When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I often journaled when I was a child, but I did not realize that I wanted to be a writer until I was about 45 years old.
Who is your publisher?
I self-publish my own books through my business, His Pasture Press.
What does your family think of your writing?
My family does not read my writing; however, they encourage me to write. They know that my life does not feel complete without writing. My husband, in particular, knows that writing is therapeutic to me. When I have words to share, he normally picks up on it, and he’ll make sure I sit down and write without distraction.
How many books have you written?
I have published four books. Two are co-authored.
- Annie’s All About Goats: Essential Goat Care by Mary L. Humphrey
- Essential Lotion Making: Skin Care Made Easy by Mary L. Humphrey
- Essential Soapmaking by Mary L. Humphrey and Alyssa Middleton
- Advanced Soap Making: Removing the Mystery by Mary L. Humphrey and Alyssa Middleton
And I am in the Selah Press Anthology, 360 Degrees of Grief: Reflections of Hope.
Do you write a blog?
I am a blog addict. When I shift gears in life or business I always feels the need to start a new blog.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
The easiest thing about writing is what I call dump writing. Writing without thinking about grammar or spelling. Writing from the heart. Writing to help other people. The editing, and then re-editing, becomes the most difficult part of writing. By the time you are at this stage of writing a book you’ve seen the same words over and over again. The thought becomes, is it finished yet?
Is there a message in your book(s) that you hope readers will grasp?
The majority of the time, my writing has a base purpose—to teach and to encourage.
What are your future project(s)?
I have several projects started. The first is a devotional/memoir, and I also have a children’s book written in 1st draft.
What are you working on at the minute?
I am actually helping clients with writing projects. When I was a child, struggling with English, you would never have convinced me that I would be offering this as a service today. It is fun and exciting, rather fulfilling to find the words for others.
Why do you write?
I feel compelled to write. I describe this as words, experiences, and thoughts, that I feel drawn towards sharing. It is a feeling of bulging at the seams until I get my thoughts into written words.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
Her name is Kayla. She told me, “If you have a story, write it.” I did.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
I write part-time.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
Writing comes to me when the world is quiet and fresh, in the morning. This is peaceful time, a special time…like a gift that only I can use in my own way.
Do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
I write nearly every day. If I am not writing a book, I am expressing myself in writing somehow and somewhere.
For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I prefer ebooks because they are easier to fall asleep to with book in hand. Yes, I like to start the day writing, and I enjoy ending the day reading. I love the smell and look of books, which can never be replaced, so I am nearly ashamed to admit that I purchase a lot of ebooks. Ebooks are convenient and seemingly l limitless.
Who designed your book cover(s)?
I chose the cover photographs and the actual book covers were designed by the amazing and artistic Jennifer Smith, owner of eco-officegals.com.
Which social network worked best for you?
Hands down, I believe Twitter is the top social media market for authors. Tweets step right into the Google feed, and suddenly, you are known as an author and people are finding and buying your books.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” –Maya Angelou
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Pay attention to what drives you, what sparks you, what makes you feel happy deep down in your bones. Recognize this as talents and gifts and use them for what they are, for the bettering of you and for a benefit to the lives of others.
What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you?
I am thrilled when I receive an email that begins as a connection from a book that I’ve written. Also, comments and connections through blogs, with Twitter and Facebook falling into place after that.
Follow Mary
Websites/Blogs: His Pasture Press and Reliance Outsourcing
Facebook: @MaryHumphreyAuthor (His Pasture Press), @relianceoutsourcing
Twitter: @mary__humphrey and @austintexasva
Linkedin: Mary Humphrey
Amazon Author Page: His Pasture Press
