We caught up with the brilliant and insightful M. Ann Pritchard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi M. Ann , thanks for joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
The kindest thing that anyone has ever done for me is a great teacher took the time to believe in me that I was able to learn how to do things so she tutored me after school.
I was failing 6th grade in school but my teacher did not give up on me and saw that I had potential. She tutored me after school to teach me the best way for me to learn things the way that I am able to learn. Once she taught me the best way for me to learn to get my education it warmed my heart to know that I am good enough to learn and do great things.
I don’t know what I would have done in life if it were not for her being so loving, caring and kind to make sure that I was not left behind in my education. I dedicated one of my children’s books, Val’s World Featuring The Family Unity Roundtable’ in her honor. Her name is Mrs. Margaret Hampton.
Even after I grew up she had supported me in everything that I had done and I am very thankful and grateful for her. She has passed on from this earth now but I will never forget her.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
l am from a large family of 16 children originally from East Tennessee. My father, the late Rev. M. David Machen,Sr. was a Baptist Minister and my mother was a homemaker with many talents for baking,sewing painting and creating all kinds of great crafts. I come from a very talented family so I have several talents.
I had always wanted to become a published author but of course, things in life put up obstacles but I never gave up. I didn’t publish my first book, ‘Phil the Pill and Friends Making Positive Choices’ until I was a 50 year old grandmother. I wrote it to help encourage children to learn how to read, stay in school to get their education, learn how to communicate in a positive manner and learn to make positive choices. As the saying goes, it is never too late. I would like to tell everyone if you have dreams in life to never give up.
Once I observed how many families were falling apart and not being families like I remember how families used to be when I was growing up I decided to write my 2nd children’s book, ‘Val’s World Featuring The Family Unity Roundtable.’ I wrote it to help encourage children in getting their education but to also help bring families closer together.
I wrote my 3rd book, ‘The Spirit of Sixteen’ which is not a children’s book but a great book that is based on a true story of love, hate, ruthless betrayal, fear, faith and courage.
I am also a songwriter, I wrote the 5 children’s songs that are in the book, ‘Phil the Pill and Friends Making Positive Choices.’ I wrote the songs ‘Tonight’ and ‘A New Life’ that are in the book, ‘The Spirit of Sixteen.’ Also, the song, ‘Drugs and Alcohol’ by MAMP Creations and other songs on my BMI list. I am hoping that other artists will decide to record some of my songs. I feel that I am too old now.
I had been an actress for many years in theatre and outdoor dramas. But after I had moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota I had decided to not do any more acting until Christine Clayburg convinced me to act in films. Now I love being in films/movies even at my old age, lol. I feel very proud to have followed my dreams in life.
I also have a small business, MAMP Creations in which I have merchandise that have positive messages to help change the world.
I feel that I am a good example that all people in this world can learn to do things but we just have to learn in the way that is best for us. Everyone does not learn the same but we all can learn. Also, everyone can follow their dreams if they put the work in and not give up. I advise people who want to make their dreams come true to stay focused and strong. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do it!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Yes! I am trying to bring more awareness to social issues in hopes that people will open up their hearts and minds to know and understand that we are all on this earth to live a good life and want to be loved, respected and supported. Things may not always go our way but we can work together to make this world a better place for all. Especially, if everyone feels love, respect and support maybe we will have less violence, crimes, domestic violence, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, gangs,mass shootings, etc. in this world.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Yes! I remember when I first started out how some people didn’t understand or believe in me of what I am doing. They laughed at me and said that my business doesn’t fit in any category that everyone else’s does. They also told me that what I do makes them think more about the world and what needs to be changed in it and most don’t want to think about it!
I keep on going because if I can help encourage one person to get the help that they need or encourage a child to not give up on getting their education or following their dreams then I feel that I have done my job.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mampcreations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m._ann_pritchard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.ann.pritchard/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MAMPCreations
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MANNMACHENPRITCHARD
- Other: Books on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/M.-Ann-Machen-Pritchard/e/B002BM9DLM
- IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7886397/
Image Credits
M. Ann Machen Pritchard