Behind The Words // Ann Mauren

Author Ann Mauren pays attention. She pays attention to the details of story, character, plot and book marketing. And, what's even more impressive, she pays attention to the details of her tweeps' lives and all the various things they're doing. On Twitter--and in life--Ann Mauren is a pleasure to know. 

I was lucky enough to get some time with Ann and learn a bit about what she's working on, what excites her and how she works to produce her novels and stories. She's also arrived with a wonderful prize pack to give away to celebrate being ranked this week as #8 on Amazon's list of Top 100 Free Kindle eBooks, and #1 in its category, Romantic Suspense. But more about that in a minute... First, come with me and learn about her, in her own words...

I am Ann Mauren, an indie author who writes romance with elements of humor and suspense. My debut novel “In The Spotlight” is the first in a collection titled “Mayne Attraction”, named for the series’ heroine, Ellery Mayne, a young woman who discovers that she is being observed and protected by a private security force, and her efforts to get to the bottom of who, what, where, when and especially why.



Ann Talks Seriously -- But Only For A Moment

I began writing at night when my second child was only several weeks old. (As of this writing he is not quite two.) So writing just doesn’t feel right to me unless I’m sitting in a glider in the nursery in front of a TV tray for a workstation with a Boppy in my lap, keying my thoughts with one hand. When I get the occasional attack of the late night munchies I usually raid my eight-year-old’s school snack time stash (i.e., granola bar, fruit roll-up, or heaven forbid one of his precious ‘Lunchables!’)

This spring I was thrilled to discover that a pair of Red Tailed Hawks were setting up housekeeping in the tree just beyond the nursery window. They are such regal, beautiful birds—I find them mesmerizing. And I can’t wait to see how they deal with their kids!

Ann Gets Knee deep

I am still knee deep in the weeds of Mayne Attraction and currently working on “In The Shadow”, the installment told from the perspective of former CIA agent Ash Ryan, who goes from tortured obsession over a mark he believes he will never meet in person, to shocked bliss when she reaches out to him in secret for a romance that is pursued while he is on duty alone, to frustrated agony as he must observe and report while another man tries to win Ellery’s affections. Oh, and the other man pays all the salaries and expenses for the security team, did I mention that?

Ann Gets Personal

My storytelling approach for the Mayne Attraction series involves narrations from each of the three members of the love triangle at the heart of the story. While it’s not ground breaking, it is still uncommon enough that I hope it will be an intriguing, very personal way for readers to enjoy romance and character development told from the first person perspective. I love faulty impressions, misunderstandings and lots of emotion—they make for great humor and wonderful plot lines.

As far as equipment goes, I am armed with a laptop and broadband internet access. When I’m not home I carry a notebook, which has been providential a number of times it seems that most of my best ideas have hit me when I was not sitting at the computer. Often they strike while I’m working at my day job, so on lunch break I will jot down my thoughts—pencil in one hand, sandwich in the other.

Samples chapters of all three books in the series are available now at MayneAttraction.com and a free download of the eBook “In The Spotlight” is currently available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBooks and Smashwords. I’d love for you to grab a free copy and click the ‘Like’ button on your way through!

I hope to have the series completed before the end of 2011.

Ann Goes Undercover

I love big wonderful surprises—furnishing them as well as receiving them. So I undertook the writing of my first novel in secrecy. It wasn’t too difficult since I was already up all hours with a newborn anyway. I just pulled up a TV tray for my laptop and started writing while I was rocking and nursing my baby. After about six months as secret agent author Ann, it was so much fun to present my family with a beautiful glossy printed copy of a book that was written by yours truly. There really is no bigger thrill than blowing someone’s mind like that. (I highly recommend it.)

With small children the interruption factor is always off the charts, so I still write primarily on third shift, and on Tuesdays I have what I call my ‘Girl’s Write Night’ where I head out to a local coffee shop for some quality time with my story. It’s slow going, but it’s going.

Ann Shares Her World With You

Interested parties can visit MayneAttraction.com to see images from the story, hear music that inspired the characters, and check out special “Passport Perspective” links that carry you from one character’s version of events to another’s. There’s also a link to the current reviews and plenty of places to leave me some comment love. If you are a writer, you KNOW what I’m talking about. It would be such a thrill to hear from you! You can also hook up with me at Goodreads and my new site, Short and Tweet Reviews.


Ann Gets Her Contest On

To enter the contest, folks just need to leave a quick comment on this post. And before you ask, yes, this is open to international contestants. The Mayne Attraction website has had visitors from over 76 countries, so I couldn’t possibly exclude my friends from across the seven seas! Just for fun, I made a little video to explain the significance of the items they will win if their name is drawn.

Jason McIntyre was one of the first writers I connected with when I was brand new to Twitter (and writing.) I think you are a fabulous author with talents that spread far beyond storytelling. Your blog is educational and entertaining—and sometimes it makes me laugh out loud. It’s been an honor to have my say on The Farthest Reaches! Thanks j!

Don't forget to comment below to enter the 'Mayne Attraction' give away and check out my debut novel "Mayne Attraction: In The Spotlight" which you can download FREE for a limited time.


Ms. Mauren, dear, dear Ms. Mauren! It's my pleasure to see you out here in the Reaches and I thank you, humbly, for your kind words. It's my honour to host you -- plus all the intriguing knowledge you've shared about your life, work, and writing tactics. Readers! Post a comment for your chance at this unique prize pack. I'll draw a random winner from the pool of commenters and announce the winner here at the Farthest Reaches.

Now, let's all give Ann a round of hearty applause!

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UPDATE! I’m pleased to announce that Enjoli Gilbert from New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A., will be opening a care package of ‘Ellery-Style’ treats sometime next week. Enjoli is a very recent graduate of Patrick F. Taylor Science And Technology Academy where she was head of her school’s American Library Association affiliated book club. You can read more about her and the results of the “Mayne Event” at Ann’s blog, Short and Tweet Reviews.