Interview with MJ Harty

Everyone, we have a special guest today, author MJ Harty. Her book Sunset Vibrations was just released and as part of her release blitz tour, she stopped by to talk about her book, what got her into writing, and her secret ice skating passion.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what got you into writing? Hi, first of all thanks for having me!  I have four beautiful children, an amazing husband and have been writing since I could lift a pencil!  I have written poetry and prose my whole life, and took the plunge into writing Romance novels last April. 

What does your family think of your writing career? My family is so supportive and they all think it is pretty cool!  It takes a lot to live with an artist of any kind, and I am so grateful to have a wonderfully supportive group of individuals who lift me up and encourage me.  My husband is my PR man, and he also is amazing at proofreading, so we really work on it as a team.  My oldest son is a junior in high school and is currently taking Advanced Placement English Lit, and always has helpful tips!

I understand you’re an indie author. What made you decide to go the self-publishing route? It just seemed like a good fit for me and my family.  I am so excited to be able to have input on every aspect of my career.

Did you seek advice from other authors prior to publishing your book? Absolutely!  I have been so very blessed to know a great group of indie authors that have helped guide me on my way.  This community is so supportive, and I plan on paying it forward as I move further into my career. 

What were your thoughts when you were going through the publishing process? Well I had many thoughts, as there are so many aspects to the process.  I did a lot of research, and sought out my mentors on a regular basis.  I truly found that one of the biggest things I’ve taken away from this experience is the amazing people I’ve met along the way!  There are so many wonderful, readers, bloggers, editors, graphic artists, and of course authors.  It is a very tight knit community and I truly love it! 

Your novel Sunset Vibrations was just released, tell us about your book and the inspiration behind it? Sunset Vibrations is truly a story about overcoming impossible odds.  Life is never perfect, and so many times out of our control.  This story is a journey of two people who have to overcome some tough circumstances to find their true inner ability to live and love.  This book was inspired by my own journey in this life, and how resilient the heart can be.

Can you share what other projects you’re working on? Sunset Vibrations is book one in a series called The Aloha Love series.  I am currently working on Hawaiian Storms, the second installment.  I also write Memoirs under my other writing name Ami Beth Cross.  I have a release coming out early this year titled The Return to Happiness, my personal story of overcoming pregnancy and infant loss.

When you’re not writing what do you like to do in your downtime? I love to read, and spend time with my four amazing children and husband.  In the summer I love sitting outside in my backyard, or going to the lake.

Aside from writing, ice skating is another passion of yours, tell us how did you became involved in it? I always loved to watch figure skating but never had the chance to skate myself.  At age thirty they built a huge training facility near my house.  I decided that I was going to go for it!  I learned to skate, trained very hard, and skated in eight ice shows.  It is a very artistic and expressive sport, so it is another outlet for my creative side. 

Last question, I heard you’re an avid reader so tell us what’s on your TBR list at the moment? Yes, on my TBR is Cristin Cooper’s debut novel due out early this year titled Until Now.  I cannot wait to read this book from this talented author!  Thank you so much for having me!

Buy Links: 

Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AU B&N

About the Author:

MJ Harty is a mother of four amazing children, and wife to a wonderful husband. She has had a love of writing ever since she could pick up a pencil. She is also an avid reader reading anything that catches her eye. She started figure skating at the age of thirty and has skated in eight ice shows, it's her second love. While she's managing her load of kids and loving her adoring artist husband all these alpha tattooed biker dudes race through her mind making her run for her computer! She loves her characters as they are real people, loving to write as if it were the only air to breathe!