BY AVELLINA BALESTRI

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I grew up in a small town in southern Alabama. History and reading were early passions, particularly the classics. Everything began with Pride and Prejudice at the age of 11.  I’m married with two beautiful children. Motherhood is my greatest dream come true.

What first inspired you to start writing?

When I was in elementary school, the teacher gave us mini-stories to copy when we were learning to write. Fairly soon, I grew to eagerly anticipate those stories and compose my own.

How did you first become interested in history, and what are your favorite time periods?

My love for history grew out of my love for classic literature. I wanted to learn about the events which shaped those time-tested narratives. I absolutely love ancient history, Georgian England, and early American history (the colonial era).

What started you on the journey of historical fiction writing in particular?

I began writing my first novel, a historical romance, at age 12 after a family trip to Colonial Williamsburg. It felt much like a time capsule. That trip fired my imagination. By the time I returned home, the nebulous outlines of a story had begun taking shape in my mind. It took 10 years to write that book. I finally completed my first manuscript of my debut novel, Cadence to Glory, at age 22. It was published in 2014. Much of “life” happened after that – marriage and children – and I did not begin writing again until 2022, with a prequel to my first novel, Red Rose and the Second Son. My writing then also evolved into a family saga series. I finished a sequel to Cadence to Glory, Masquerade of Destiny, last year (2024).

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of working within the historical fiction genre?

I love the research process. History is truly stranger than fiction, and I am always learning something new. Least favorite part?  Some part of me is always fearful that I will miss a historical detail, despite maximum effort. I want to be faithful and authentic to the period in question, with a voice that pays homage to how the common man actually wrote and spoke in those days.

How have you chosen which historical figures to feature in your books, and what made their stories resonate with you?

It all begins with the chosen time period.  In my research, it becomes clear quickly which figures people were discussing on the street and which individuals had the most influence over society – over nations. I often decide to weave the story of my characters with a particular historical figure, if it fits well. For instance, I feature King George III and Queen Charlotte in the first chapter of Masquerade of Destiny. I actually read several books on the couple in preparation for one scene! I use that scene to display the prevalent attitude of the British upper class to events then occurring across the English Channel; they viewed the French Revolution with fear and horror, which our heroine clearly perceives.

What is your process in terms of research and bringing historical characters to life?

I start with reading books about the time period, or about historical figures I wish to incorporate into the narrative. I also watch films set in that particular epoch, in order to absorb the flavor of that time. It’s not uncommon for me to read an entire book (or two) just for one chapter or scene in one of my novels.

What is your method to integrate fictional characters and situations into the historical setting?

The history comes first; the characters and my story grow out of that. I begin with researching the history.

If you had a chance to convey a message to your favorite historical characters, what would it be?

When making decisions, weigh how your life will be in 10, 20, or even 30 years with each path considered. Ask yourself how posterity might view your actions.

What do you find more enjoyable/difficult – first drafts or editing/rewriting?

I find the first draft more challenging! However, it is also the most exciting as the story flows from my pen. (I write my novels the old-fashioned way – by hand.) I never know quite which direction my stories will ultimately take as I’m writing. The story has been known to deviate in a completely unforeseen direction. One never knows what these characters will decide to do!

How have you gone about publicizing yourself and your works?

Local book signings, posts on my author Facebook page, and free giveaways via Written Word Media. My current goal is to build a newsletter.

What are some of the main themes/morals you would like readers to take away from your works?

Don’t judge others based on first impressions. Stand for something. Before each action, think to yourself – how will this decision affect my life in 5 years? 10 years? 30 years? The possibility and power of redemption flow throughout my novels.

What is some advice you would give aspiring authors, especially those focusing on the historical fiction genre?

Authenticity is key. Read documents written at the time period your works feature. After a while of doing this, you will absorb their rhythm of writing into your own (subconsciously), giving you a uniquely historical voice. This will help you stand out and drastically eliminate anachronisms.

Plug your socials, published works, and current projects!

You can find me on my FB author page under Mary Beth Dearmon, my pen name (which also happens to be my maiden name). I have three published works under my “House of Parr” series – 1) Red Rose and the Second Son, 2) Cadence to Glory, and 3) Masquerade of Destiny. All are clean / closed door historical romance + family saga novels. They can be read in chronological order, in order of publication, or as standalones. Cadence to Glory was featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine in 2015. Either later this year or early next year, I will publish a prequel to the entire series