Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.
The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Cindi Ferrini is Connie! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)
This week Mary-Ann Kirby is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of her book, I Am Hutterite, leave a comment on this post!
Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?
I live in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan but I often dream of living in Italy. I’m blessed with a wonderful son who is 14 years old. I am the owner of Polka Dot Press and between shipping books, writing and traveling for speaking engagements this is my full time job.
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
My genre is non-fiction but I do admit on occasion to adding “jam” to a story to make it juicy. This is quite admissible in Hutterite culture. If you’re going to tell a story, tell a good one and if you have to add harmless embellishments by all means do.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
I began to write because I had an important story to tell. Remarkably in our 125 year history in North America, nobody had told our story. The Hutterites are one of the most misunderstood cultures on the continent. I wanted to change that. Did I dream of being a published author? Never. I wanted to be a singer, not a writer but I have been very blessed in my writing career so far.
After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
7 long years. I received so many rejection letters I could dance to them. It was only after I self published in Canada to great acclaim that I was picked up by an American Publisher, Thomas Nelson.
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well?
A great cup of coffee and a piece of pie, preferably Hutterite Sucre pie.
Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write?
Yes, I tie myself to my chair in front of my computer in my Polka Dot Press office and force myself to write. Somehow “settling in” is the hardest part for me. Once I get going I start to enjoy it almost right away.
How many hours a day do you spend writing?
The amount of time I spend is erratic. Time just flies so sometimes its one, or two or five hours. And I don’t write everyday….just when the deadline is chasing me. I am best under pressure.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences?Your mom as your first draft reader?
By far my biggest help was my editor and best girlfriend Arvel Gray. She helped me envision and develop my story and I helped her paint her house and supplied her with Hutterite eggs and chickens. It was the best possible situation. No, my mom did not read any drafts because she would have crossed out everything hurtful or controversial. She was an entirely unreliable critic! I love her dearly and she me, nonetheless.
Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?
It’s better. Because of the success of my book I travel quite alot as a Keynote speaker for conferences, communities, and corporate functions. This I love. I have just returned from an engagement in Fairfield, Montana. I was invited by the “Friends of the Fairfield Library” What a great afternoon that was. So many people came we had to get a bigger venue. It was just wonderful!
What are your biggest distractions?
A messy house. I absolutely can’t write until my house is clean.
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
The best moments were when big chain stores like Walmart and Costco started ordering my little self published book by the boxfuls and it became an overnight sensation here in Canada winning a major award and embarrassing all the publishers who turned me down. The worst moment was having to borrow a significant amount of money from the bank to self publish and wondering if I will ever be able to pay it back.
What do you least like about being a writer?
The deadline thing.
Most like?
It’s a pleasure to work from home. I can wear pajamas or a ball gown, comb my hair or not. How cool is that!
What is the role and importance of an agent?
I have never had an agent but not from lack of trying. In my experience an agent is as hard to get as a publisher. In the end I chose to go it alone and I have so far no regrets about that.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Just because someone rejects your manuscript doesn’t mean it isn’t good. I am proof of that.
Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.
Nearly 80 percent of people in North America have never heard of Hutterites. If you are one of them you absolutely have to read I Am Hutterite. It will take you on a fascinating journey inside the Hutterite culture, known as the forgotten people. It will make you laugh and cry and, I promise, teach you the power and value of your own cultural heritage.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
My next book, out in Spring of 2012, is called Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen. More than a cook book it will include the camaraderie, the gossip and food that an average Hutterite Kitchen puts out (3 times a day for 125 people) in the community kitchen. The photograghs are priceless! Watch for it.
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
I Am Hutterite is available at fine books stores, at Amazon.com and signed copies are available at www.polkadotpress.ca.
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)
Would love to win a copy of Mary Ann's book, sounds very interesting. Thank you for sharing.
Have a God Filled Day
Shirley
I would love to read your book. Hope u have a bless day.
I would love to win a copy of this book to add to my library…..hope you have a wonderful day….
