We recently connected with Mary Ann Bernal and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mary Ann thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

It is said that everyone has a book inside them waiting to be written. Easier said than done. Becoming an independent published author takes a lot of hard work. Since I have a degree in business administration, I took all pertinent courses exploring creative writing through weekend workshops, seminars, and specialty schools.

I could not actively pursue a writing career until after I retired from the main workforce. No matter how much you prepare, you really don’t get down to the nitty gritty until you’re actually doing the work. It took years to acquire the do’s and don’ts through trial and error. There is a learning curve which is hard-earned but well worth it.

Perseverance is the key to success. Every corrected mistake adds to your arsenal of knowledge. It is a journey I continue to enjoy and expand upon.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I fell in love with the romanticized Middle Ages after reading Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott and spending Saturdays at the movies enjoying the Hollywood blockbusters of the day, including films like Knights of the Round Table and The Vikings with Kirk Douglas. Yes, I am dating myself.

My first novel, The Briton and the Dane, became a three-novel trilogy due to its complicated subplots. What started as Eric the Viking falling for Gwyneth, a lady in King Alfred’s court, evolved into an epic adventure of intrigue and betrayal. One mistake with my first novel was using Old English terminology, which modern readers found difficult to read, prompting the second editions to modernize the text. Please correct spelling Erik – thanks.

I also enjoy writing contemporary short stories and have one science fiction novel under my belt. Additionally, I have recently published the AnaRose action and adventure novellas. If you enjoy Indiana Jones, you’ll love AnaRose.

With my multi-genre options, readers can travel back in time, remain in the present, or immerse themselves in planetary wars.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I have been told that my passion for my stories and characters comes alive throughout the pages, and my exuberance shines through. Hearing someone say they liked my story makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worthwhile.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

When I published my first book in 2009, social media was just coming into the forefront. I read an article about congratulating an author on publishing their book, but it emphasized not resting on one’s laurels. It mentioned getting a website and having a blog. Needless to say, my first year of blogging generated only 250 page views—yes, it was depressing. Fast forward fifteen years, and my blog now records over four million page views. Perseverance does pay off. Keep on keeping on, as they say.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.maryannbernal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannbernal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBritonandtheDane/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/
• Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mary-ann-bernal
• Other: Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Image Credits
All images by Doc Ivan