Perhaps you’re tired of serious posts about the writing of historical fiction, the analysis of who reads, who writes, what makes this or that author/book successful. And then there are the posts about social reading and the dynamics of the publishing industry. Give it a rest, why don’t you, Mary?
So today’s post is personal, a post about the woman behind the blog. Who exactly is she? Of course, I’m still trying to figure that out and I suspect I will be in that state forever.
On the factual side, I’m in my sixties, have been married more than 40 years to a man I met in high school, have two adult children, and one grandchild. I live in the beautiful city of Toronto and have done so for more than 35 years (except for 3 years in Hong Kong) – the only thing that isn’t beautiful about our city is its winters. I’m a bit of a klutz in the sporting department, but I love to hike and golf (I can actually manage to hit that tiny white ball!) Oh, and I have an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and a Masters degree in Computer Science. Before embarking on a writing career, I worked in the technology industry and the consulting field achieving relatively senior management roles along the way.
I’m a feminist. I can’t recall exactly when I took up the cause – perhaps it was after reading Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique? Perhaps it was my grade 12 physics teach who made fun of me in a class where I was the only girl. Perhaps it was the interview I had in my last year of university with a banking type who asked if I planned to have children. Whatever the initial catalyst, I’ve been committed ever since to female empowerment and equal opportunity.
I’m a problem solver. Give me a situation and I look for solutions. I particularly enjoy finding solutions that are non-traditional and do not conform to the way things have always been done.
I love managing people. Early on in my career, I was called ‘mother Mary’ because I was the one others on the team came to when they had problems. Perhaps I was empathetic? Perhaps, a good listener? In any event, after being promoted to management I hit my stride in the business world.
I’m impulsive. Unlike my lovely husband, I often act before thinking which has definitely landed me in trouble from time to time.
I’m a team player. I love the dynamic of teams both large and small. It’s the aspect I miss most as a writer and I suppose I look for teams even in this virtual world of authors collaborating and helping one another.
Occasionally, I’m a shit-disturber. I try to rein in this aspect of my personality, but it sneaks out from time to time.
So, that’s a few personal tidbits about the real M.K. Tod. Who knows, I may be back with more.
FOR MORE ON READING & WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION follow A WRITER OF HISTORY (using the widget on the left sidebar)
M.K. Tod writes historical fiction and blogs about all aspects of the genre at A Writer of History. Her latest novel, TIME AND REGRET will be published by Lake Union on August 16, 2016.
Mary’s other novels, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
24 Responses
I enjoyed reading about you, Mary. Some I knew, some I did not. Reading about you made me wonder about myself. I’ve never done such a self analysis. Did you find it difficult?
I don’t think of myself as very introspective, Carol. However, the words flowed fairly easily when I wrote this post. I’m sure if I dug deeper, I could reveal more, but then there is that notion of discretion 🙂
Lol! Nice to get to know more about you. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure M.N.
What an interesting life you’ve led!
Thanks, Sophie! I feel blessed.
I enjoy your blogs about historical fiction, you are a fund of knowledge, which gives me ideas for my own historical fiction writing. I found your blog today very refreshing. It is lovely to get to know you, especially as a fellow Canadian, I live in Ottawa and love this city and have for 45 years, ever since I came to Canada from the UK with a husband, husband left many years ago and the three kids grew to five (oh before he left.) and they are of course all grown up and have nine grandchildren. So there’s a little about me.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your story, Susan. Being an expat, you will identify with my Hong Kong experience. My husband and I lived in Ottawa for a few years and I lived there during most of my high school years – lovely city! Best wishes for your writing.
Wish we lived closer. What an interesting person you are, and brave to share it with us. I live in Southern California, it is very nice in the winter, but not at all during summer (110F). Originally from Lima, Peru. Lived in Paris, France, got married and came to US. Soon celebrating our 40th anniversary. Four children, one adorable grandson who lives too far away (Yangon, Myanmar). As a writer, I’m often “lost in translation”, and grateful to have a writers’ group to help me out.
So nice to hear a bit about your background. Our adorable grandson lives in Chicago which isn’t as far away as Yangon, but still makes it difficult. Love your bit about “lost in translation”. I have yet to visit Peru but hear wonderful stories about it. Warm wishes.
Thanks Mary! We have a lot in common.
Clearly we’re birds of a feather, Rebecca!!
This will make you laugh. I clicked on the shitdisturber comment expecting it to link to an actual example!
You forgot one thing – you’re an inspiration.
Very funny, Downith. I am LOLing!!
But that does give me an idea … perhaps a future blog post 🙂
And now you’re making me blush! One of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received.
Hello Mary, lovely to learn a little about you. I really enjoyed today’s post…but then again…I really enjoy all of your posts:):)
So kind of you to say so, Olga. I must say, it’s so encouraging to have comments like yours!
Wow, Mary, you sound like a kindred spirit to me. 🙂
Wish we were closer then. Perhaps we can have a virtual meet-up!!
Mary, Loved hearing about you! And congratulations on your book deal with Amazon. Perhaps you might enjoy my (mis)adventures at BEA–https://tkthorne.com/2016/05/19/chicago-angels/ T.K.
T.K. Thorne http://www.TKThorne.com
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Hi T.K. … your story is hilarious. As they say, you can’t make this stuff up! Glad to know you did receive the award, and congratulations. (PS, posted it on Facebook)
Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed getting to know you better 🙂
Many thanks, jazz feathers!