Mary E. DeMuth  -"It's been my heart to translate what God is doing in my life onto the page in a way that is redemptive and invitational. It's my prayer that the words that spill from my heart to the page touch readers in eternal ways."

2 Corinthians 12: 9,10 -And He has said to me ,'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with difficulties for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

 Our Interview with Mary DeMuth

What was your inspiration for writing in the CBA market?

I love to tell stories with truth woven through, so the CBA seemed like a natural extension of that desire.

What inspired the concept for A Life in Defiance, Defiance, Texas Series #3?

My husband and I have helped women caught in the middle of domestic violence, and we’ve seen the church grapple with how to help women in this situation. Writing about Ouisie Pepper, a pastor’s wife who is trying to hide a huge secret helps bring to light the complicated issue.

Is any part of Life in Defiance, Defiance, Texas Series #3 factual?  

Only in terms of walking alongside women who have experienced domestic violence. My story is not that at all. But I have seen the devastation up close with friends.

And then of course, I am writing the book, so there’s always a lot of me woven through all the characters.

How closely is Life in Defiance, Defiance, Texas Series #3 based on your life experiences? 

I have encountered folks who hide, who seem to be upstanding Christians in public, but who hide their issues behind closed doors. I’ve seen the tortured state of their souls, and I’ve wondered why folks hide so much. Based on those encounters, I formulated the Defiance, TX trilogy to address hiding versus authentic, amazing faith.

How did you choose the location for the setting?

I love East Texas. Although I only lived there two years, it drew me to itself—the grittiness of it, the heaviness of the heat, the small town atmosphere. However, Defiance is a made up name.

How long did Life in Defiance, Defiance, Texas Series #3 take you to complete?

Six months.

Do you have a favorite character in Life in Defiance, Defiance, Texas Series #3? Why?

I would say Emory Chance because she is so lost throughout the series, and deeply broken, but in this book she truly starts to absorb the beauty of Jesus.

How much research did Life in Defiance, Defiance, Texas Series #3 take?

So much of it came from rubbing shoulders with hurt people that it’s really hard to answer that question.

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?

Balancing marketing, writing, and speaking. Worrying about making ends meet. Pushing against burnout.

Is this the final book in the Defiance, Texas series?

Yes, though a reader emailed me and said we should do a new series based on the kids grown up. That would be interesting.

What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most?

The sheer art of putting a story on the page and having the characters live in my head.

What is your writing style?   (Do you outline?  Write “by-the-seat-of-your-pants?   Or somewhere in-between?

Completely seat of the pants. I can’t write novels any other way. However, when I write nonfiction, I outline.

Do your characters begin to take on a life of their own as you write?

Absolutely. I adore that about them.

What other new projects do you have on the horizon?  

I’m writing a standalone novel set in my hometown of Rockwall, TX. It’s finished, and will release summer of 2011. I’m considering writing another memoir. (My first memoir, Thin Places, released in February.)

Who was the person who influenced you the most with your writing?

Sandra Glahn, a nonfiction writer, magazine editor and novelist who is a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. She took me under her wing.

What message would you like your readers to take from Life in Defiance, Defiance, Texas Series #3?

That you may encounter Jesus in outcasts. It’s not always the folks who promote themselves as believers who truly walk as Jesus did.

What was your favorite book(s) as a child?

The Boxcar Children.

What is your greatest achievement?

Raising my three kids (They’re in their tweens and teens).

What is your goal or mission as a writer?

To write and tell stories in such a way that readers find healing and no longer feel alone.

What do you do to get away from it all?

I run.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

It’s a privilege to write, a privilege to tell stories. I love my job!

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