Featured Official Interview: Dorothy May Mercer

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features Dorothy May Mercer author of the Pastor B Boxed Set, Two Christian Mystery Novels, book of the month August 2025.

View Kindle edition on Amazon

View Review 1 for Pastor B and the Haunted Church

View Review 2 for Pastor B and the Haunted Church

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1. You have previously discussed your daily life. Can you tell us more about your writing process?

I always write on a computer. My office is roomy with a wooded scene out the windows, where I can contemplate my next paragraph as I gaze at fluttering leaves, birds, and squirrels. I have a desktop computer with an extra-large display screen. But sometimes I will prop up in bed, writing on my laptop. I like to put my character into a difficult or nearly impossible situation and then go to sleep. By the next morning, I will have the problem solved.

2. You've received the Albert Nelson Marguis Lifetime Achievement Award. Can you tell us just a bit about your achievements?

The award was given to people who were listed in various "Who's Who" publications for ten years or more. I do not know their reasoning regarding the award (maybe it was my rags-to-riches life story). But "Who's Who" listed me as author, publisher, President of Mercer Publications & Ministries, Inc., established in 1993, President of Swains Lake Farms, Inc., a real estate development firm, musician and music teacher, Certified Church Music Director, Certified in Healing and Wholeness Ministries, Ordained Deacon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Also, in tiny print, they listed my music compositions, meditation tapes, novels, "How to" books, travel series, and miscellaneous other publications.

3. Today, we're discussing your Pastor B Boxed Set. How different or similar is this from your McBride series?

My novels are alike in that they present real characters dealing with current problems, with a touch of romance and humor. They are of the mystery/adventure/suspense genre, and all have happy or satisfactory surprise endings. The difference is that the Pastor B series stars a Christian pastor.

4. Your McBride series was based on real-life news stories. Are these also based on real life?

Oh, yes, absolutely, with certain liberties.

5. Which of these characters is your favorite? Which did you find most difficult?

I don't have favorites, unless it is the ghost. All are easy and fun to write. Pastor B is the ideal human being, someone to emulate. His wife's debut writing achievement is enviable. However, her shortcomings are more like mine. The nastiest characters are just as much fun, especially those I want to save. It takes some time to figure out how to save them and make it believable. I may get to the end of the book before they come through, and they often surprise me.

6. Tell us a bit about the research you did for this book. Did you learn anything unexpected along the way?

The Pastor B series is the culmination of my life's work in music and the church. Although it is fiction, it is drawn from my decades of experience, viewed from a distant perspective. Yes, I learned that I could write a Christian novel, and do it without letting any painful memories creep in.

7. Was there a message you wanted to convey in these books?

Firstly, I have provided Christians with a great story to read. (There is so much depressing stuff out there.) Secondly, I hope the books will serve as an encouragement to Christians while also providing good, clean entertainment. Thirdly, although the content is more page-turning than preachy, it would be desirable if a non-believer were to pick up the book. Therefore, if anyone's faith is strengthened, it will be considered a success.

Finally, as an author, my job is sowing seeds. God will do the rest.

8. It seems your work is never done. So, what's next on your agenda?

These could be my last full-length novels for some time, as I'm very busy being a caregiver. Lately, I've been writing short stories, helping other authors publish their work, and promoting the Pastor B Series.

Let's discuss a few lighter topics.

9. What's been the most rewarding moment of your life and career?

My two most rewarding life moments were giving birth to my daughters. Of my career—receiving a bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, and the "laying on of hands" at my ordination as a Deacon.

10. What's one thing about you that we may not know?

I've been married to the same man for 74 years. Folks ask, "What's your secret?" A: Stick together through the valleys, as mountaintops will come.

11. If you couldn't have the career that you had, what would you have done with your life?

I would have traveled the world as a guest conductor for all the world's best symphony orchestras and choirs. During my off time, I would ski the easy hills at the nearest local ski resorts.

12. What's your favorite riddle or tongue twister?

Knock-knock.

Who's there?

A broken pencil.

A broken pencil who?

Never mind. It's pointless.

[Brajesh Katara]

I really enjoyed reading this interview with Dorothy May Mercer. Her idea of putting characters into difficult situations and solving them the next morning is very inspiring. Also, 74 years of marriage is incredible! Looking forward to reading the Pastor B series now.

[robert njoroge 6]

good book