Mary Martinez, Interview, author of Disappear.




Thank you, Marilyn, for hosting me on your blog today. I love visiting new places and meeting new people.

Marilyn:  Mary, please tell us what inspired you to write The Beckett’s.

Mary:  I hope I can remember that far back. I actually started writing the series in August or 2009. I’d been watching a documentary and a germ of an idea blossomed. I can’t really tell you what the film was about, it would give away an important part of the book.

As I started to write my blurb and a list of characters, Tyler’s family grew and I new early I’d be writing more than one story. The Beckett’s are a close nit family, similar to the one I’d like to think I have now. The Beckett’s raised their children with courage, integrity and a sense of honor. The parent’s taught them by leading with example. I’ve very proud of my Beckett’s.

Marilyn: What is your one of your favorite writing tips?

Mary:  I have so many. But, my favorite is from Stephen King’s On Writing, I love that book. But in it he said once you finish your manuscript to let it sit at least six or seven weeks before you pick it up to edit.  When I read that I thought he was nuts. When I started writing, I was in such a hurry to get it out there, submitting to agents and editors, I learned the hard way how wonderful this piece of advice is.

When you finish your manuscript, you’re still in love with your characters, they and you can do no wrong. You can’t slash up your baby. But once you give yourself time, start on something new even. That way you have a new set of characters—a new baby to love.

Then pick up that old book that is hopefully a faded memory and slash it. Take out all the ‘that’s’, ‘and’s’ or ‘then’s’. Or whatever you word is—everyone has one they use over and over. Go over it as if you’re on a treasure hunt looking for all the hidden blemishes.

Thank you, Marilyn for letting me play at your place today. 

Now here’s a bit about my new series:

The Beckett Series
The Beckett’s have a strong sense of family and honor. When one of their own is threatened, their bond is as strong as a badge of steel.

Trailer (Must see! Best viewed on full screen) and Series information:

Disappear (Book I of The Beckett Series)
After two years undercover as an FBI agent to infiltrate a crime organization and discover the identity of a hit man, Tyler Beckett’s cover is blown. Tyler’s new assignment is to protect the only witness who can identify the mysterious killer. If only he didn’t find her so attractive. Each day it becomes harder to keep his objective, especially since he knows the interest is mutual.

Keira Cavanaugh is the only witness to a hit ordered by a crime boss.  The safe house is compromised and the same hit man shoots Tyler. Fearing Tyler is dead, Keira plans revenge on the crime organization. She must fake her own suicide in order to survive.

When Tyler discovers what Keira plans, he realizes he must stop her before he loses her for good.

Available in eBook now at:
Print available May 2012

During the blog tour Mary will be throwing all the people’s name who comment about the content of her posts, at each stop, into a hat for a drawing. She will be giving away to two lucky winners, one copy of any of her books (winner’s choice). Winners will be announced at the wrap up at the end of the blog tour, April 28th.  

Mary’s web site: http://www.marymartinez.com



Comments

M.M. Gornell said…
Good advice, Mary. I'm overly fond of thats and thens, and usually don't see/hear them until after several rewrites. Enjoyed your post!
Mary, I'm so glad you came to visit again. Your advice about putting the manuscript away for awhile is right on. Stephen King knows what he's talking about, all right.
Jake said…
Thank you for another posting. Enjoyed learning about your Beckett series. Have added to my must read list. Your blog tour has greatly increased need for reading time. Thanks for time away from writing to give readers a glimpse.
Helen Ginger said…
On Writing is one of my favorite resource books, too. Very good advice, Mary. It's difficult to let a manuscript sit, though.
Marja said…
Great advice, Mary, and your Beckett family sounds intriguing. Another Must Read for me.
Anonymous said…
Great writing advice, Mary, and like you I truly enjoyed King's "On Writing". In fact, I enjoyed it SO much I ranted and raved and both my hubby and daughter read it! Neither one have any desire to write, but they did enjoy his book. I think that says a great deal on his ability to grab an audience!
Anonymous said…
Excuse me for using all of those exclamation marks. It's been a strange night and the adrenalin is flowing. I had to call 911 for our neighbor who fell LAST night and no one noticed he was AWOL until an hour ago. That helps explain all of those !!!! (I hope.)
Mary said…
Hi, Thank you for dropping by everyone. Sorry I'm so late to the party.

I just love Stephen all the way around. I've been reading him for years, though the only recent one I've read is on writing I love all his pre sober books.

Jake, I would love to hear your thoughts on the Beckett's if you do read it.
Earl Staggs said…
Mary, The Becketts sounds like it will be a big hit for you. I hope so because you deserve it. Best wishes for continued success.

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