Mary J. Dressel has an AA degree in Human Services with a specialty in child development.
The fictional towns in her new book are based on actual places where she used to live.
Now please join me in chatting with Mary.
HRC: Mary, congratulations on having your debut novel, Visions of Enchantment, published! Tell us about this wonderful ride you’ve had, “the call,” seeing your book in the bookstores for the first time, everything!
Mary J. Dressel: “Being a published author is truly a wild ride! I had the manuscript for Visions of Enchantment in and out of more drawers than I can count! It kept calling to me to do something with it. Finally, after it sat for too long—I sent it in one last time! It was accepted! There were so many emotions from that point on. I think I cried with each new step. Then my local book store had my book on display in the main aisle. To see my creation, my dream sitting there for all to see, was so overwhelming, I can’t even explain how happy it made me feel.”
HRC: What made you decide to become an author, let alone decide to write romance?
Mary J. Dressel: “I didn’t have a choice to be an author. Writing calls to me, and it makes me complete when I do it. Why did I decide to write romance? I guess I still believe in love, and there's something special about creating two characters and letting them find a love to last throughout a lifetime!”
HRC: What did you do before you decided to begin writing? Do you have an interesting or humorous story you would like to share with us from any of your prior occupations?
Mary J. Dressel: “Well, I started writing at a young age, but before I became serious about it, I worked in an elementary school full time with kids with learning disabilities. I have many humorous stories from children; it would be difficult to choose just one!”
HRC: How difficult would you say it was to have your work first published?
Mary J. Dressel: “On a scale of 1 to 10, getting my book published was about an 8 1/2. It was very difficult. I had to know if I wanted an agent or to go it alone? Did I want to pay or not pay to have it done. Did I want to keep trying or give up? Yes, it was very difficult to get that first book published.”
HRC: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Mary J. Dressel: “My advice to aspiring writers is to never give up on their dream of seeing their work published. It’s grueling at times, but don’t give up if you really want it.”
HRC: What is the creative process for you behind writing a romance novel?
Mary J. Dressel: “Building a relationship between two characters in romance is like building it in real life. It takes time, tension, and attraction. I can’t develop characters to jump into bed on the second page. I have to build their relationship and that way I can feel what they feel between each other. If I can feel their love, so can my readers. You just have to do it a little quicker in a novel!”
HRC: Let’s now talk about Visions of Enchantment. We meet Uriah and Eryn in this first book. Please tell our readers about this couple and how their story came about.
Mary J. Dressel: “Uriah is tall, blond, and as handsome as can be. He’s a gentleman when he needs to be and a rogue when he wants to be. Eryn is a strong-willed, beautiful woman with her own mind. Their story came about because I love time-travel romances myself. After discovering that Victorian town in Pennsylvania, I wondered what it was like a hundred years ago. I dove into researching the Victorian Era and that town, and I came up with a hero who would love his heroine more than anything else, who would do anything for their love. And in return, his heroine would love him forever. What takes place in between is the story I hoped for.”
HRC: Of all the books you have written thus far, which is your favorite?
Mary J. Dressel: “Visions of Enchantment is my most favorite book I’ve written. I feel so close to the characters and the setting that I get a good feeling each time I read it. It’s, honestly, the best story I’ve ever read!”
HRC: Is there a particular character which holds a special place in your heart? If so, why?
Mary J. Dressel: “I think Hanah Grace is one of my special characters. She reminds me of my grandmother. She is always there to make sense of things, to put things in prospective.”
HRC: Your characters seem so real and complex. How do you 'find' or create these endearing heroes and heroines?
Mary J. Dressel: “My characters’ physical appearances just come to me. Sometimes I have to search for a while for just the right name. I always make a character profile and try to give them real life characteristics with flaws, fears, fantasies, strengths, and weaknesses I always try to make their voices distinctive so the reader knows who is talking. I think you’ll find that with the twins, Avis and Alyce in Visions of Enchantment.”
HRC: What era in history intrigues you most?
Mary J. Dressel: “Oh, I would have to say the Victorian Era. Everything about it -- the clothes, the homes, the etiquette —everything!
HRC: Which romance genre, historical or contemporary, do you like best and why? Do you write both?
Mary J. Dressel: “I do write both Historical and Contemporary novels. I probably love historical more, although it’s more difficult. But, on the other hand, I like to write what I know — so I like contemporary for that reason.”
HRC: The sequel to Visions of Enchantment is Enchantment’s Embrace, which will continue Uriah’s and Eryn’s story. Can you give us a little bit of a sneak peek? When will it be published?
Mary J. Dressel: “I’m not sure of a publication date for Enchantment’s Embrace. My website will have details and updates. A sneak peak of Enchantment’s Embrace—
“It's been a year since Eryn remembered her past and also her past life with Uriah. They settle into the Enchanted Inn, exploring their relationship, finding a heated love that is only found in fairytales. But it's not long before trouble starts brewing and Eryn's family is once again in danger against something they know nothing about. Once again they have to make the decision whether to use the Portal and travel back to their own time of 1882 to find the answers. Will they put themselves at risk for the Portal to steal their love once again? You'll laugh with them and cry with them, but the surprise twists and turns will have you turning the pages until the very end.”
HRC: Do you have more books planned for the Enchantment series?
Mary J. Dressel: “The Enchantment Series will consist of four books. I have started Book Three on paper and Book Four in my mind.”
HRC: When you are not immersed in creating your own fantastic worlds, are there romance writers whom you read? Which authors have inspired you in your own writing?
Mary J. Dressel: “When I find time to read, it’s usually Linda Lael Miller, Amanda Ashley, and Christine Feehan. Kathleen Woodiwiss and Rosemary Rogers were two authors I used to read way back when, and I credit them with inspiring me to write.”
HRC: When you get that longed-for chance to relax, do you have any favorite hobbies or activities you enjoy?
Mary J. Dressel: “Photography is my biggest hobby. I also like to bike ride, travel, and take walks. Traveling along with photography really helps with my historical writing.”
HRC: Do you have any other works in progress you can tell us about?
Mary J. Dressel: “Two novels still await completion. One is a contemporary novel which takes place on Lake Michigan. The hero is a lighthouse keeper. The other is a vampire romance and the heroine has the fangs! I’m also working on three short stories.”
HRC: What would you say is the most difficult thing about writing?
Mary J. Dressel: “One very different part of writing is knowing what to cut and when to do it. After all, I wrote it, how can I just hit delete and say good-bye to my own creation? My words become a part of me. That sounds so silly! Finding time is probably another very difficult thing about writing.”
HRC: What would you say is the most rewarding thing about writing?
Mary J. Dressel: “Writing is rewarding in itself. Having the ability to do it is a gift I appreciate. When someone emails me and tells me they love my book and they want more, it’s very rewarding to know it brought someone enjoyment. Also, to tell someone I’m published is rewarding just to hear them say, “Wow, I know an author.” Maybe a little big headed, too, but very rewarding!”
HRC: Is there anything more you would like to share with us?
Mary J. Dressel: “I would like to take this time to say thanks to my faithful readers, both present and future. Also, thanks to all the authors who have befriended and inspired me. And thanks to you for taking the time to interview me and Visions of Enchantment! Thanks!”
HRC: Thank you, Mary, for spending time with us!
Please visit Mary’s website at www.maryjdresselbooks.com. Her books may be purchased at www.publishamerica.com.
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