It’s Author Thursday on my blog! Today, meet Christian author Mary Vee.

Mary has written several books: Justice for Elizabeth (detective), Sylvia’s Secret (detective), Fire and Thorn (fantasy), Christmas with the Enemy (women’s fiction), and Daring to Live (women’s fiction).

She’s also served as an elementary school teacher, caseworker for the low income and homeless, speaker and writing tutor, and author.

Mary holds a Master of Arts in guidance and counseling, an MA in reading, and a bachelor’s in religious education. She’s a graduate of Jerry B. Jenkins Writers Guild program and the Institute of Children’s Literature, and she annually attends 1-2 writer’s conferences.

She hold professional memberships in the American Christian Fiction Writers, Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers, Great Lakes Christian Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Mid-Michigan Word Gatherers.

Awards include Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference’s Selah award finalist 2019, 2020. National Excellence Indie Book Awards finalist 2020, Clash of the Titles Olympia Writing Contest Finalist 2015, Phoenix Rattler Writing Contest Finalist 2013, and Blog of the Month for TCBN Reader’s Choice Awards.

Learn more about Mary through the links at the end of this interview.

—By Jessica Brodie

JB: Tell us about yourself and your faith journey.

Mary: Long ago on a summer morning, my mom needed a break from my three siblings and me. Perhaps you understand the mom need for just five minutes of quiet. She sent us across the street for a vacation Bible school program. As a family, we didn’t attend the church. The detail didn’t bother God because our ways are not His. I remember sitting in a plastic red chair suitable for a five-year-old, but not which Bible story was taught. I learned God loves me and told the teacher. I remember pressing my hands together as a nice lady helped me ask Jesus into my heart. Fast forward, the best four years of my life took place at Bible College. I leaped into activities like inner city soup kitchen work, evangelistic missions in Mexico, learned how to pray for more than two minutes, didn’t know that was possible, and found answers to my questions in the Bible on my own. Years of Christian school teaching, mission trips to Honduras, Mexico, and Native American reservations in Montana, and a time forced to live the homeless life kindled the faith I have today and have provided rich fodder for my characters.

JB: When did you know you wanted to become a writer?

Mary: Ten volunteers from my church drove across country and sat around an eight-foot table inside a jailhouse converted into a church on the Crow Indian Reservation. Our leader presented a morning devotion, preparing us for the day’s work. To the side, sat the missionary who’d worked for fifteen years raising a congregation of ranchers and Native Americans. His eyes drooped tired. So tired. The brutal desert winters and sizzling summers, the lack of family interaction, drunks sneaking inside the building to sleep, leaking roofs and more only painted a few struggles and failures that made him—tired. When missionaries speak at church, they present glorious reports. Photos of stats and smiles. I wrote an article and included pictures of the jailhouse church, painting the struggles of missionary life and sent the story to a national church publication. The next day, I not only received an acceptance, but also a request for more articles. This was the moment when I knew I wanted to become a writer. My books are written in the same way.

JB: How does your faith influence your writing?

Mary: While some of my books do not overtly mention God, He is there. Think of how God reveals himself in the book of Esther, or how fiction authors Francine Rivers and Terri Blackstock infuse His truths in their stories, conveying a strong message of hope, worth, strength, sacrifice, and love.

JB: When did this particular story first stir in your heart?

Mary: To celebrate an anniversary, hubby and I took a river cruise. A woman of great class happened to be on board. One night, a guest spilled their beverage. Liquid flowed across the table soaking everything in its path. The waitstaff dashed to clean the table, lavishing apologies on the noble woman. With the table finally ready, she drew her cup to her lips then stopped. Above the rim and straight in her view was the remaining damp circle on the linen cloth. She reached for the clean napkin next to her, unfurled it, and draped it over the imposing damp area. With all well on the earth again, she picked up her teacup and drank. This woman stirred a mystery series requiring the services of Detective Carhill.

Detective Carhill is an amusing, character who ensures his middleclass ways do not seep into any situation when dealing with his high society clients. In his small Boston apartment, a linen cloth covers a flimsy table. Take-out is portioned into courses. Naturally the proper silver, aka cheap utensils, and a wine goblet, aka water glass, complete the dinner place setting. Justice for Elizabeth is a witty, Downtown Abbey-esque contemporary story that touches hearts and reminds us, no matter the station, everyone needs love.

JB: Do you have other books coming out in the future?

Mary: Yes. I am currently working on two books. I am editing The Oliver Underground Project-The Rescued One, one last time while waiting to hear from an agent. I am also writing the next Detective Carhill’s story. It will be set during the Christmas season and take place in Hawaii. Watch for Laura’s Wish.

JB: What do I hope for readers to take away from Justice for Elizabeth.

Mary: Tragedy can strike anyone, anywhere, and while we feel alone with no hope of escape, we still have worth and are loved. There are many other themes in this story, but this is the primary one.

Check out Mary online:

Website: https://www.maryveewriter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryveeauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryVeeWriter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryveewriter

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryveewriter

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-vee

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15370130.Mary_Vee

Link for all her books: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Vee/e/B01N0XTYIQ