Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Please Welcome Spunky Senior & Romance Author, Mary Marvella

One Lucky Commenter Will Receive - A free download from Smashwords of The Gift or Haunting Refrain, or if both were already read, a download of Forever Love. Please leave your email address to be contacted, in case you win.
Mary is in the middle
My former students are reading my sex scenes. How strange is that. 
by Mary Marvella, AKA Mary Marvella Barfield

Last night I saw a message on Facebook that made me grin! One of my former students said she LOVED reading my books. She finished 2 novellas and is halfway through one of my novels. She says if she HAD to choose a favorite, it would be the reincarnation story with ghost facilitators, the one she is now reading, Haunting Refrain. I didn't quote her, because I haven't had the chance to ask permission. I did hint strongly that I would appreciate reviews. 

 All my stories have steamy sex, so I had concerns that my "older" kids might feel odd knowing their teacher wrote those love/sex scenes. Most are now parents, and some are even grandparents. Hmmm, several offered to be my proofreaders/beta readers.  I taught those folks when they were teenagers. Having them as my friends  now rocks!  Some call me Mary, while others still call me Miz Barfield, but they all seem to enjoy having me join them for social events.  I get to hang out with the cool kids.  I love being able to share my work with them.

I started websites and blogs with the help of younger savvy folks. Sometimes I think I have the blogging thing down. Other times, NOT. Twitter? Not yet, but soon, I guess.

Who is Mary Marvella?
I'm a mom and teacher. I still tutor after retiring from the classroom. My daughter is now 39 and her daddy, my first love, is my Ex.  Tutoring one-on-one is wonderful most of the time. Now I know immediately if I reach a student or not and can spend as long teaching a concept as necessary.  Having parents call me a miracle worker warms the cockles of my heart and helps pay bills.

I have been a storyteller since I could talk. No, I didn't write my first novel at 10, but I made the other kids and people within earshot listen to my stories.  I actually wrote my first novels and short stories after I retired from teaching. I finally had time to read for pleasure again and write.  I wrote some of the old family stories and the stories I made up for my daughter.

 As a language arts teacher I still love the classics. As a woman who loves a good love story, I adore romances and women's fiction.  The decision to self-publish wasn't easy, but it made sense. I could never write to the market.  I write the stories I must write if I want to have any peace from my characters.  

The act of uploading my own books kicked my sagging old butt! I am technically challenged, but I managed to upload 2 novellas and 2 novels to Smashwords, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Now for the promo. Drum roll!
The Gift
On Edna Mae's 40th birthday she buried her controlling father and lost her virginity in a one-night stand with a stranger she never expected to see again.  Her life is about to change in more ways than she could imagine.

Excerpt:

Inside the restaurant piano music drifted from a bar and the scents of garlic and tomatoes made me even hungrier. The music changed to something that sounded like a recording. I caught myself humming softly with the music.
For the first time in my life, a man looked at me with desire in his eyes. The delicious memory made me shiver with anticipation. Having a drink from the bar, another first, I answered the man’s smile with a shy one of my own that had come more naturally than I’d expected.
Crinkles around his gray eyes matched his crooked smile. “Waiting for someone?”
I remember fidgeting with my top button, round and smooth against my rough fingertips. Clearing my dry throat, I answered. “No, no one.”
His smile lit his face and I smiled I return. “Mind if I join you?” His deep voice vibrated through me.
 When he sat, I nearly panicked. What could I talk about with this handsome stranger? What could we have in common?
The waitress looked so envious, leaning toward him and pursing her red lips, I almost blurted that the man wasn’t with me. But he was – at least for now.
He ordered the special, and so did I. I had no idea what I wanted and could barely think straight with his attention centered on me. He commented on our choice of steak and fresh asparagus - something we had in common, after all.
We talked about everything from movies to his work experiences and college education. I lied about my background, since there were none of those things for the woman who had devoted her life to nursing a bedridden parent until three days ago. If he’d asked me to repeat what I said, I’d have been hard put to do so. I did remember shredding the soggy napkin from under my glass.
Someone began to play the shiny baby grand piano. The stranger and I glanced around the crowded area, commenting on people around us. When had so many people come into the restaurant?
He spoke first. “Didn’t know there was live music tonight.”
“The music is nice.” Too brilliant for words.
He smiled and looked pointedly at my nearly empty plate. Neither of us said anything, but when he held his hand out.
I took it and stood.
“I don’t dance,” I said, apologizing.
He drew me close. “We can stop when I step on your feet too many times.”
A shiver hit me as I smiled. More than likely I’d step on his feet. I couldn’t push the man away yet, though I probably should have. Dancing with the handsome stranger, I lost myself in the warmth of his strong arms until the bar closed at midnight. Unlike Cinderella, I didn’t run home.

The Gift.


Other books by Mary Marvella
Haunting Refrain, Forever Love, and Christmas's Best Bet, Humble Pie.

41 comments:

  1. Good morning! Spring has sprung in Georgia and pollen covers everything.

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    1. Welcome to Spunky Senior Authors and Talents, Mary. We have an early Spring here in Illinois, or maybe I should say Summer, with temperatures lately in the 80s. Today, predicted close to 80 and then we may see some relief. We're not used to heat just yet, and haven't given in yet and turned on our air conditioners.

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    2. I like your place, Morgan.

      My air will be on soon if things don't become more like early spring! I have used fans for a week, though.

