Mary R. Woldering

An author who has dabbled in many forms of creativity.

Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.

My name is Mary R. Woldering. I’m retired, married, have 2 grown children and five grandchildren. I live in Mentor, Ohio where I have lived since 2020. I was licensed to teach Visual Arts late in life from Cleveland State University but never worked full time. I became a substitute teacher. Before that I raised my children, working odd jobs while my spouse finished a doctorate. Before marriage I lived in Memphis, TN where I went to school, receiving a Bachelor in Fine Arts – Painting and a Masters Degree In Pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial Art

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I really don’t have any spare time. I’m always busy.

Do you have hobbies? How did you get started in them?

I have sampled many hobbies in art, singing, dance, decorating, costume design, historical research, fitness, cooking, needlework, and crafts. I was raised to stay busy – “No idle hands—”

If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?

I try to read something every day.

Her Writing Goal

What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?

To get all my ideas written and published as long as possible.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I’m a natural storyteller. I wrote the ideas so I could tell the stories later. Publish my first book? My daughter asked me in 2010 if I was ever going to publish my stories as I had boxes and boxes of failed “trad” attempts dating back to about 1984 when I stopped to focus on my family.

How do you decide on the title of a book?

The titles just come to me.

Have you developed a specific writing style and why?

It varies. Both style and genre vary, but I attempt to make good stories. I am learning to write more concisely.

How much of your books is realistic and experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?

Some is realistic, other writing is fantasy and everyone I meet can become a story. So far, I’ve had some ask me if a character is supposed to be them, but most don’t know. I deal with Universal Archetypes so if you are alive, you will find yourself in my writing.

Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

I don’t have one. To me, that’s like asking if I have a favorite child.

First Book Read

Do you remember the first book you read?

I always say it was Moby Dick. I was 7 years old. My Dad had an antique copy of the book with black-and white and color plates. I had just seen the original movie with Gregory Peck. I went through the book, looking at the plates and sounding out the captions. Later I tried reading some of the easier parts in the chapters. By the time I was 12 I finished it.

If you could not write, how would you express what you wish to convey through any stories?

I would make comic books with my stories in them.