About author, Mary Elizabeth Coen: First of all I’m Irish born and bred, apart from spending the greater part of my first two years living in London, of which I remember little.
Though I always dreamed of being a writer, I took a rather circuitous route to getting here. You could say I have had several incarnations in this lifetime from Home Economics teacher to Fashion Editor of a magazine, along with being mother to my three wonderful children, Mark, Janet and Emily. Due to demand from clients I opened my own pr consultancy firm specializing in fashion; – the dream job for a fashionista, availing of great discounts on wonderful shoes and vintage clothing!
Sadly it was not meant to last, as my health deteriorated in 2004 and as a result, work had to take a back seat. I became interested in holistic medicine, personal development and writing in an attempt to cope with my diagnosis of fibromyalgia. In the process, I developed a passion for mythology, philosophy and the study of ancient spiritual traditions. As a spiritual seeker, I’ve travelled to Mayan sites in Mexico, visited a famous healer’s ashram in Brazil and undertook a shamanic journey through Peru. I am also a trained bio-energy therapist and have my Grandfather’s ability to channel healing for others. I love to dance, walk in nature and cook for family and friends.
Mary runs a website called Goddess MECA which stands for Mary Elizabeth Coen Assists the Goddess in everywoman through sharing her love of cookery fashion and mythology.
GUEST INTERVIEW
Describe your writing style in five words: Descriptive, chatty, informal, informative and fast paced
Coffee or tea? Tea – herbal when I’m health conscious!
What inspired the idea for your book, “Love and the Goddesses”? The idea for my novel from a few different sources; – firstly I wished to write an inspirational novel, easy to read and with wisdom woven through.
My personal obsession with the Greek myth of the triple goddess was a driving force along with healing journeys I had undertaken through Brazil and Peru. Listening to friends gossiping about dating gave me the idea of employing the names of the three goddesses as online usernames for my protagonist Kate’s dating exploits.
People would be surprised to know that you…: I am an energy healer. My grandfather was a very powerful healer and when I got sick I explored alternative therapies, finding to my surprise I had inherited his gift.
What was the most difficult part of the writing/editing/publishing process and how did you overcome it? A structural edit requires endless concentration and is less creative. I had to stay up late several nights in a row in order to keep my train of thought.
Who would you have play the characters in your book if it were turned into a movie? Jennifer Garner would be great as Kate. Simon Baker as Geoff and Deborah Messing as Ella.
Walk us through what it’s like in a day of your life: On a typical day, I get up around 7.45 and call my daughter, get breakfast and drive her to school around 8.50.
Afterwards I drive to Coole Park, former homeland of Lady Gregory and now open to the public. Weather permitting, I will walk for 40 minutes and spend at least 20 minutes in meditation by the lake.
On the way home I will pick up the daily groceries.
11a.m. I sit down with a cup of tea to check my emails and make phone calls.
12.30 I have a light lunch.
1.30 to 3.30; This is my time for writing.
4.00: – I collect my daughter from school.
After that the day is quiet broken and varies quiet a bit depending on what I have scheduled in.
Some days I may have to go to the nearest city or visit Dublin.
On other days, I will do healing sessions for clients in the morning and write in the afternoon.
What is your favorite quote? “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Where is your favorite place to write? In the Summer time I love to write in the gardens of Coole Park, a nearby beauty spot, frequented by Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Synge and Douglas Hyde.
How has social media helped you in your career? Social media certainly helps promote books to an international audience.
Hard/paperback or eBooks? Paperback and eBook
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects? My next novel is set in the fashion world – one I am familiar with from my time as a fashion Editor and public relations consultant.
Contact Mary!:
**Buy “Love & the Goddesses” on Amazon!
