Author Archives: Mary Fran Says

About Mary Fran Says

I am an artist, crafter, designer and writer. I enjoy working with mixed media-- applying visual and tactile manipulations to telling a story. Not a lot of market for that, though, :), so I'm focusing on short story submissions and novel completions. Yes, plural. Lots of beginnings, too many ideas, not enough focus.

The Art (and Application) of Positive Psychology

Posted on December 10, 2018

Are you thinking, “Huh?” Do I have your attention with a blog title like that? I hope so. This is a good one. The first keynote at the Indie Author Conference was Daniel Lerner, renowned speaker, author, and consultant. Someone we … Continue reading →

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The value of X

Posted on December 3, 2018

We’re in the final stages of The Writer’s Alphabet… and I’m x-static to introduce the letter X. X-ing out is an important (and sometimes painful) part of the editing process. No matter how poetic the verse, exceptional the passage, or … Continue reading →

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Literary Mary Chats with Kristin Oakley

Posted on November 26, 2018

Welcome to the November edition of Literary Mary Chats. Today’s guest is a longtime friend and fellow writer, Kristin Oakley. Kristin Oakley’s debut novel, Carpe Diem, Illinois, won the 2014 Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year Award for non-traditionally published fiction, … Continue reading →

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I’m with the Band

Posted on November 19, 2018

I attended the Independent Authors Conference in Philadelphia a few weeks ago. It was sponsored by BookBaby, a one-stop shopping site dedicated to self-publishing. Initially I was concerned that the event would be a hard-sell. Not only was it NOT about all … Continue reading →

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The Last of the OCC

Posted on November 12, 2018

This is not the blog I had planned on writing today. I was in Philadelphia last week for the Indie Author Conference and have MUCH to share regarding the speakers, sessions, and overall experience. Plus, Philly is fantastic! But then… … Continue reading →

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Write

Posted on November 5, 2018

I am determined to complete The Writer’s Alphabet this year! I’m up to the letter…W. It only stands to reason that the W in The Writer’s Alphabet would stand for WRITE. And also, WRITE is my favorite homonym. 🙂 Right?!

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October Chat–All about NaNoWriMo

Posted on October 29, 2018

On this, the last Monday of October, I’m pleased to be Chatting with writers Bob Francis and Karen Kerr about National Novel Writing Month, which kicks off Thursday, November 1st. I met Bob many years ago through In Print. He and … Continue reading →

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