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It's A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Mary E. Jung, author of Queen of Light and Ashes

Author’s Bio: Mary E. Jung is the worldwide author and publisher of the Etrucian Royals and The Philadelphians Series. She writes as fast as her ideas can formulate, usually every night while putting her children to sleep. Mary lives with her two sons and husband in Pennsylvania. She received her bachelor's degree in Arts Studies with an emphasis in Arts Management and Opera from Shenandoah University. Mary attends writing events, her favorite being the Write Women's Bookfest. 

She is a proud member of the Gettysburg Brigade Writing Community and has published an anthology story with them, "For the Love of Gettysburg." Mary is also an anthology writer for Sanctuary, New York Times # 1 Bestselling Author Sherrilyn McQueen's fanfiction release.

Join her on Instagram @etrucianroyals and Facebook The Etrucian Royals and The Philadelphians Groups. 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?

Mary E. Jung: I dreamed about a prince with red hair kneeling before a pregnant woman and crying. It was such a profound image that I woke up and knew that would be my debut novel. I had to work backward from the dream sequence and build the story, but it's come a long way over three years. That one fateful night changed my life and my career. 

Here’s the synopsis for Queen of Light and Ashes: 

Fated Love

Mysterious Magical Foe

Fallen Kingdom Rising to Save the World

Queen Mèabh is running from mysterious anti-life magic called the Darkness. She later discovers that her ex-husband, Annanias the Second, is behind the destruction of her kingdom. He controls the Darkness and plans to take over the rest of the five kingdoms of Etrucia. Queen Mèabh is pregnant and cannot access her power of light to fight the Darkness, or the army Annanias is assembling. The biological pregnancy block for every female in the Etruciaverse is not her only obstacle. She’s been labeled a traitor by the kings in the previous generation and must rely on good faith from an unsuspected ally to gain sanctuary. After revealing her story to King Ràidhen of Èyre, the neighboring ruler, he agrees to help her fight the Darkness and rally the other kingdoms. While gathering an army, the Darkness strikes again and destroys Xerexes, another Etrucian kingdom. With only three kingdoms left, the ally forces are faced with an impossible situation. How do you stop something that is the essence of nothingness? Queen Mèabh has the answer when she reveals her plan of action at the end of the book. Left on a cliffhanger, readers will discover how Queen Mèabh and King Ràidhen battle the Darkness and Annanias the Second to save the world in book two of the Etrucian Royals Series. 

DL: What is your writing process?

MEJ:  I won't write something unless I can see the story's scope. I have to know all the details before sitting down to type, or it goes rogue. I have notebooks dedicated to each book for research and plotting. I'll write the story's main points #, then do the research and fill in the gaps, and once I've got a good handle on my characters, setting, and plot, I'll start typing. Once I begin my book journey, I write until the book is finished. I write one book at a time and keep the length manageable. 

DL: What do you think makes a good story?

MEJ: As a writer, I like description. As a reader, I need a solid understanding of the relationships between the characters. It bothers me when I can't immerse myself in the story and experience the journey. The setting needs to be well developed for the world to make sense and the characters to live in it. I spend most of my time on world-building and setting, so I have clarity when moving my characters about my writer's chessboard. 

DL: What were some of the challenges when writing this book?

MEJ: It was my first book, which is always the biggest challenge for writers. It’s difficult to publish something you've never done before. The book took on a lot of versions before it became a cohesive piece. I struggled with the time setting because it's a fantasy story, character development, and length. I used to write over one hundred thousand words, but I've discovered my sweet spot is sixty-five thousand. It takes time to find your footing as a writer, and I believe everyone's first book is a hot mess that you have to work hard to wrangle into something publishable. 

DL: What was the best writing advice you've ever been given?

MEJ:  Eliminate adverbs. I took that out of my writing, and boy, did it make a difference. It makes you delve into the English language, but I'm glad I took that advice. 

DL: If you were hosting a dinner party which three authors would be your dream guests, and why?

MEJ: I love this question because I just finished a fanfiction anthology for my favorite author of all time—one big checkmark off my fangirl bucket list. My first choice would be Sherrilyn Kenyon because I've been reading her for twenty years and admire her writing style and author journey. I think she would give me great insight into the author world and be a lot of fun to have at a party. I can see her dressing up as one of her characters and getting into the fun. My next guest would be Sarah J. Maas. I want to discuss world-building with her. I feel her books are akin to my fantasy soul. We are the same age, too, making me feel comfortable as we conversed. My final guest would be Dakota Cassidy because she's sassy. I love her Accidental Series and would spend the entire night talking about Nina, the fantastic and snarky vampire. 

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book(s)?

MEJ: I have a degree in Arts Management, and I was a manager for Victoria's Secret. So, my mentality is always on customer loyalty. Engage, engage, engage readers and reviewers. The more you interact, the more you learn and attract attention. I'm more successful on Instagram than other platforms because the bookish community is vital. Facebook is a hard nut to crack, but ads can help gain a fan base. The bottom line for marketing is communication; always have a channel between your books and potential readers. 

DL: What do you like to do when you are not writing?

MEJ:  I'm a stay-at-home mom and author, so I don't get a lot of time to myself. When I'm not writing, I'm taking care of my kids. The other half of my degree is opera, so I enjoy studying music and singing. I'll always have some pull to plunk out Phantom of the Opera on my piano or belt Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte at the top of my lungs. 

DL: What are three things you can't live without?

MEJ:  I can't live without my Sherrilyn Kenyon books, kids and husband, and pralines. I love pralines and anything New Orleans-related. 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your book?

MEJ: Readers can find more information here:

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

MEJ: Thanks for having me!


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