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MEET MARY MAIN
by Bonnie O'Brian

When you were a child did you ever have moments when you decided that you were going to be a writer when you grew up?

In middle school, I researched and wrote a journal as if I were on Magellan’s voyage to the New World. I really got into the work, describing all the horrors that befell the crew. That assignment gave me the exhilarating experience of creating a character and surrounding him with drama. I earned an A+ and was seriously hooked on writing from then on.

Mary Main

Was your first book accepted immediately? or did you experience a number of rejections?

My first published book, a supernatural thriller called TOWER OF EVIL, garnered several stinging rejections before it was published by Troll and went on to sell over 100,000 copies.

Do you do other types of writing - for example, educational, nonfiction, magazine work?

I write poetry and greeting card verse and have enjoyed being published by Blue Mountain Arts, and others. Recently, I was notified by “Ideals” that the magazine wanted to publish a poem I submitted to them in 1989! Another reminder to never give up.

Have any of your fiction stories been about real people or events?

I’m working on my first historical novel, and although the main character is fictional, several real people from history take part in the story. I’m especially fond of Elizabeth Packard, a feisty crusader for reform of nineteenth century mental asylums.

What other jobs you had before you became a writer/illustrator?

I’ve worked as a retail clerk, secretary, editorial assistant, and paralegal. Recently, I joined the faculty of the Institute of Children’s Literature. I’ve never had more fun earning a steady paycheck. My students are all ages from all over the country and continually amaze me with their talent and commitment to writing.

Which of your books did you most enjoy writing?

TOWER OF EVIL was the most fun to write, because it was my first book and I was clueless. I set the novel at the beach where I spent summers as a child and let my imagination run amok.

Do you like to include humor in your stories? Or adventure? Or mystery?

I’m an avid mystery fan and like to include intriguing elements in my biographies as well as my novels. The opening of DR. PHIL: SELF-HELP GURU AND TV SUPERSTAR is basically a variation on the “dark and stormy night” theme with Dr. Phil in perceived danger in the Texas countryside.

Has anyone ever written you a fan letter that you’d like to share?

After TOWER OF EVIL was published, I received a delightful fan letter from a girl named Nicole. Her school sponsored a day where the kids dressed up as their favorite book characters, and she chose to dress as my heroine—the nicest compliment I could imagine.