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Ask the Author: Marta Perry

“I'll be answering questions about my new book, ECHO OF DANGER, this week.” Marta Perry

Answered Questions (7)

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I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because 96% of manuscripts are rejected, and I haven't had an idea for years, literally. There's too many people wanting to be writers, and knowing there's so much competition just kills me a little every day. When I get motivated, immediatly something appears about the industry that kills it. Any tips on how to deal with this?
Marta Perry If you want to write badly enough, you'll keep on writing despite all the gloom and doom news that circulates! If you're writing seriously, of course you want to keep up to date on industry news, but without taking it so much to heart. As long as you are actively writing, you'll keep having ideas--there's nothing like the physical act of writing to give you new ideas!
Best,
Marta
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I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because 96% of manuscripts are rejected, and I haven't had an idea for years, literally. There's too many people wanting to be writers, and knowing there's so much competition just kills me a little every day. When I get motivated, immediatly something appears about the industry that kills it. Any tips on how to deal with this?
Marta Perry If you want to write badly enough, you'll keep on writing despite all the gloom and doom news that circulates! If you're writing seriously, of course you want to keep up to date on industry news, but without taking it so much to heart. As long as you are actively writing, you'll keep having ideas--there's nothing like the physical act of writing to give you new ideas!
Best,
Marta
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I was wondering, can your Pleasant Valley series be read out of order -- are they stand alone stories?
Marta Perry Each story stands alone in the sense of being a complete story, Barbara, but if you enjoy seeing the other characters in the Pleasant Valley community grow and change, you'd probably like to read them in order.

I hope you enjoy Pleasant Valley!
Best,
Marta
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I was wondering, can your Pleasant Valley series be read out of order -- are they stand alone stories?
Marta Perry Each story stands alone in the sense of being a complete story, Barbara, but if you enjoy seeing the other characters in the Pleasant Valley community grow and change, you'd probably like to read them in order.

I hope you enjoy Pleasant Valley!
Best,
Marta
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What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?
Marta Perry The odd little things that happen to me and to others make wonderful starting points for a new suspense. Why doesn't my sister remember a particular incident from our childhood in the same way I do? Why did my friend's brother disappear, only returning when he knew no one was home? How did someone get into my friend's apartment and why take only a new skillet? What lies behind a stranger's insistence that we've met before? All of these questions may have simple answers, but to the writer's imagination, they are all story germs, ready to sprout into full-blown mysteries!
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I am now on the third book of the "new Amish Trilogy". I keep a computer log of what I read, when, by author, then title. Just today, I discovered that the three "dark" books are called the Watcher in the Dark series. What is the name of the Amish "secrets" trilogy"?
Marta Perry The secrets series is actually called House of Secrets, but since that doesn't appear on the books, most people don't know it!

Thanks,
Marta
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Was your Pleasant Valley name and setting inspired by Happy Valley and Big Valley? I was born (and spent the first 18 years of my life) in central PA, so I have to wonder...thanks!
Marta Perry Yes, it was--clever of you to guess. Obviously I changed things about the community to suit my stories, but that's where the name came from. I live outside Bloomsburg, and I've often driven through that area.
Best, Marta
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I cannot find In Plain Sight and the two that goes with it in any book stores. Can you tell me where I can get them? Thank you Martha. my email is bbysnks9@yahoo.com
Marta Perry Hi, Martha. You can order them online at Amazon. I'm afraid most stores wouldn't have them since they're not the most recent books. If you don't have success or prefer not to order online, email me at marta@martaperry.com and I'll find some other way of getting them to you.
Best,
Marta
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just finished book 1 of keepers of the promise series am looking forward to the next one. really enjoyed it, janna when is it due?
Marta Perry Thanks so much, Janna. The next book, The Rescued, will be out in June. If you'd like a signed bookmark and my brochure of Pennsylvania Dutch recipes, just send me your mailing address. Send to marta@martaperry.com.
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