Give us a couple sentences describing what you write.
I write contemporary coming of age novels that are aimed at
10-15 year olds. They’re set at a Christian youth camp and feature mostly male
characters who are dealing with family and peer relationships.
How would you label the overall mood of your stories?
I’d call them heart-warming and hopeful, with a bit of
adventurous thrown in for good measure.
What is the name of your latest book?
My latest book is Speak No Evil. It’s the second book in the
Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series.
What is the theme of your story and how did you come to
it?
One theme of Speak No Evil is to look deeper than the outer
appearance. Taylor, a 15 yr. old boy has a reputation for being a bully. But
that tough outer shell protects a hurting, insecure heart. The one person who
believes in him is his sister, whose adventurous spirit keeps landing him in
trouble. It’s not until someone else sees the good in his heart, and believes
in him in spite of overwhelming evidence, that he recognizes what his need for
God to cleanse him and give him a new start.
A sneak peek into what you're working on right now?
I’m working on the third book in the series, titled See No
Evil. It’s an interesting title because the main character is a 17 yr. old
young man who is blind.
Describe your writing space.
I write in several places. I have a desk and comfortable
chair in an upstairs bedroom where I go when I really need to concentrate and
not be distracted. But I occasionally write at the dining room table, standing
up at the kitchen counter, or sitting out on my patio.
Do you work a "day job?" Is there a secret/technique you’ve
found that helps with balancing the writing and working life?
I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for almost 28 years. My kids
are grown now so I don’t have the tug of war between family and work. But I
find writing on deadline very stressful because I’m a slow writer. I’m looking
forward to completing the Rustic Knoll series so I can have a life again. At
least until the next idea strikes!
Do you blog? If so, leave us the address.
I don’t blog regularly, but I do have one on my website: www.maryhamiltonbooks.com
Now the fun stuff... :)
On a dream research trip, where would you go? What would
you ask to see/experience first?
This has nothing to do with what I’m writing now, but I
would go to the British Isles and explore every part of them. I’ve always been
fascinated by castles, so that’s what I’d initially want to experience.
When you read, do you prefer paperback, e-book, or audio?
Why?
I’m not much for audio books, although I did enjoy one I
received as a trial. I like e-books when I’m reading for fun, but for
instructional books or authors whose writing style I really enjoy, I prefer
paperback so I can underline and mark spots I want to remember.
Author bio.
Mary L. Hamilton grew up at a youth camp in southern
Wisconsin, much like the setting for her Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series. While
raising her own three children, she was active in her church’s youth ministry,
hosting small group Bible studies and pancake suppers. One summer, she even
volunteered as a camp counselor for a week—and decided once was enough.
When not writing, Mary enjoys knitting, reading and being
outdoors. She and her husband make their home in Texas with a rescued Golden
Retriever.
Book blurb.
Having his younger sister at camp
was a pain, but Taylor Dixon never expected the pain would go so deep.
At 15, Taylor dreams of getting his
driver’s license and driving racecars when he’s older. Only his younger sister,
Marissa, believes in his dreams, but her adventurous spirit keeps landing him
in trouble. Dad won’t let Taylor get his license unless he stays out of
trouble, and predicts he’s heading for the same jail cell as his once-favored
older brother.
Taylor returns to Rustic Knoll
Bible Camp, expecting softball, swimming and sermons. Then he discovers a
classic Mustang in the camp’s machine shed, and the owner’s invitation to help
restore it fuels his dream of driving race cars. But when Marissa falls for his
snobbish cabin mate, the ensuing war of words and pranks escalates until it
threatens to destroy both the car and his dreams for the future.
Will Taylor fulfill Dad’s
prediction?
Or will the message of the old Mustang’s
engine set him free from the prison he built himself?
To view a book trailer go to: http://tinyurl.com/on44xf4
Which of these things can readers can do to help spread
the word about this book?
Word of mouth,
Amazon.com/Goodreads reviews,
Blog posts,
Tweets/Facebook posts,
Like the author's Facebook page, follow on Twitter,
Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads,
If you win/buy a copy, post a pic with the book,
Repin book quotes or cover art from the author on
Pinterest.com,
Recommend to a library or book club, or start one with
this book.
All of these are great suggestions. I’d add one more: if
your church has a library, or your kids attend a private school, buy this book
and donate it. Thank you!
You can connect with me here:
Website/blog: http://www.maryhamiltonbooks.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mhamiltonbooks
Twitter:@mhamilton122
Thanks Mary!
