CAFÉ:

Speaking of coffee, a new feature here at the NoName Café is to ask our authors about their favorite coffee or coffee shop. Are you a coffee drinker?

MARY:

I do drink coffee, Lorie. My favorite is hazelnut. The only place I hang out, I'm afraid, is in front of my computer, where I drink my home-brewed coffee.

CAFÉ:

Who is your publisher?

MARY:

Berkley Prime Crime.

CAFÉ:

When does your latest book come out?

MARY:

September 4, 2007.

CAFÉ:

Can you tell us a little about the new book?

MARY:

STRING OF LIES is a Cozy mystery. This is the second book in the Craft Corner mystery series. Set in Abbotsville, Maryland, Jo McAllister tries to make a go of her new craft shop after the tragic death of her artist-husband. But a local developer throws a kink into her plans – then ends up dead.

CAFÉ:

How long have you been writing?

MARY:

My first mystery short story was published in 1997, and my first mystery novel in 2000. Before that, school newspapers, a lot of dabbling, then more serious work toward eventual publication.

CAFÉ:

When did your first novel come out? And what was it called?

MARY:

December, 2000, RESORT TO MURDER.

CAFÉ:

Why don’t you tell us a little about it?

MARY:

A young, Baltimore high school math teacher goes to the mountains for a little R&R, but runs into the murder of a former student instead.

CAFÉ:

Have you always written mysteries? If not what else have you written?

MARY:

My short stories and novels have all been mysteries. My first paid writing was a twelve-line humorous verse on home-made Christmas presents published in the Saturday Evening Post.

CAFÉ:

The Saturday Evening Post must have been fun.

What brought you to choose the setting and characters in your latest book?

MARY:

I chose a small town setting, creating the fictional town of Abbotsville, Maryland, because I wanted a place where most people knew each other and news spread quickly. My main character, Jo McAllister, is new to the town, and is fascinated by the contrast to living there from living in New York.

CAFÉ:

What is the main reason that you write?

MARY:

It’s a wonderful outlet for creativity!

CAFÉ:

Do you write to entertain or is there something more you want the readers to take away from your work?

MARY:

I’d like my readers to learn a little something as they (hopefully) enjoy the story. Jo teaches various workshops in her craft shop, and there are directions for a craft project at the back of the books. But there’s also a little information about southern Maryland and the people who live there.

CAFÉ:

The craft project is a fun extra bonus for your readers.

Do you have a schedule for your writing or just write whenever you can?

MARY:

I write most mornings.

CAFÉ:

Mornings seem to be a common time for writing.

Do you outline? If not, do you have some other interesting way that you keep track of what’s going on, or what needs to happen in your book when you are writing it?

MARY:

I have very sketchy outlines, which change as my story progresses. I keep lots of notes regarding time-lines, clues dropped, and red-herrings slipped in.

CAFÉ:

Day job?

MARY:

Not anymore.

CAFÉ:

Did you find it difficult to get published in the beginning?

MARY:

Yes – I sent out what seemed like endless queries until finally getting my first book published.

CAFÉ:

Obviously persistence paid off.

What kind of promotion do you find most affective?

MARY:

I do a combination of bookstore signings, online promotion, newsletters, and convention appearances. I have no idea which is most effective. (wish I did!)

CAFÉ:

Future writing goals?

MARY:

Just to continue writing.

CAFÉ:

Who is the person you would most like to meet dead or alive?

MARY:

I’d enjoy meeting Stephen King, preferably alive. Meeting Jane Austen would be fantastic, too.

CAFÉ:

Assuming you have time to read, what do you read?

MARY:

Anything and everything. Lot of mysteries, a few biographies, history, literary fiction, the newspaper.

CAFÉ:

Hobbies?

MARY:

I’ve dabbled in crafts over the years – all kinds. I’ve played piano for years, and enjoy playing tennis for fun and exercise, as well as gardening.

CAFÉ:

Creative person all the way around then.

Favorite TV or movies?

MARY:

Favorites change from week to week, but I lean toward humor.

CAFÉ:

Pets?

MARY:

We’ve had several cats over the years – all delightful.

CAFÉ:

What part of the country/world do you live in?

MARY:

Maryland.

CAFÉ:

I’d love to visit Maryland someday.

Any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?

MARY:

Write what you enjoy, join a good critique group for objective feedback, and educate yourself on the publishing marketplace.

CAFÉ:

Anything you would like to add?

MARY:

Just to thank you, Lorie, for this opportunity!

CAFÉ:

You are very welcome. We have enjoyed having you hear at the Café.

Where can we find you on the web?

MARY:

http://www.maryellenhughes.com

CAFÉ:

Where can people purchase your books?

MARY:

Independent book stores, chains, and online book sellers.