gathering leaves: Feature: Guest Post by Mary Ting, author of Crossroads

Monday, September 26, 2011

Feature: Guest Post by Mary Ting, author of Crossroads

I'm super excited to have Mary Ting here today!!! My to-read/review list was (is) so long, I had to put off reading her new YA novel, Crossroads...but I just couldn't take it any longer, so a couple weeks ago I finally had to dig in. I loved it just as much as I thought I would!

You can see my review of Crossroads HERE.

So, I'm gonna shut up so y'all can get to the good stuff...Crossroads, behind the scenes...

Guest Post by Mary Ting, author of Crossroads

I started writing Crossroads after my grandmother passed away about 3 years ago. When these characters came to life in my mind, along with the character Gamma, inspired by my grandmother, it was a way for me to heal. I decided to start from a dream I had in high school, chapter one. Chapter two is also based on my dream as well. I didn’t think I would have much to write about, but when I made Claudia to be more like me, it was easy. Her first car, her first job, her first experience at camping and her grandmother having a stroke was all part of me. Too bad Michael wasn’t real…lol!!!

Many people like Davin, which I’m really happy about because his character was inspired by my friend who passed away. He was very likable and was a best friend to all his friends. Patty is my friend from church. She is exactly how I described her, social butterfly who knows everything about her friends and fashion. I named Claudia after a student I once had many years ago. I can still picture her face, just like an angel. When I was much younger, I had a crush on a boy name Michael, but his character is based off my husband, protective, romantic, and silly at times. No… he doesn’t have wings…lol!!!

Though I was busy with work, being a wife, a mother, and PTA president, I would always find time to write, even if that meant typing while I was cooking or brushing my teeth. Crossroads was written for a fast, fun reading with likable characters. Many have emailed me to let me know how Crossroads has helped them escaped from their everyday stress. Also, how they’ve connected to this book because of chapter one, having a loved one passed away. I took on a journey not knowing how rewarding it would be for me. I’ve met so many wonderful people from all over the world through Facebook, Goodreads and blog sites. I’ve made everlasting friendship where friendship knows no boundaries. And I have to thank my grandmother who continues to watch over me from Heaven.