Mary DeMuth shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Mary, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I’m painting, I lose track of time. Hours go by without me checking my watch. I usually paint to music, which enhances the experience.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My branding word is RESTORY. I help people restory their lives, by creating safe spaces for people to share their difficult pasts. I do that by writing books (more than 50 now), speaking, creating small scale art projects, podcasting, and managing a literary agency.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I felt supremely inferior. I grew up in a chaotic home full of neglect, sexual abuse, substance abuse, and divorce. I never felt like I fit in because of this. And, as an only child, I had a hard time fitting in. I would gravitate toward “normal” families and wonder what was wrong with me that I had the story I did.
Thankfully, I am now more confident. I’m no longer defined by my past story, but by all the terrific relationships with my family and friends who cheerlead me and pray for me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
This happens a lot in publishing. Every time I write a book, I wonder if it’s my last one (only to be overjoyed when a publisher offers a new contract.) Publishing is a very hard business. It’s not easily predictable. You can write a good book that meets the needs of readers, but the problem is often discoverability. With so many books on the shelves these days, it’s hard to be discovered, and it’s nearly impossible to predict what works and what doesn’t work in terms of marketing.
For example, I have received a wide range of book advances, some small, some large. But they didn’t grow in a logical line. So it’s hard to predict your income with fluctuations like that.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely.
I am an authentic writer and speaker, What you see is what you get. I’m no different when I’m on TV, a podcast, speaking at my local church, or standing in front of a larger crowd. I am simply me.
I think it sometimes disarms people, as I tend to be very forthcoming and honest. I do that so others can find themselves in my story. I hated feeling alone as a kid, so as an adult I try very hard to let people know they’re not alone.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I am constantly writing, speaking, podcasting, and “art”ing. I hope my audience would miss my creative contribution to this world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marydemuth.com
- Instagram: @marydemuth
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marydemuth/
- Twitter: @marydemuth
- Facebook: /authormarydemuth
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MaryDeMuth
- Other: Prayeveryday.show
marydemuthliterary.com
Image Credits
Mary DeMuth headshot: Courtney Davis
Freedom of Surrender: IVP, InterVarsity Press
