Mary Ann Bernal, Author Spotlight
Hello book lovers!
Today is a day where I will be writing another author spotlight for a
well-accomplished author whose work I have loved. As you know book lovers I
love learning about authors and the inspiration behind their work, it
fascinates me and adds to the depth of the book because the reader will be able
to better understand it. That is how the author spotlights were created because
I soon discovered that you lovely readers ALSO love learning about author’s, so
I am excited to tell you a little bit more about author Mary Ann Bernal whose
books Planetary Wars and her two Scribbler Tales books thrilled and compelled
me from beginning to end. I personally would recommend these books to all of
those that love fantasy and science fiction as well as entertaining stories!
but really the books can be read by anybody as they are flawlessly written and
highly enjoyable. With today’s author spotlight, a biography of the author and
an interview between me and Mary Ann Bernal will be shared, and I hope that you
book lovers enjoy reading it! To kick this off here is an author bio about the
wonderful Mary Ann Bernal!
Mary Ann Bernal attended Mercy College, Dobbs
Ferry, NY, where she received a degree in Business Administration. Her literary
aspirations were ultimately realized when the first book of The Briton and the
Dane novels was published in 2009. In addition to writing historical fiction,
Mary Ann has also authored a collection of contemporary short stories in the
Scribbler Tales series. Her latest endeavor is a science fiction/fantasy novel entitled
Planetary Wars: Rise of an Empire.
Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the
United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and
other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The
Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in
Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work.
She has also been a featured author on various reader blogs and promotional
sites.
Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn,
Nebraska.
Now, how wonderful
does Mary Ann Bernal sound?! Mary Ann Bernal is a truly exceptional writer and
I hope that you lovely readers have a read of the author’s work because you
will not regret it! Please see below an interview between me and the author and
I hope that you enjoy Mary Ann Bernal’s answers to my questions, they are
incredible and provide some great advice too!
Thank you for joining us today
at Red Headed Book Lover! Please tell us more about yourself
Thank you for having
me, Aimee.
In addition to being
an incurable romantic Anglophile history buff, I am also a science fiction
fanatic, yes, I proudly admit to being a Trekkie. I know, opposite sides
of the pendulum. My son once told me I was born too late, having missed out living
in ancient times. I quickly corrected his perception. The past is a great place
to visit for a day using a time machine, of course, but, alas, I was born too
soon. My profession of choice is a Starship Captain, and Captain Janeway paved
the way.
My priorities are and
always will be family first, supporting the children’s and grandchildren’s
interests and pursuits. Throughout the years, this enthusiastic aficionado
cheered everyone on to victory, or for playing a great game when defeated. From
baseball to basketball, dance competitions to theatrical performances. Whatever
the event would find me sitting in the audience.
Remembering that
freedom is not free, I have been involved with military support programs since
Operation Desert Storm. My work is dedicated to our fallen heroes, we must
never forget their sacrifices. The next time you see a member of the Armed
Forces, please thank them for their service.
Could you please tell us
readers about your book and what inspired you to write your book?
Did you ever wonder
why “good” girls stay with “bad” boys? Why did Eva Braun choose to become Adolf
Hitler’s longtime companion, marrying him shortly before his suicide? Again,
the pendulum swings. Why did Padmé Amidala refuse Anakin Skywalker’s offer to
rule the galaxy together?
Anastasia Dennison,
M.D. is swept off her feet by Jayden Henry Shaw, not realizing he is the
terrifying dictator who rules the Empire. Once she learns the truth, there is a
choice to be made, does she divorce her husband or ignore her conscience and
enjoy the spoils of war? That, dear reader, is the dilemma. What would you do?
What would your advice be
for aspiring writers?
To quote Commander Peter Quincy Taggart (Galaxy Quest), “Never give up, never surrender.” There
will always be naysayers trying to dissuade a person to give up on a dream. It
is up to you to ignore the negativity and the rejection. Do not quit. Be
passionate about your work. Take classes and workshops. Learn your craft.
Everyone has a book in him or her. Not everyone actually writes one. Don’t let
that be you.
In your opinion, what is the
most important thing about a book?
Telling a good story
that has the reader experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon finishing the book.
Also, accuracy is
important. If unsure of a date or location, be vague with descriptions. And
historical events should not overshadow the narrative.
