One Dance with a Stranger was based almost completely on music.  It started when I listened to Alan Jackson’s CD – Who I Am.  It was further enhanced by watching George Strait’s ‘Pure Country’ movie.  Even the title – One Dance with a Stranger comes from country music and country sights – in an urban setting. 

 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

 I definitely wanted to be a rancher in Womping as a child.  One great memory I have of my dad - after reading Zane Grey obsessively I said I would be a rancher in Womping. 

 My dad kept urging me to tell others what I would be and laughing with delight. It turns out I should have said Wyoming. 

 

What would you consider to be the best book you have ever read? 

I would say Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace is the best book I have read.  His ability to tell and explain events and his astounding character development is an inspiration to keep trying and keeps me from giving-up.  I can read this a hundred times and learn something new each time.  Oh yes – I loved the characters and story as well.

 

Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go? 

I would love to go to the Rhine Valley and Black Forest area of Germany.  This is the area my ancestors are from.  It would inspire me so much for my in-the-future ‘family saga’ series.

 

Entice us, what future projects are you considering?

 Of course there is my ancestor’s saga series playing in my mind.  However, currently I am trying something new.  My new novel is a story of domestic abuse and overcoming difficulties.  I still will offer hope and optimism.  I cannot believe that life is only sadness and evilness. I truly believe everyone deserves a happy life.  I admire the person who can overcome all obstacles and create happiness.  I know it’s possible.

 

Seraphim will be available in the Spring of 2013 – God willing. 

 

I just couldn’t resist putting my cover in.  I took courses in Adobe Photoshop and I drew that ‘mystical horse’ because I love horses.

 

 ‘Delaney Bayer wants to escape her marriage, but she fears her husband’s power as a Sheriff. She feels abandoned by her religion considering the hardships she is faced with for no apparent reason. She has no money, no skills and no one to help.’

 

Born and bred on western stories by Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour, I grew up in the middle of nowhere Saskatchewan. Although modern life intervened, I soon realized the similarities between my life and North American western past. From riding horses, playing cowboys and Indians with real Indians combined with the scenery of vast, open prairies and endless horizons I was living my dream.
Continue reading on Mary's Website.

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