M. Lee Prescott Interview Published on: 13, May 2020
Where were you born?
Fall River, Massachusetts, setting of the Ricky Steele books.
How long have you been living in southeastern Massachusetts on a beautiful river?12 years, but I grew up nearby on the same river!
At what age did you begin writing your first book?Age 8 (mostly pictures. A dear friend still has some of these “early works”)
What kind of cultural value do you think reading and writing has/brings?Empathy for and connection to others. Reading and writing also connects us to ourselves, to what matters in our hearts and what engages our minds. If we can then bring these understandings to readers, we’ve done our job.
What challenges do you face while writing in several genres of fiction?Romances tend to flow. Mysteries are more complex. Both are both challenging and joyful to write!
How has been your experience of being a professor at a small New England liberal arts college?Wonderful. I love my students and they make every day joyful and interesting.
What have you learnt about the impact of mindfulness on readers and writers during your research?The impact is profound and lifechanging. Reading and writing anxieties lessen. Readers and writers bring a more stabilized quiet mind to tasks. Attention and focus are also enhanced.
What inspired you to write your book, Song of the Spirit?I knew of the history of the government schools and I wanted to write a story of two children who triumphed despite all odds. Did you expect it become a finalist The 2014 International Digital Awards for Historical Fiction for Young Adults? No, but it was a delightful surprise and wonderful honor.
Who inspired the character of the forty-two year old, Bess in A Friend of Silence?Hmm… that’s hard to say. I was in my forties when I wrote the book. I love reading mysteries, am a teacher, etc., BUT Bess truly is her own person, not me, not anyone I know, but with qualities recognizable in the humans who have populated my life.
The Morgan’s Run Romances series debuted in August 2015. How did you begin writing this series?My kids live in Arizona and they suggested I write a mystery set out there. Believe it or not, the idea for first book, Emma’s Dream began as a mystery, but Ben and Maggie’s attraction hijacked the book and romance took over!
How different is the process of writing a book for children different from that of young adults?Not different at all. I am still writing the best story I’m able while remaining cognizant of my readers’ developmental ages and interests.
If you had to stick to any one genre for the rest of your life, which one would it be?Oh gee… that’s tough. I have responsibility to my readers in both genres. Could I split the difference and say—romantic suspense?
In what ways does your family support you in your writing career?They read the books, they proofread (sister Pamela) and they let me know they are proud.
What is the book four in the Ricky Steele mysteries about?Poof is about so many things, but mostly the exploitation of young children, the power of friendship and the importance of supporting one another.
What has been the impact of this entire lock-down situation due to COVID-19 on your lifestyle?Same as most people—I am at home. I spend much more time on screen because my college courses have gone online and all my teaching is now virtual.
What do you like the most about AllAuthor?I love the banners—thank you! And I also appreciate your daily updates and communications. What products or services do you wish we carried? Any and all ways to market and promote books!
