A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog

Author |Interview: Marianne Jones

Author Interview:

Marianne Jones

by A.E. Albert

Books

Title: The Serenity Stone Murder
Genre: Cozy mystery

Title: Here, on the Ground
Genre: Poetry

Title: Great Grandma's Gifts
Genre: Children's picture book

Is there anything in your book and/or books based on real life experiences?

Everything I write has some connection to my life. My collection of poetry, Here, on the Ground, is informed by the beautiful geography of northwestern Ontario, where I live, and by the internal and spiritual geography of my life. 

Great Grandma's Gifts is a tribute to my mother, who didn't have much in the way of money, but used fabric remnants and her time, talent and love, to create clothes, dolls, toys, stuffed animals and quilts for her family. 

The Serenity Stone Murder is about two middle-aged church ladies who go all over my home town of Thunder Bay, trying to track down the murderer of a casino manager. I have no personal experience with casinos, but I know a lot about middle-aged church ladies (of whom I am one), and Thunder Bay. I had a great deal of fun creating this humorous cozy romp.

What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?

C.S. Lewis has been one of the greatest influences on my life and thinking. More recently, Eugene Petersen, creator of  The Message is someone I turn to again and again. In terms of non-theological literature, there are too many to list: mainly literary novelists like Hugh MacLennan, Margaret Laurence, Dostoevsky, Charles Dickens, F.Scott Fitzgerald. And poets like Kipling, Whitman, Langston Hughes, Stephen Crane.

What has been your greatest challenge when writing?

Plotting is always a challenge. I love to write, but hate to come up with plots. They are the biggest factor in procrastination for me. When my sister was urging me to write a murder mystery set in Thunder Bay, I told her that if she helped with the plotting, I would write the book. The result is The Serenity Stone Murder, which I dedicated to her, since it would never have happened without her.

What are you working on right now?

Presently I am ghostwriting a memoir of a woman who has survived horrendous abuse, a murder attempt, 50 suicide attempts, and life on the streets. She is now a happily married mother of two, a vibrant Christian, and a frequent speaker on mental health issues. 

She has appeared on 100 Huntley Street, a Canadian Christian television show, and received the Courage to Come Back award from the Canadian Mental Health Association. My working title is The Girl Who Wouldn't Die.

What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?

I have learned that all writers struggle with self-doubt. I have learned that ambition gets in the way, creating frustration and discouragement. I have learned that it's not about success or money or fame, but about giving yourself permission to do what you love, and being faithful to God's call on your life. My advice to other writers is to read the "greats." You will internalize more writing skills from them than from any number of writing courses.

About the Author

Marianne Jones is a retired teacher, actor, and choir director from the wilds of Northwestern Ontario. She is married with two amazing daughters and two gorgeous granddaughters.  She writes, blogs and celebrates life. Although not all her words are carved in stone, three of her poems are, in permanent installation at Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park in Thunder Bay.


You can find Mariannes's books at:

Amazon:

The Serenity Stone Murder

Great Grandma's Gifts

Here, On The Ground

mariannejones.ca

Contact me if you would like an author interview.