Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary DeMuth.
Mary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a writer since as long as I can remember. I spent the decade of the 90s writing miles and miles of unpublished words, doing what Malcolm Gladwell talks about in his book OUTLIERS: I logged 10,000 hours of applied practice. We moved to the Dallas area in 2000 where I pursued my writing and speaking career full time. I met my literary agent in 2004, and soon after had two books contracted with major publishers. I’ve written three books a year for 13 years now, and I’ve spoken around the world sharing this idea: you can restory your life. Your past story does not need to define where you’re headed.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Publishing is a very difficult business. I tell potential writers to settle their worth and calling before they begin. Publishing can never validate your life, but if you think it does, you’ll end up with heartache. People move around in the industry, abandoning your project. Sales ebb and flow, which determines what kind of advance you’ll receive. Speaking engagements cancel. There’s a bucket-load of busywork as well. Today I spent several hours working on minutia for my daily podcast. Glamorous? Hardly. But I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love being a content creator!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I create content across all sorts of platforms: video, audio (podcasting), blogs, articles, eBooks, books, and audio books. I host a daily podcast called PRAY EVERY DAY where I pray for five minutes (for you!) 365 days a year. I also help potential authors with their publishing dream at BookLaunchMentor.com. I run two week-long writers intensives in Rockwall (February and July) where I share everything I know about the book writing process–including finding time to write, self-discipline, best writing practices, how to dream up and write a book, creating book proposals, seeking agents, self-publishing, branding, building a platform, web development, and how to successfully launch a book. It’s basically the kitchen sink of everything I’ve learned over the decades about publishing.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a difficult situation, experiencing an extremely unsafe home, multiple parental divorces, the death of a parent, in home drug abuse, and sexual abuse by neighbors. Writing helped me make sense of everything. I’ve always been attracted to words and stories. I also really loved people and valued my friendships.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.booklaunchmentor.com AND http://www.prayeveryday.show
- Email: MARY@MARYDEMUTH.COM
- Instagram: @MaryDeMuth
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormarydemuth
- Twitter: @MaryDeMuth
- Other: http://www.marydemuth.com
Image Credit:
Mary DeMuth
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