Aside
Mary McLeary is the author of two Christian inspirational/devotional books. Heart Whispers from the Old Testament is her latest—it’s great to have Mary with us today to tell us all about it.
Hi, Mary. Welcome to 4writersandreaders. I’ve just downloaded your latest book to my kindle and look forward to having some fresh inspirational readings on hand when I’m on the go. Can’t wait to find out more about you and your writing. First, tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in a family that loved music and good stories. We listened to my folks play music from the 1940’s and share stories of friends and family. From them we learned there is a lesson in everyone’s life. Some lessons teach you what to do and some teach you what not to do.
When I was in third or fourth grade, my most exciting adventures happened on summer afternoons in our local library. The children’s section contained all the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books plus the classics that drew me into the author’s vision.
I grew up, married the love of my life, had three children, and taught school until a few years ago when I retired and began writing.
I live in Tennessee with my husband. Our daughters and their families are near so we can have frequent visits with our five grandchildren.
How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do?
I have been writing for over twenty-five years. About six years ago I began blogging. My genre is nonfiction/inspirational.
Can you give us a synopsis of “Heart Whispers from the Old Testament”?
The world has always been a hot mess, but God helps us if we will listen. Heart Whispers from the Old Testament, is a devotional book that gives readers a glimpses of people in desperate need of a Savior and then reflects biblical wisdom along with thoughtful entries from the prayer journals of the author’s mother.
What prompted you to write Heart Whispers from the Old Testament?
The Christmas before my mother passed away, she gifted me her prayer journals which were rich with her thoughts and observations written during her daily prayer and Bible study. They needed to be shared so I started a blog that lead to my first book, In My Mother’s Words. While doing a Twitter interview I was asked if I had any other projects in mind.
Until she asked, I had none. But I automatically said, “Yes, I’m going to write a devotional book and end each daily entry with a quote from Mother’s journal.” Heart Whispers from the Old Testament is that book.
Do you have a favorite line from the book?
Heart Whispers from the Old Testament is a devotional and all the scriptures, obviously, come from the Old Testament. After the book was completed, I realized I spent way too much time worrying about things I could do nothing about.
So my favorite quote is from Isaiah 41:10 along with this observation, “An antonym for fear is courage, and an antonym for dismayed is comforted. God doesn’t want us to be fearful or dismayed. He wants us to be courageous and comforted because He will be our help in every situation.”
What was the hardest part about writing your book?
The writing was going well. I was getting two or three entries done a day and saving them. One day I went back in and a big section wasn’t in my hard drive. My computer doctor found a virus that took what I thought I saved. I lost a lot of work, but actually wound up going a whole other direction with the book and what was a pain turned into a blessing.
Do you do anything besides write?
Heart Whispers from the Old Testament and my first book In My Mother’s Words took quite a bit of time, but there are many other things going on too. My husband and I love to travel and take frequent trips. Our latest was with long-time friends to Marathon, Florida in the Keys. While there, we visited Hemingway’s home in Key West.
Our children and grandchildren live close enough to attend their activities which we enjoy.
We are avid football fans. Our son-in-law is the head football coach at a local high school and my husband played for the University of Tennessee in “the day.” So fall weekends are pretty full.
We love being part of a church that constantly provides opportunities to go into the world and help others. For several years I tutored young adults preparing to take the GED.
I belong to two book clubs that challenge me to continue reading good books, and I love my card group.
I am grateful that I have plenty to do.
What’s next for author Mary McLeary?
Well, Mother’s prayer journals are full of more wisdom, and I enjoy studying the Bible so another devotional is probable. I also have a story that needs to be told, and when I figure out how to tell it, I’ll start writing my first fiction book based on that story.
Mary, it’s been great having you on my blog today. I look forward to delving into your latest devotional book and can’t wait to find out more about your upcoming novel.
Find out more about Mary McLeary and her books
Readers, thanks so much for stopping by for a visit. Mary and I would love to hear from you.
Have a great day and Happy Reading, all!
~ Bette A. Stevens
Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author 
Written
on 02/06/2016