Mary Elizabeth Fricke

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm a country girl having grown up next to a dairy farm and married nearly 42 years to a fifth-generation farmer. Country is what I know so most of my stories involve at least a country setting and one or two country-savvy characters. I'm a wife, mother, and grandmother who is also a night owl. My best writing is done in the wee, silent hours of the night. When I'm not writing or helping my husband on the farm, I spend my 'down time' reading or doing jigzaw puzzles on my computer, tablet, or phone. I also dabble in crafts or painting now and then, and have been known to be a minor-seamstress.

When and why did you start writing books?

I began making up stories before I could write them down. I wrote my first full-length novel when I was twenty-one

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I've never really thought of writing as a career. It's just something I do, so much a part of me I'm firmly convinced if I stop writing I will stop breathing.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Johnie in Sweet Pea

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Sweet Pea. I have no idea how many times I rewrote it over a thirty-year period. The story was always too long, no matter what I did. So when an editor suggested I try rewriting it in 1st person (instead of 3rd person) I discovered do so not only shortened the story, but made it fly because I could elaborate one person's POV (as opposed to supplying the views of 10 characters)

Who is your favourite author and book?

My favorite historical novel is Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. I have a long list of favorite authors including Sandra Brown (romance), to John Bowers (futuristic science fiction), even Newt Gingrich (fiction and non-fiction). Lately, I've been reading more e-books from newbie independent authors than books by successful traditional authors

What book are you reading right now?

My husband gave me 'Radio's Greatest of all Time: Rush Limbaugh' and 'Just Tyrus' for Christmas. I also have several various fiction, romance, or suspense on my kindle waiting to be read. I haven't had time to read any of them just yet....but I will...sooner than later.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

My husband and I grew up on family farms deep in rural Missouri. Today, as the farms have become more incorporated, the family farms have begun to disappear. I want to preserve some of that precious family farm lifestyle through my writing.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My mother swore a woman could not live unless she knew how to sew. So, there was a time when I made most of mine and my sons' clothes. My sons grew up and my sewing machine got old, and material became really expensive, so I don't sew so much anymore. Arthritis took away my ability to crochet. So, these days, while I still embroider some things for gifts, my downtime is spent reading or doing jigsaw puzzles on my computer, tablet, or phone

Do you have any new books in the works?

I just published the 5th story of my Birds in Peril Series, Wise, Bold Eagle. Primarily, Eagle involves the romance between Sylvia Pentherst and Thad Hunt. However, drama erupts when Sheldon Humsler escapes prison and seeks revenge. There will probably be one more book in this Birds in Peril Series. I'm taking notes on that while I work to promote Wise Bold Eagle