Jodie Pierce's Ink Slinger's Blog: Author Mary Lynn Bast!

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Mary Lynn Bast today to my blog!

What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why?)?

My name is Mary Lynn Bast. As it so happens there is a Mary Lynn Bast PhD who has published a few books of her own. Although it would be nice to be associated with someone who has enough brains to be a doctor, I didn’t want to confuse anyone. So I combined my first and middle name making it MaryLynn Bast. It seems to work. J

Tell me a bit about yourself:

I have been married to a wonderful man, Patrick, for 10 years. I have three children, James 22, Jennifer 25 and Justin 26. I know not very creative with names back then.

A little over three years ago I moved from Texas out to the see the city lights of Las Vegas. I worked for a company contracted with the military so I was able to travel the US, to S. Korea and Japan. During this time I also decided to follow my dream of publishing a book. No Remorse was written while I was on an Air Force Base in Japan.

What type of genre do you write?

I write Paranormal Fantasy/Romance, although I am branching out into a little Sci-Fi and possibly some children’s books.

What genre to you personally read?

I read most paranormal romance, slipping in erotica’s on occasion and a few Sci-Fi’s

Tell me about your latest?

My latest book On The Run was published on Dec 13, 2013. This is a tale that continues the Heart of a Wolf Series. With so many questions in the other books, I had to go back to the beginning and tell the tale of Amber when she leaves Blake behind and the shelter and why she must always be alone.

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?

I have always loved reading. As a kid I would devour a book each night. I would always wonder what if the author did this instead of that. Around 12-13 I started writing my own stories. However, I didn’t have a supportive family so I had to write in secret.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?

Not really a specific book, but an author. I found out that I am a descendent of Mark Twain. I have no way of tracing the heritage, because my grandmother was adopted, but this is what they tell me anyway. Finding this out encouraged me to continue to write.

The authors who affected my writing style and genres are Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan and Laurel K. Hamilton. I love the way each of them does world building and I want to be just like them when I grow up.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

My stories tend to be based on real life events that take place in women’s lives every day. I hope that my stories empower them with the knowledge that they don’t always have to be in an abusive relationship. They can be independent and take care of themselves. They just need to make the stand and do it. I did with three small children in tow.

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?

Time is one of the bigger challenges. Not having enough time to get all the stories out of my head and onto paper. Life kind of gets in the way sometimes and another distraction for me is my other hobby as a paranormal investigator and co-founder of a paranormal group CAT Parapsychic…shameless plug here: www.catparapsychic.com and my venture into the world of radio broadcasting where I am becoming a regular at KLAV 1230 AM. I’ll soon have more information my website dates and times I will be on. It’s available online too!

What has been your best moment as a writer?

I would say the best moment(s) for me is when I get a fan contacting me wanting to know when the next book is coming out. It was amazing to have a fan do a fan-girl squeal when we met.

Who is your author idol?

Do I have to choose just one? Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan and Laurel K. Hamilton

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Funny, my husband was just saying the other day that Amber is just like me. A loner, strong headed with a way of figuring out how to make things happen. Like me, Amber doesn’t like crowds, but she (and I) can tolerate them.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?

My dreams are coming true every day! I never dreamed I would be writing my 10^th book. Honestly, when I started writing No Remorse my goal was to publish that and be done. When fans contacted me, talking about how much they loved Amber and Blake I had to continue.

What does your workspace look like?

I have turned a bedroom into my office area. I have an L shaped desk that faces the corner. I work from my laptop and have a desktop sitting in the corner for when I need to do some research. Or while chatting on Facebook and Skyping. I am a multi-tasker. J I have a TV in the corner that rarely gets turned on. Two bookshelves completely overrun with books. On the walls I have my collection of swords, blade and knifes. My collection of wolves and dragons and a pretty dream catcher wind chime hanging in the corner. My desk stays clear most of the time, on occasion getting cluttered until my slight case of OCD kicks in. I have my office chair, one for Magic my black, long-haired cat and one for Mr. Boggles, my Boston Terrier/Beagle when he is not on the truck with Patrick.

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?

YES but Anna Dase won’t let me! Anna is my PA and keeps me on my toes. She reminds me all the time of what I am supposed to be doing and I love her for it. She is the person who knows my books as well as I do.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I am a full time student working on my Bachelors in Graphic Design. I have my own graphics design company. When not doing homework or writing, I am out doing paranormal investigation and delving into the spiritual world to help others.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Is there such a thing as a sane writer? I don’t think so…heheheheheh.

I think for me, I have to take a break from the fantasy world and go hang out with real people for a while. Though I find the entire time I am out, my muses are yelling at me to come home.

Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer?

I knew as a kid I was meant to write. The realization that I am an actual author hit me when I published this last book. I was talking to my friend about it and wow. I’m an author and I love it!

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

On days you think it’s not worth it, step away from the computer, the notebook or whatever you are writing in/on. Breathe and remember you are writing because you enjoy it. There will be days you want to give up. There will always be stress. You can’t let any of that stop you. Write when you can. One day it will all come together.

For me, the best thing was to get with other people who have the same passion, other authors. They know exactly what you are going through at any given time. Most of all have fun with your writing.

After this book, what is next?

Loaded question. J I am working on Blake and Amber’s Special Valentine Delivery. I am working on the next novel in the series – Softest Touch. I also have another series started – Panther Pride – Corporate Affair and a few others that are still in the beginning stages. I did mention children’s books earlier. I have one written for 3-5 year olds. I’m working on the graphics now and will see how that goes over.

Your website?

Your blog?

Other websites?

Where can your book be found?