Marilou Ryder Interview Published on: 14, Jul 2021
Which is your most cherished childhood memory?
As a ten-year old girl, I wanted nothing more than to become a player on the local Little League team. Playing baseball with my male classmates after school provided me with athletic confidence, and I rarely missed hitting the ball out of our small neighborhood stadium. My batting average was better than most and I was becoming a local hero among the little league crowd. My father, president of the Optimist Club, sponsored several little league teams in town. I recall asking him if I could join one of his teams. He was the father of five daughters and a huge proponent of sports, so I thought he would take the request seriously. He responded by claiming there were “no girls” allowed on these teams. I was disappointed, but little did I know that a ten-year old girl had no chance of playing on a little league team in 1960. Hoping to change his mind, I went into the bathroom and cut my hair to look like a boy. It didn’t work.
What are some interesting experiences you've had as a teen?I was the editor of our high school newspaper and knew that I wanted to work in journalism.
Do you remember the stories your mother told you as a child that cultivated your passion for writing?My mother wasn’t much of a story teller but my grandmother was. She shared how difficult it was living in 1900 and not having the right to vote when she turned 21 as a young woman.
How did your writing journey begin? Why did you start writing?My first writing was scholarly research on gender dissonance and has become a frequently cited theory in women's gender studies. In short, my research revealed that (1) women's attitudes, behavior and strategies can inhibit, encumber and impeded them in their personal, and professional lives; and (2) prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination permeate every fabric of society for women.
At what age did you begin writing your first book?My first book was published by New Horizon Press when I was 55 years old. I worked with the acclaimed author Dr. Judith Briles to write THE SEXX FACTOR: Breaking the Codes that Sabotage Personal and Professional Lives.
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?Traditional Publishers, like New Horizon Press above, do all the promotion for an author. They scheduled me on talk shows, showcased my book in advertisements. The book had a good run. Unfortunaly I made $1.00 per book. When I publish independently I make $5.00-$11.00 per book.
How much did you research while writing your book, 92 Tips from the Trenches?I wrote this book with a co-author Dr. Tamerin Capellino We spend over a year on research and then reached out to leaders in the field to contribute to the book.
How did you come up with the idea for your book, Love Your Age, Girl: Be Good to Yourself and Live to 100! Inspirations, Hints, Tips, and Truths?Austin Kleon said, “Write the Book you want to read.” This book is one of our Instragraphics and an offshoot of our book titled, Don’t Forget Your Sweater, Girl: Sister to Sister Secrets for Aging with Purpose and Humor.
The INSTAGRAPHIC is a 6x6 inch book loaded with graphics and easy-to-digest nuggets of inspiration. The reader can pick a few pages at random or read the pages backward. Whatever method for reading the INSTAGRAPHIC the reader will gain inspiration, tips, hints, and truths that cover a wide range of themes; from investing in their own confidence to claiming their right to what you're truly worth as a woman or girl. INSTAGRAPHICS include lively and entertaining graphics to inspire women and girls to invest in themselves and reap the rewards. Each INSTAGRAPHIC includes:
QUOTES to inspire you to live your best day.
INSPIRATIONS to move your spirit to the next level.
POP QUIZZES to enrich and educate your mind.
WOMANTOONS just for fun as we laugh about ourselves
30 DAY CHALLENGES to get you thinking about tomorrow
OTHER GENUINE AND HUMOROUS, HEARTFELT NUGGETS to motivate your soul.
Know Your Worth, Girl serves as a reminder that ALL women have value and should cherish themselves. This INSTAGRAPHIC includes a variety of anecdotes, humor, quotes, facts, and one day challenges for women. The strategies are achievable and promote women’s confidence and self-awareness to live their best life on a good day.
What is a helpful advice for people who are interested in writing nonfiction?Write the books you would want to read.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?I write for two hours every day from 7:00-9:00 AM. No exceptions.
What is the best experience you had by putting yourself out of your comfort zone?Launching my publishing company, Delmar Publishing and then publishing other people’s books.
Do you ever leave book reviews on other author's books?Yes and I always try to find the sweet spot in every book. I know an author’s labor of love that goes into writing these books.
What do reviews mean to you?I take them with a grain of salt. One time I got a review that said these woman are self-absorbed (my coauthor and me). I had a good laugh. Anyone who writes is self-absorbed.
Which is the next book you are writing? Give us an insight into it.Our new book (Instagraphic) coming in August is called Show Your Worth, Girl: Be Bold, Speak Up and Be Heard for teen girls. We encourage young girls to: Be Brilliant, Be Positive, Be Smart, Be President… Like a Girl.
Lastly, what are your thoughts and opinions on AllAuthor and its services?I like AllAuthor a lot and check it everyday. This will be my second year of membership. I think that the Cover contest needs to be revised so that people cannot see the number of votes each time they vote. People like to vote for winners and they vote for the books ahead. I love the graphics and advertisements you make. Since some of my books are 6 x 6 inches they get distorted in the layouts. Is there any way you can fix that? Keep doing the good work for authors.
