Mary Winter

INTERVIEWED: April 2007


Please introduce yourself :)

A: Born and raised in the Midwest, I live with my partner, a menagerie of animals, including an opinionated horse and a cat who was a dog in his past life. My parrots constantly give me orders, or laugh at inopportune moments, and I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything. I enjoy writing, creating my podcasts, nature and the outdoors, and if I'm not at my computer writing, I usually can be found out at the barn.

How did you become a writer?

A: I discovered romance novels when I was twelve and suddenly realized that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to bring these wonderful, heart-warming stories to people. I began writing, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Which genres do you write? Are you thinking of braching out?

A: I write erotic contemporaries, including M/M, fantasy, futuristic, and paranormal. I am dabbling with a few historical ideas, but otherwise, I'm quite happy with what I write.

How do you gain inspiration for your writing?

A: Life. I love to people watch. I love to make up stories, and I love a happy ending. Put them all together, and that usually means there's a novel brewing somewhere in my mind.

Please tell us about your publisher(s).

A: I currently write for three publishers, Ellora's Cave, Changeling Press, and Loose-Id. I've been with Ellora's Cave since December of 2002, and my first print book came out last June with the publication of StarMyst 1: Prodigal Son, which is available in both electronic and print forms. I participated in the Dreams of the Oasis III anthology, which also is available in print and electronic format. The rest of my titles are in electronic format only. Changeling Press launched my Elemental Elves series, with Elemental Elves 1: Horse Play, and I've got a couple of very hot stories coming out from them later this summer/early fall. And Loose-Id has agreed to release Sexual Healing, a book previously published with Venus Press.

Have you received any nominations for any award?

A: Two of my titles were nominated for Ecataromance Reviewers Choice awards, and the Dreams of the Oasis III anthology won the 2006 CAPA for best erotic romance anthology.

Do you have any mentors?

A: I do have several writers I find as inspiration, or who I want to be when I "grow up." (grin!). One of the best things about this business is that for the most part everyone is willing to help out everyone else. There's always lost of encouragement, congratulations, and answers when you most need them.

What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?

A: I love creating stories that take readers away from their ordinary lives for a little while and give them a nice escape. I also like to blend some of my concerns, such as the environment, into my writing to share them with readers. I can't think of anything I dislike, really.

What could you tell aspiring authors?

A: Keep trying and tell the story of your heart, not the story you think will sell.

Please tell us about any upcoming books, events or chats.

A: As part of the Night Whispers Authors group, you'll find me on the 12th of every month on the Ellora's Cave chat loop for our Night Whispers list mom day. I also hold a DeLurk day once a month on my own chat list. I have several titles contracted, and look for new releases around August.

Where do you interact with readers on the net?

A: My chat loop and message boards. As a member of Night Whispers Authors, I also play on their chat loop. And, I also try to play on my publisher's chat lists, my space, and other romance reader loops.

Do you have a 'day' job?

A: Yes. I work from home though which makes it easier to keep up with my ever-growing "to do" list of writing-related things.

Do your family and friends know that you are a published author? What has been their response?

A: Yes, they know. They're very happy I'm working toward achieving my dreams and have been very supportive.

How can we find out more about you?

A: My website is http://www.marywinter.com. I also have a myspace page - http://www.myspace.com/mary_winter you can also visit my series websites - http://www.elementalelves.com and http://www.dangerousspirits.com to learn more about these series.

Where should we go to stay up to date with whats going on in your world?

A: Lots of places.

Newsletter - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marywinternews
Chat list - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marywinterchat
My blog - http://www.marywinter.com/blog.html
My podcasts - http://podcasts.marywinter.com/