Marilyn V King

I went from full-time mom for 20 years to full-time business owner for seven years, owning two gift shops and an espresso coffee shop, to full-time author. I love spending time with my family, my children, grandchildren and husband. I have been married nearly 30 years to my wonderful husband,Bob. We are a, Yours, Mine and Us family. I have four kids seven beautiful grandkids and a great-grandbaby on the way! Counting my husband's brood we are a huge family when we get together for the holidays, weddings, birthdays, or barbecues. And in our hearts, all of the grandchildren are both mine and his. Each one is so dear.

I love writing, and I love words, and I love being a novelist. It is such a privilege to be able to get up in the morning and set pen to paper. I've contributed to the High Desert's Howling at the Moon anthology. But my first thrill is having published, The Winds of Grace, in May 2012, and my new release, Isabel's Song May 2014.

I go to great pains,(smiling as it is fun)to do my research to get all the details right before I start writing. I collect pictures from magazines, or sometimes take pictures of people to have my characters in front of me as I write, and then . . . as I'm an avid paper doll collector, I dress my characters up in the period the story takes place. Now I know what they will wear as I write!

I generally start my writing day first thing in the morning. Coffee in hand, I find my writing place and begin. This is usually in my formal dining room, but I also write in the kitchen nook, chair by the fireplace, or, at my desk in the office. I write a chapter at one sitting. I start early morning, with my husband bringing me a snack or meal throughout the day. I write on yellow ledger pads and transfer my material to computer later.

When I'm not writing, I love to read, read, read. I also, sew, embroidery or work on Creative Memory Albums. My husband and I love to travel. There are times that while he is driving, I'm writing. When we get to our destination, I type it up.

Another favorite pastime is visiting friends and fans on Facebook or Twitter. It is a treat to meet with other authors at writer's conference, our personal High Desert California Writer's Club, or at two of the critique groups I'm involved in, twice a month.