Author Mary Connealy Speaks at Oakland Public Library

“I am use to sitting at home along and writing. This is not me,” said author Mary Connealy of Decatur, NE at the beginning of her presentation at the Oakland Public Library.

Mary has written 32 books, spanning a career of over 20 years. She has often been asked how her writing career started. “I decided it was better than dusting,” Mary said. Her daughter Wendy at the age of 10-12 had a writing assignment for school. This was prior to Mary writing her first book. “I wanted to help her with it and she wouldn’t let me look at it,” Mary stated. She did realize then that she was interested in writing.

Her first purchase to begin her endeavor was a computer. “Without it, I wouldn’t be a published author,” Mary said. “It didn’t have internet, so I would go to mom’s (Dorothy Moore of Lyons, NE) and use her internet or go to the library.”

Her computer also didn’t have the ability to save her work so she could pick up where she left off the next day. “I had to save everything on a disc. I could only get one chapter on it, but I tried to save two on it as they were expensive,” Mary stated.

Once Mary got started writing, there was no stopping her. “I loved it. It was just fun,” Mary said.

There was a time Mary didn’t think anyone would publish her books. “I decided then to write what I want to write to entertain myself,” Mary stated.

After ten years of writing, Mary had saved 20 books to her computer. Her ideas expanded, including places she had visited and many other ideas that have developed over the years. She also has written books that develop into a three-part series. “I got one idea and they just grew,” Mary said.

Pat Anderson, one of many in attendance, asked Mary if she picks the covers of her books. “The company asks me questions, but the company chooses the cover in the end,” Mary stated.

Pat also asked if she has an agent. “Yes, I do have a literary agent in charge,” Mary said. “I signed a contract for six books (her three-book series) then about halfway through, I sign another contract for six more.”

Mary can write as many books she wants, but the company that publishes them only wants two a year. “That is not enough to keep me busy,” Mary stated. So, she has written novellas for another publishing company. “A novella is four stories, about 20,000 words each, in one book,” Mary said.

With the average book Mary writes consisting of 80,000 words, Mary has very lofty goals. “I write at least 1,000 words a day, finishing a book in three to three and a half months,” Mary stated.

When Mary turns in a book, it can take a while for it to be published. “My next book is due October 1^st. I already have it done. But, it won’t be released until next September,” Mary said.

She encourages others to pursue writing, or any choice of a career. “If people are good at something, they love it. Writing is something I love,” Mary stated.

Mary had books for sale after her speech, donating the money from the sale of the books to the Oakland Public Library.

Mary Connealy hands out bookmarks, etc. to those attending to hear her speak on her writing career. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Oakland Library Director Rosa Schmidt introduces author Mary Connealy to all in attendance, eager to here about her writing career. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Author Mary Connealy Speaking at the Oakland Public Library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Pat Anderson visits with Mary Connealy after her speech at the library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.