I began writing when I was too young to realize quite what I was doing. If I had, I might have run screaming in the other direction. Writing has been a joy, a headache, a frustration, and, always, a need inside me. I have stories to tell and people talking in my head. Sometimes I wonder about my grasp on reality...
You may have realized by now, from the above paragraph and the photo (I was a precocious child) that this is not going to be the conventional author's bio. Don't you find those boring? "She is the author of such and such book, which won this award and that award, and has spoken at this conference, all while holding down a job as a rocket scientist." Yucch. I've never been one to brag, or to toot my own horn, and writing one of those things makes me squirm. Never mind how many books I've done, or if I've been nominated for awards, or whatever. If you, the reader, don't enjoy my writing, it doesn't mean diddley-squat.
All that being said, you may wonder why I chose this profession. Truth is, I didn't. It chose me. I don't remember ever saying I wanted to be a writer. I was a writer from early on. Many of my early efforts have mercifully been consigned to the trash, but some do remain to embarrass me if anyone ever sees them. For many years, I called my writing a hobby, thus protecting myself from the professional aspect of the field. Yet, I can remember exactly where I was, and when I declared myself a writer. I had crossed a line. From then on, I was in for it.
So, OK. I have written eighteen books. While the Gilded Age series is among these, most of my books are Regency and historical romance novels, written under my pseudonym of Mary Kingsley . One of the romances, The Rake's Reward, was nominated for RWA's prestigious RITA award. I've done four romantic novellas as well, one of which won the Golden Leaf in 2002. I speak at conferences and at writer's groups; I also teach at Brown University's Learning Community (anything to get a somewhat steadier paycheck besides advances and royalties). I've also been queen (president) of the Rhode Island Romance Writers. Obviously I keep busy, but who doesn't?
All right, let's state the truth. I love what I do. I love the fact that I write books that no one else can. I don't claim that they're great literature; I don't want them to be. Nor do I say that they're the best ever written. First and foremost, I write for myself. Many people can be computer programmers or librarians, as I was. No one can write my books but me. (Best of all, I get to stay home in my nightgown if I want to).
Finally, here's the rest of the necessary biographical info, in case you're interested. I live in a New England seaside city rich with history, with my adored daughter and total boss Samantha. When I'm not writing, I love walking, needlecrafts of all kinds, good movies, and, of course, chocolate. Most of all, I love reading. Why else would I be a writer?
I also love talking about writing, which is why I'll someday include the writing FAQ, as well as a page with links to other pages about writing. If I haven't answered a particular question about writing, or if you just want to chat about it, too, email me. I'll answer.
I hope you enjoyed this bio. I really hope you enjoy (and buy) my books. After all, I wrote them for you.
