Mary Andonian was one of the first writers I met after I moved to Oregon almost seven years ago. It’s my great pleasure to help her celebrate her first book publication. Please join me in cheering for Mary Andonian…
Mary Andonian is the author of the teen book, Bitsy’s Labyrinth. She is the former Agents and Editors Coordinator for the Willamette Writers conference, one of the largest writing events in North America. She currently serves on the board of Willamette Writers. When she’s not busy transporting her kids to soccer, theater, and hip hop, Mary is busy working on books two and three of the Bitsy series. For more information about Mary, please visit www.maryandonian.com.
Book Description:
It’s Summer Solstice and Bitsy Johnson feels utterly abandoned by her mom. She can’t wait to see her dad, even though he’s asked Bitsy to keep his visit from California a secret from his new wife. Bitsy’s mom, a recovering alcoholic, has dug up a piece of their lavender farm and replaced it with a labyrinth in order to better commune with God. Now Bitsy has to explain to her friends why her mom has uprooted perfectly good farmland for what looks like a swirling paver patio. Bitsy’s best friend Gina has her back so she’s cool with the labyrinth. Josie thinks it’s lame. Dylan is clueless. And then there’s Nick. Bitsy and Nick are buddies, but lately she’s felt, well, something more. When tragedy strikes Bitsy’s world, the unexpected happens, and much of it has to do with Bitsy’s labyrinth.
1. How has writing (either just the act of writing or writing this book or both) impacted your self-confidence?
Writing clarifies my life’s meaning, and my self confidence improves as I gain a better understanding.
2. What are three words that describe your creative book-writing process?
Three Rs: Ruminate, Rewrite, Resilience
3. What good has your book created in the world?
Bitsy’s Labyrinth was created to inspire young girls and women to take pause and find peace, not because of their circumstances, but despite them.
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Thanks for participating, Mary!
Mary self-published her book with pride and panache. It is my belief that droves of writers will be self-publishing in both print and e-book forms in the years to come as the stigma to do so lessens.
What do you think about self-publishing, would you ever do it? Have you considered it? More importantly have you checked out the wide range of options available these days?
Answer in the comments in 50-200 words (no less and no more to qualify to win one of today’s books). Please read the complete rules at least once!
Mary is allowed to answer too, but not until tomorrow, after her winner is drawn, because she can’t win her own books.
Thanks for participating in the Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway! Please spread the word.
