Tell us a little about yourself
I am a sixty-nine-year-old award-winning debut novelist. My novel “The Lockhart Women” was published in June of 2021 by She Writes Press. My short stories and poems and have appeared in publications such as The Sonora Review, 166 Palms, Lunch Ticket, and The Ear. I live in Huntington Beach, California with my husband who plays ukulele, and our terrorist cat Riley.
Why Do you write?
I write to understand my world. I love storytelling and creating characters, especially flawed ones who get in all kinds of trouble.
What genre do you write and Why did you pick this genre?
I write fiction. I called The Lockhart Women women’s fiction simply because it’s about women and I identify as a woman. But male readers enjoy it too and the novel was a finalist in the Women’s Fiction category in the American Fiction Awards.
Tell us about your book
The Lockhart Women is a mother/daughter/sister story set in Huntington Beach, California in the mid-1990s. It’s about choices and regrets. Brenda Lockhart has never worked outside the home when her husband announces he’s leaving her for an older (and in Brenda’s opinion much less attractive woman) coworker at the post office. He drops this bombshell on the night of the OJ Simpson slow-speed chase through Southern California. Brenda needs to go find a job. Instead, she watches the Simpson trial 24/7. Meanwhile, her two teenage daughters make their own bad decisions with lovers and crime.
How much time do you dedicate to your author career?
I’m a caregiver for my fiercely independent 99-year-old father but otherwise writing is my full-time job. I’m spending a lot of my time promoting my novel these days and am anxious to get back to work on novel number two.
How long on average does it take you to write your books?
I spent six years on The Lockhart Women. I’ve just finished a rough draft of a second novel, which I’ve been working on for a little over two years. I’m a “pantser”, not a plotter, which isn’t always efficient but it takes me some time to explore and understand my characters and figure out what kind of trouble to put them in. I’m hoping novel number two doesn’t take six years!
What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?
Attending the Fiction Workshop at Community of Writers in the High Sierra. I got very honest feedback on my work and met incredible writers who have become friends.
What is the most difficult part of being an author?
Lately, it’s been breaking my social media addiction, acerbated by the need to promote my novel, which is slightly ironic, considering the protagonist of The Lockhart Women also struggles with her addiction to the media frenzy around the OJ Simpson trial. I’m looking forward to disconnecting with my phone eventually.
What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors?
Find a writing community and support and champion their work. Find a workshop group to get feedback and learn to trust your own voice.
What is your favorite book?
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. I love unlikeable characters.
Provide direct book link for purchase
*https://bookshop.org/books/the-lockhart-women/9781647421007
Follow Mary
*Facebook @mary.camarillo.31
Instagram @marycamel13
Twitter @marycamelmarywebsite
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