We are going to learn all about the Crossroads Saga.
Hi Mary, If you could meet up & chat with one author who would it be and why?
It would have to be Stephenie Meyer because she wrote Twilight based on
her dream. Crossroads is also based on a
couple of dreams I had in high school.
She was one of my inspirations to write this book.
How long of a
process is writing a book?
Ahhh!!! I say this in a good and bad way. First, it was so much fun writing about these
characters, and many characters are based on people I know. In some ways, Claudia is a lot like me, so
her character was easy to write. There
was one time when I wiped out the last five chapters because my friend thought
I could do better. I’m glad she told me
I could, but deleting those chapters brought me to tears. Then there is re-reading,
re-writing and re-editing. Let me just
say that I found a new profound respect for authors.
Did you always want to become a writer?
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever thought about becoming a writer. To tell you the truth, I didn’t really enjoy
reading. I read because I had to. Not until I became a teacher did I find
reading truly enjoyable. I started
writing because it was a way for me to heal from the death of my
grandmother. She is also a character in
my story-Gamma J.
What were some of your "inspirations" for writing this novel
One of my inspirations for writing this novel was my grandmother. Writing was a way for me to heal. Another inspiration was my dreams I had in
high school. I can vividly recall all
the details of them, which comprises chapter one and two.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Besides spending time with my hubby and my two children, I enjoy
shopping, watching movies, oil painting and making jewelries. I also enjoy reading young adult novels. They help me escape the stress of everyday
life.
 |
| http://www.amazon.com/Crossroads-Saga-ebook/dp/B005F768GI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361982176&sr=8-2&keywords=crossroads+by+mary+ting |
Which character in Crossroads was the most fun for you to write?
It’s difficult to say because many of the characters are based on people
I know. But I can narrow it down to two
characters, Claudia and Michael.
Claudia’s character is based on me and my experiences. The first car, the first job, camping, and yes…I
was very sheltered…lol!!! Michael is
also somewhat based on my husband, the protector and romantic. I especially had
fun writing about them being together and the chemistry of getting to know each
other, knowing that they didn’t have that much time.
The end of Crossroads book there is a tiny snippet into the next book, can
you give us a fun little spoiler about that next book?
Austin plays a bigger role and there are more angels on earth. I just
finished up to chapter ten. It’s still a
rough draft but here are some teasers that I have not shared with anyone
yet.
“I give you my soul .
. . willingly upon thee,” Claudia said reluctantly, as tears streamed down her
face. Aliah gave a deceiving smile and placed his left hand behind her back as if to give her a hug and
with the other hand, drove his sword straight into her heart.
“Love doesn’t just go
away that easily. It clings to your
heart. It goes with you wherever you go,
even if you don’t want it to. Love is
like the ocean. Sometimes it’s smooth
and sometimes it’s rough, but it’s constant, it never dries out,” I stated,
hoping this kind of love is not what he felt for her. I love you, not her,” he said, inching his
way toward me.
What is one book everyone should read?
The Last Lecture by
Randy Pausch. I cried so much!!! I can’t
imagine writing this book knowing you will never see your family again. As my
kids grow up, I would urge them to read this book.
What is your dream cast for your book?
Claudia-Nina Debrov
Michael-Ben Barnes
Davin-Channing Tatum
Vivian-Megan
Fox
Caleb-Chase
Crawford
Patty-Amanda
Seyfried
Philip-Orlando
Bloom
Agnes-Courtney
Cox
Margaret-Angelina
Jolie
Gamma-Susan
Sarandon
Aden-Huge
Jackman
What is your favorite Quote?
I've learned that people will forget what you
said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you
made them feel.
Maya Angelou
Can you see yourself in any of your
characters?
Though I don’t like to admit it, Claudia is just like
me. Her experiences are my personal
experiences…first car, first job, first time camping, but too bad there was so
Michael when I was in high school…lol!!!
Hidden talent?
I oil paint. I once painted the cover of
New Moon. I sold it for $100 at a Twilight convention. I also make jewelries.
My friends and I started a website called www.inspiredbytwilight.com I also love to dance. I teach a dance routine
every year for a talent show for my daughter’s group, the school I work at.
Favorite Candy?
Giant Chewy Sweet Tarts. I can eat one pack
as I write…lol!!!
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
Breaking Dawn
How do you react to a bad review?
I know that my book will not please all.
It’s impossible!!! I think about the reasons why I wrote this book and the
great reviews I got. My husband, family and my friends are proud of me. I’ve
been told many times that they don’t know how I do everything that I do. I
don’t either…lol!!!
You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
A publishing company…lol!!! I would love to help other authors publish
their first book.
What do you do in your free time?
What do you do in your free time?
Besides spending time with my family. I
enjoy shopping…hehe!!! I enjoy reading, listening to music and watching movies..
What's your favorite season/weather?
Fall. I love to wear boots, scarves, and
jackets
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate…yum!!! Especially with nuts.
Have any last words?
I took on a journey not knowing how rewarding it would be for me.
I’ve meet so many wonderful people from all over the world through facebook,
twitter, goodreads and blog sites. I’ve
made everlasting friendship where friendship knows no boundaries. And I have to thank my grandmother who
continues to watch over me from Heaven. Thank you so much for having me!!!
I would love you to pickup my book Crossroads, the first one is free in Kindle and on Nook.
Mary it was a pleasure learning about you and your work.