Mardi
I've seen your postings about Hutterite's but didn't know who/what they were, so now I did some research and this book sounds really interesting. I like that it's a true too.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
wrensthoughts.blogspot.com
I love finding new authors! I would love to win her book! I think she sounds like one of the kind of books I would really enjoy! I love, love, love all your books!
I have always wanted to read a story about the Hutteries. Can't wait. When will it be out?
Linda Landreth, Corpus Christi, TX
Looking forward to reading this book! angadair@nwcable.net
I love true stories! Mary Ann's interview was definitely interesting and has me excited to read her book. Would love to win a copy and thanks for the opportunity. God Bless You.
Just read the interview with Mary Ann and am intrigued with the Hutterites. Hadn't heard of them before. So winning a copy of her book would be great way to learn more!
Aleda Swartzendruber
swartz2@mchsi.com
Interesting interview. Enjoy reading about different cultures. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Mary Ann's book.
jlscott49 at roadrunner dot com
Wow! I would LOVE to learn more about the Hutterites. I've heard of them and am very intrigued. Your book sounds like a wonderful beginning to my research. I'm glad you were persistant about your writing. I don't think I have that much patience. God does have a plan and sometimes I SO wish he would clue me in. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
I would love to win and read your book! I hope to do so and have a wonderful weekend!
Would love to win this book. I belive there is a community of Hutterites in Washington. Certainly is a different way of life
Wow…what a wonderful interview with Mary Ann Kirby….I would love to ….win the book……..babyruthmac16@yahoo.com
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN.
ANGELA FROM KY
ANGELAC@MCHSI.COM
Would really enjoy reading Mary Ann's book about the Hutterites.
would love a copy of your book! Very interesting article too! Love reading about authors and finding new ones to get addicted too..lol!
csmtoni@gmail.com
I would so love to get Mary Ann's book. I have heard that name once and wanted to find out more about these people. Please draw my name. (Wishing
I read Judith Miller's books about the Amana Colonies and wondered if that was what they were, but that name was never mentioned. They did have the big community kitchens tho. Am real interested in this book, and enjoyed the interview. Proud for you, Mary Ann that you were able to finally able to get your book out and is a success. I has a girlfriend once with your exact name. Maxie Anderson (mac262@me.com)
I would so love to get Mary Ann's book. I have heard that name once and wanted to find out more about these people. Please draw my name. (Wishing
I read Judith Miller's books about the Amana Colonies and wondered if that was what they were, but that name was never mentioned. They did have the big community kitchens tho. Am real interested in this book, and enjoyed the interview. Proud for you, Mary Ann that you were able to finally able to get your book out and is a success. I has a girlfriend once with your exact name. Maxie Anderson (mac262@me.com)
I would so love to get Mary Ann's book. I have heard that name once and wanted to find out more about these people. Please draw my name. (Wishing
I read Judith Miller's books about the Amana Colonies and wondered if that was what they were, but that name was never mentioned. They did have the big community kitchens tho. Am real interested in this book, and enjoyed the interview. Proud for you, Mary Ann that you were able to finally able to get your book out and is a success. I has a girlfriend once with your exact name. Maxie Anderson (mac262@me.com)
I would so love to get Mary Ann's book. I have heard that name once and wanted to find out more about these people. Please draw my name. (Wishing)
I read Judith Miller's books about the Amana Colonies and wondered if that was what they were, but that name was never mentioned. They did have the big community kitchens tho. Am real interested in this book, and enjoyed the interview. Proud for you, Mary Ann that you were able to finally able to get your book out and is a success. I has a girlfriend once with your exact name. Maxie Anderson (mac262@me.com)
I posted a comment on Good Reads but i dont think it will count for this giveaway. I have a big curiosity for peaking inside the Hudderite culture and would love to win a copy. Thanks 🙂
Ooops forgot to leave my information from the above post.
hannasmom2003 (at) hotmail (dot) com
would love to win a copy of mary ann's book its look like its a good book thank