What is your writing process
like?
Before setting cursor
to blank screen, I set up my characters, name other worlds and make notes for
future reference. Next is finding a time to write daily. I have burned the
midnight oil, writing as soon as I got home from work, but since my retirement,
I chose a block of time that works with my schedule, which fluctuates because
of various commitments.
What kind of research do you
do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I am constantly
researching material. My file cabinet is filled with interesting facts on
a plethora of topics ranging from ancient history to galaxy exploration.
Unfortunately, no matter how prepared I am, there is always something that
needs to be checked, at which point I can search the internet. In the old
days, I would have to stop at the library on the way home.
Do you have a set schedule for
writing, or do you only write when you feel inspired?
Once I visualize the
story in my mind’s eye, I start writing. Sometimes, however, the
characters take me where they want to go. Sometimes they win, sometimes
they grumble, but they never give up trying to push the envelope. I love
sparring with my characters.
Do you read much and if so, who
are your favorite authors?
Recently, I’ve been
reading Michael Crichton, Scott Pratt, Steven Saylor, and J.B. Turner.
When can we readers expect to
read more wonderful books from you?
There will be another volume in the Planetary Wars series but will refrain using
titles – no spoilers here.
Before we close, would you tell us what inspired your diverse
writing genres, which range from historical romance novels to contemporary
short stories?
Erik, the Viking, was “born” while I was still
an impressionable teenager after having seen the period Hollywood blockbusters
of the time. A few examples are The Vikings, Knights of the
Round Table, Prince Valiant, and The Black Shield of Falworth, to name but a few.
My female characters
are strong women, following the example of Eleanor of Aquitaine who was a woman
before her time. When Eleanor was Queen of France, she participated in
the Second Crusade, was a powerful Queen of England, and as Queen Dowager, was
regent when Richard I was fighting in the Third Crusade.
With this background, my original The Briton and the Dane novel became a trilogy
because my secondary characters demanded more exposure. The Briton and the Dane: Birthright is the second
installment followed by The Briton and the Dane: Legacy,
where all is revealed.
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia, a character offshoot from the trilogy, is a
coming of age story, and is the recipient of The Coffee Pot Book Club book award.
The Briton and the Dane: Timeline, is a fantasy about an archeologist traveling
back in time to meet Erik’s last descendant with whom Dr. Gwyneth Franger is
obsessed, and has also received The Coffee Pot Book Club book award.
***
Does anyone other than myself remember The Fireside Theater, which was the first successfully
filmed anthology series (circa 1955) on American television? There was a
new story every week showcasing the writing talents of a few of my favorites,
such as Rod Sterling (The Twilight Zone).
Yes, the impressionable kid never left! And
the mature writer remembered, creating the Scribbler Tales short
stories collection comprised of wide-ranging genres: Crime,
Fantasy, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Occult, Romance, Spies &
Espionage, and Thriller & Suspense.
Scribbler Tales Presents: Escape from Berlin, which features Betrayal, Deadly Secrets,
Murder in the First and The Ritual. Compelling stories, different, yet so
familiar, since mankind has yet to learn from its mistakes.
***
Its official book
lovers, I am obsessed with Mary Ann Bernal! If you have liked what you have
read about the author and are interested in learning more, then please do have
a browse of the link and be sure to have a read of the preview too! You
will not regret it.
Goodbye for now book lovers,
***
Escape from Berlin
Mark Dresdner’s cover is blown, forcing him to flee East Germany, yet he refuses to leave the woman he loves. Finding the border crossing blocked, and the enemy closing in, will he evade capture or be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice?
Featuring
Betrayal
Aelia gives herself completely to the man she loves, revealing a life-threatening secret, trusting her husband unconditionally, but is he deserving of her trust?
Deadly Secrets
Lysandra seeks a new life in America, hoping to forget her past, but an accidental meeting with a man who knows her true identity endangers her happiness.
Murder in the First
As judge, jury, and executioner, Bethel decides the fate of the man responsible for her plight, but things go terribly wrong and the predator becomes the prey.
The Ritual
Devona’s initiation into a modern-day pagan sect on All Hallows’ Eve sends the terrified young woman fleeing for her life amidst a raging storm. Escaping the sacrificial altar, will she survive the tempest?
