Meet Mary Rose Kreger

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mary Rose Kreger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mary Rose, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Developing confidence in myself as an author only came by putting in the hard work first. During the past ten years, I have spent thousands of hours writing, drafting, and posting my stories. I accept criticism and feedback from editors, beta readers, and other writers to improve my work. As my writing experience grows, so does my confidence. Now when I share a new post or story, I have a much better understanding of what type of content will interest my readers, and also which stories I most want to tell. My confidence has grown naturally over time, through learned experience.

When someone is just beginning a creative venture, a different type of confidence is necessary. A novice rightly doesn’t have confidence in their abilities yet, because they lack experience. However, they can trust their ability to learn, practice self-discipline, and correct mistakes. They can believe in the person they are working hard to become. This type of confidence requires humility, courage, and hope.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a young adult author, Legend Fiction mentor, and creative nonfiction blogger. I craft fantasy books for teens and write fun, fantastical posts for my Substack account, Heart & Sword.

Earlier this year, my debut YA fantasy novel, AVALON LOST, was a top new release in Amazon’s Teen/Parental Issues category. The story takes place in contemporary Scotland and the magical, medieval kingdom of Avalon. Perfect for fans of sword fighting, the Ranger’s Apprentice series, and The Legend of Zelda. Currently, I split my work time between promoting my book at festivals and book fairs, hosting and planning Legend Fiction events, and writing the second book in the Avalon series.

I live in the metro Detroit area with my husband and three young children. My family brings so much joy to my life! It can be a challenge to balance work and family responsibilities, but that’s what has made this publishing journey such a fun, exciting adventure. I am grateful to be able to care for my family and also share my stories with the world.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Persistence:
Long term persistence and zeal is what gets the novel written, the story published, and the job done. As a mother with young children, I can’t always write for the same amount of time every day. Some days, I can’t write at all. But what matters most is that I never stop pursuing my writing career. When I couldn’t write because I had a newborn in the house, I sent my writing to beta readers, read in my genre, and entered writing contests. When I ended up with longer stretches of free time, I dove deep into my fiction writing. Over the years, I have learned that it isn’t about writing every day, but about never giving up on your passion, that makes the biggest difference.

2. Willingness to Pursue Alternatives Paths to Success:
If you keep trying something for a long time and it doesn’t work…take a different path! I pursued traditional publication for my book for almost ten years. After having my novel professionally edited twice, reviewed by three rounds of beta readers, and personally edited countless times, I knew I had a strong manuscript. What I didn’t have was the time to both consistently submit my book to agents and to write new stories. Last year, I chose to independently publish my debut novel, Avalon Lost. I love the freedom and control over my work that this new publishing path has given to me. When one path wasn’t working for me, I chose another way.

3. Building and Supporting Your Community:
Having a supportive community is so important for creatives! When we build and encourage each other, everyone can improve and grow their talents and skills. My novel wouldn’t be the same without the insightful feedback I received from my local writers group. I might have never published my book without the resources I received from Legend Fiction, my online writing community. We can become greater writers and creatives, and better human beings, when we support each other.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Jen Fulwiler, author, comedian, and mom of 6, is the number one public figure who inspired me to pursue my writing dreams. She published her first memoir while raising six children, all born within 8 years! If she could do that, then I knew I could publish my fantasy novel with one, two, and now three small children.

What I love about Jen Fulwiler is how she encourages her followers to pursue their passions, but to always put love, family, and community first. She says that when we pursue our passions, it gives us more energy and enthusiasm to care for our children and loved ones. Jen has taught me to get rid of silly rules that keep me from putting myself and my writing out there. I know now that it’s okay to fail. It’s okay to fail, over and over again. What’s not okay is to stop trying.

I truly believe that reading and listening to Jen Fulwiler has helped me to become a better writer, mother, wife, and friend. Her crazy lifestyle, which has rubbed off on me, also makes my own life much more interesting!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maryrosekreger.com/
• Instagram: @heart_and_sword_fantasy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.moses.180/
• Other: https://maryrosekreger.substack.com/