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  2. I loved your post, Mary. I'm a retired teacher, too, and when the school found out I had some books published, the librarian asked if I want to donate one or two to the school library. Uh, no...they're romance. I don't think so.
    But like you, some of my students are reading my books, and several are my FB friends--now most are in their 40s and I say, You don't need to say Mrs. Yeary..just call me Celia. They talk about that once in a while--wow, it's weird to call Mrs. Yeary by her first name. Funnny.
    I know you are a great writer and you books always sound very intriguing!

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    1. Thanks, Celia! I LOVE being able to follow my "big kids" on FB. I also love that some of them are enjoying my sexy books. My stories are different.

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  3. Spunky senior, Mary you'll never be a senior! Spunky yes. Enjoyed your excerpt and your "spunky" post.

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  4. Thanks, Linda. You're as "spunky" as they come. The stories I could tell!(snort)

    I am older than you kiddo.

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  5. Hey Mary, I love that your former students are reading your work. I felt awkward when my grown-up kids' friends read my book and comment. Without fail, its the steamy parts they mention. Maybe they think since they've known me since forever that I am androgynous? Who the heck knows? Anyway, congrats on being super spunky and writing great books! Maggie

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    1. I wondered how the kids would feel about the sex scenes. They love 'em! They think I'm spunky, too.

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  6. I never think of you as being a "senior", Mary. You're way too spunky for that! And always, you're on the go. I love it. I've downloaded your books on my Kindle. Can't wait to get to them!

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    1. Melanie, I could HUG you. I am truly a senior, medicare and all. I hope you enjoy my books. Yours are awesome!

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  7. Hi Mary, I just finished reading THE GIFT and loved it. Folks, you should check my review on Amazon and read that book. Edna Mae is a special heroine you will love and remember.

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    1. Mona, I am sooo glad you "get" Edna Mae. Your review made me proud for my girl.

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  8. Mary, you're at the right place because 'spunky' defines you. Great excerpt!

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    1. Thank you, Edie! Choosing excerpts isn't easy, is it?

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  9. Mary,
    Pollen is covering everything in SC, also. I've had my doors and windows open to let in the fresh air, but now I'll have to dust all the furniture.

    Best wishes with all our books. I'm looking forward to reading them.

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    1. Thanks, Joanne.
      Pollen wins for now. Windows closed!

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  10. Hi Mary,
    Welcome to the group! I'm also a retired teacher, and have decided to offer writing help to high school students working on their college app essays. I miss the kids, their energy, and my satisfaction when I help one make the right connections and find their confidence. Your book sounds great ~ wishing you all the best with it. If I win a copy, I will read and review it at my blog:
    http://terrysthoughtsandthreads.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Terry. I enjoy teaching at a variety of levels. SAT tutoring is always fun.

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  11. Mary you are just amazing. I can't imagine your students having grandchildren. You look like a kid yourself! I am so proud of you and happy that you are selling so well. I can't think of anyone who deserves the accolades more than you do!!!

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    1. Mary R, I'd give you a big, wet smack on the cheek for those comments.

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  12. Mary, your post is delightful and I love your words,"sagging old butt" -- I can tell you are as young as ever.

    Good writing and if, by chance, the download comes my way, the email is Isisgor@aol.com

    My best to you.

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    1. Well, I'll cross my fingers for you, Betty. Tutoring is good for keeping me youngish. FB and my "students" make me feel like I'm still in my 30s. I'm glad the writing spoke to you.

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  13. Mary, how cool that you're hooking up with your former students (I'm avoiding the word "old" ;)). I love the headband.

    Rock on!

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    1. Wearing the costume was fun! I really enjoy my "grown" kids.

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  14. Wonderful post. I worry about people reading my sex scenes too. I haven't written one in a while, and sometimes when I go back and read one of my steamy stories, I think, "Gosh, did I write that?"

    Best of luck,

    Cheryl

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    1. Cheryl, write them if you feel they fit in the story. Write as hot as the story requires and let your characters do what comes naturally at the time.

      I've had that "Did I write that?" feeling. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised! Sometimes I shake my head and laugh.

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  15. Nice blog, Mary...Good luck with the book. A cute story!

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  16. Hmmm. I thought I commented yesterday, but it doesn't seem to be here. Sigh. Anyway, as I've said before, I really like the premise of The Gift. It is on my Kindle waiting for me. :)

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  17. Barbara, I appreciate the thought yesterday and today. I've composed comments and forgotten to hit send. At least you came back.

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  18. Hey! Me too! I was sure I posted a comment yesterday. Maybe I dreamed it. But I know I definitely read the blog. Very interesting post MM. I still love the cover of this book, it is one of my favorite stories. Southern comfort writing at its best.

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    1. Many thanks, Scarlet! My daughter did that cover. I do like love, lust, sweet tea, and southern comfort in my writing.

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  19. Mary, You're an inspiration! I love learning more about you. Great post. Keep smiling, lady.

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    1. Autumn, I watch you and am amazed. My Pink Fuzzy Slipper ladies keep me going.

      I'm actually rather boring. grin

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  20. Aw...I love the golden in the cover.

    Thanks for sharing this great post!

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  21. Mayra, I'm glad you like the golden. My daughter found it among her photographs and put him on the swing from another of her photos. Edna Mae and the stray dog need each other. That's all I'm saying.

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  22. I also love the cover dog. It makes the book look homey!

    Morgan Mandel
    http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

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  23. Hi Mary,
    Late to the party...was out of town, but I enjoyed the article. I, too, love working w/ kids...they're so much fun. Loved the excerpt. Keep writing good books for us!!

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    1. Late is fine, Sandy. I'm still checking here for stragglers. I hope you had a good trip.

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