This was the ultimate treat for Virgo Girl. We are so thrilled to have had the opportunity to interview one of the hottest authors right now, Mary B. Morrison. It’s astonishing the worlds and characters she’s able to create from her imagination. Her books are captivating, and she has a sweet spot for empowering women to own their sexuality. Honesty is truly the best policy for Mary, and she definitely shared nothing but honest opinions with us about a few topics. She also let us in on her beginnings as an author, and what led her to quit a six-figure job to follow her dreams. Mary B. Morrison is a testament to what can happen when you walk out on faith and live your life rather than just exist. Go ahead and grab a snack, and get ready to enjoy this interview. You are now about to enter a “laugh out loud” zone, because Mary B. Morrison is truly “her-larious.”
For the few people who don’t know, can you please explain what type of books you write? Why did you decide on this genre?
I’ve written fiction for Kensington Publishing Corporation for fifteen years. Under my name, Mary B. Morrison, I pen spicy, dramatic relationship novels that are sexually explicit. I also have a pseudonym, HoneyB, under which I write erotica. My motivation stems from my own sexual liberation. Growing up in New Orleans (or Nawlins, as we say), I was reared by my great-aunt who was extremely conservative. Like most teens, I was told not to have sex. Curiosity prevailed. My sexcapades made me a fast learner. Or perhaps it was the molestation. But that’s a different story. A few lessons were challenging. It may be unimaginable for some to comprehend but I wouldn’t change a thing. I learned telling a child not to do something is not sufficient. Children need parents to openly educate them and trust them to make good decisions. That’s what I did with my son. I write candidly about sex to empower women.
Which character are you most like in your recent book?
In my August 2015 novel, Baby, You’re the Best, I’m definitely not like Blake Crystal. I’d never list the father of my child as unknown on their birth certificate, let alone do that four times. Devereaux is too passive in her personal life but we share the gift of creating stories. Alexis Crystal is a manipulative hothead but I’m most like her when it comes to her straightforward no-nonsense attitude about men and life in general.
Think of one of your characters from your books. Now think of an infamous celebrity, past or present. How would your character feel about this not-so-good celebrity and why?
Bill Cosby immediately comes to mind. Alexis (and I) would have no empathy for any man who admits to drugging women to have sex with them. In the factious world of my Crystal series, let’s just say, if any man raped or attempted to sexually assault Alexis, she’d stand her ground and kill him. Some of my fans, male and female, say I’m too hard on men. My counter is, men like whom? Bill Cosby, former president Bill Clinton, Clarence Thomas, General Petraeus, John Edwards or the millions of men who disrespect and disregard women’s rights? Don’t let me get started on anti-abortion and the closing of clinics in Texas. I’m not sure what people mean (or if they understand what they mean) when they say I’m too hard but I know my intentions are to bring awareness to how women are violated. Yes, there are good men. I have one. But he’s that way because I won’t accept anything less. This is what happens when you ask a writer to answer a question from their character’s point of view. (Smiles)
Overall, what is the number one thing that means the most to you?
Considering thing to be a noun, my twenty-nine-year-old son, Jesse Byrd, is the most important to me. He’s intelligent, humble, successful, earned a degree in sociology, is engaged, and is releasing his first children’s book on August 18, entitled Oiseau: The King Catcher. I often say, “God gave me the right child.” No one is perfect but our union is one that was made in heaven. I believe he’s awesome because I chose educating him over sheltering and protecting him. I’ve always trusted him. I listen to and hear his concerns. Now he does the same with me. #Wink #Nodding
Do you believe in love at first sight? If so, why? Which character from any of your books is most likely to fall in love the quickest?
Do I? Absolutely. In my only self-published novel Soulmates Dissipate, it was love at first sight for Wellington Jones and Jada Diamond Tanner. Sometimes couples get too comfortable and things fall apart. There’s nothing wrong with women like Jada falling in love quicker. However, I like smart girls. The savviest of them all will always, and I do mean always, let her man love her more. “I promise to always love you more” should be a wedding vow for men. #OntheReal
What has been your favorite success story in your life?
Favorite? Hmm. Stepping out on faith in 2000 to pursue my literary career. At age thirty-five I was a GS-14/15 Management Analysis Officer for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development earning nearly six figures annually. It was a great job. It was the easiest money I’d ever made just sitting in meetings most of the day. But it wasn’t my passion. When I was denied my GS-15 promotion, I stopped working late to make my boss look impressive at meetings. Every single day from August through December 1999, I wrote. I didn’t stop until I’d finished my first draft of Soulmates Dissipate. On June 1, 2000, I self-published it. Two days later I retired from the federal government. Three months later, I signed a six-figure, three-book deal with Kensington Publishing Corporation. #GodIsGreat
What do you feel is your overall purpose as a writer?
God has given me the responsibility to educate, empower, and entertain women in an unorthodox way. While my books are sexually explicit, there’s countless ways my writing helps women. If you removed all the sex, there’d be a great relationship story. I’ve shared personal messages in some of my books about my molestation, rape, and domestic violence situation. Irrespective of color, I have a way of communicating with all women. One day soon I’ll launch my non-profit, I Value My Vagina, for teens and adults. Women need educational resources before they have a crisis. I’m excited about my first Vaginal Aerobics Awareness class on August 29, 2015, in Warner Robins, Georgia (outside of Macon). I never stop thinking about new and exciting ways to empower women. I will write until my time on earth comes to #TheEnd
Who is your core audience?
My core audience is women ages twenty-five to forty-five, primarily African-American females. I write for all women though. My earlier contracts dictate that my main characters are African American. I’m hopeful that as a nation and a global community we will broaden our scope to expand our horizon. My non-profit will embrace women of all colors.
Do you have any books coming out soon or any future projects that you would like to share with our readers?
Baby, You’re the Best was just released this month. Now that same-sex marriage is legal I feel it’s my most exciting book to date. Passion continues to drive me, sometimes insane but that’s my #fabulous life as a writer. My Vaginal Aerobics Awareness classes start August 29, 2015. I’m adding a Vaginal Aerobics Exercise class where female participants will bring a yoga mat, two towels, and their pink crystal wand. I’m also writing a television series, Sophisticated Side Chicks. On April 8, 2015, I started a Facebook group, Mary B. Morrison’s Write a Book in 90 Days Challenge. The goal is to finish in ninety days but no later than December 31, 2015. There are 709 members and 195 awaiting acceptance. I know most members won’t complete my challenge but I’m proud to say that, to date, four members have completed their book within the ninety days. I’ve also challenged my son to complete his second novel. #Smiling
VIRGO GIRL 5 THINGS TO ASK:
What would you tell your 21-year-old self?
Know who you are and understand what you want before you get married. I married at twenty-one, had a baby at twenty-two, separated at twenty-three, and was divorced at twenty-four.
I start my day with . . .
Social media. I know that’s bananas but the first thing I do before getting out of bed is reach for my cell, check my news feed, the comments on my pages, tweets, posts on Instagram, etc.
If you could invite any woman to dinner, who would it be?
First Lady Michelle Obama, Toni Morrison, Oprah Winfrey, and Beyoncé. In that order.
Best advice you have received?
My dad told me, Speedy, whatever decisions you make, make sure they’re your own. The worst thing you can do is listen to what other people tell you to do. He also told me always know what you want. There’s nothing worse than having someone (who can help you) ask you what you want and you don’t know the answer.
Life motto you live by?
The individual that cleans the restroom is equally as important as the person that pisses on the floor. We tip maids, valet attendants, waiters, bartenders, etc. I tip restroom attendants too. I believe it should be the norm.
Connect with Mary on Facebook and Twitter