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About the
Author
The
best thing about writing is that you can let your
imagination run wild, and I do.—Ann Mullen, Author
People often ask me, is
your character,
Jesse Watson based on your personality? I reply that,
yes, in some ways, but not in all. Aren't many writers
similar to their protagonist? I'd like to think that I'm
as level-headed and open-minded as she is. I think it's safe to say, I'm
the lively, out-spoken spirit of Jesse.
I was born in Wilson, North
Carolina, and was only four years old when my parents
packed up the family and moved to Newport News,
Virginia. My father passed away many years ago, but my
mother is alive and well. The mother in my books,
Minnie, is based on mine—and has the same name. She's a
wonderful person who takes her religion seriously. I
have one sister (very much like Claire in my book) and two
brothers.
In 1968, I married for the first time and had a
beautiful baby girl. Unfortunately, the marriage didn't
last. Not to give up on the idea of finding true
happiness, I took the plunge once again in 1977. This
time I married my soul mate. He's my rock, my companion,
my dearest whatever. My husband, Tom, is smart,
opinionated and stubborn. Sometimes I just want to jerk
a knot in his head, but, after thirty-four wonderful years, I
don’t know what I'd do without him. We have a terrific,
thirtysomething son, Tommy, who's as smart and
handsome as his dad. Our daughter, Wendy,
has one son, our first grandchild, Jake.
I
received a degree in Machine Technology from Thomas
Nelson Community College so long ago that I can't
remember the date without looking it up. I worked at the
Engineering Center/Phillip Morris, USA, for seventeen years in my field while living a
typical suburban lifestyle.
In 1999, we made the big move. My husband
and I sold our house and left the suburbs behind. We
settled in a quiet, sleepy little town in the Blue Ridge
Mountains
surrounded by neighborly people and breathtaking
scenery. After a couple of years of mountain bliss, I
gathered up my courage and starting writing my first novel.
Energetic, sensitive Jesse, her family, friends,
neighbors, and lovers sprang to life. To get my novel
out there, I started my own publishing company that same
year—Afton Ridge Publishing—and to date, I have seven
books with book #1 in its third printing, book #2 and #3
in its second.
In 2006, I was chosen as
Favorite Virginia Author
in a reader poll sponsored by Cooperative Living
Magazine. This has been the highlight of my career as a
writer—so far. Also uplifting, five of my books, A
CRYING SHAME, MIDDLE RIVER MURDERS, GREENE COUNTY
KILLER, DEATH ON THE BELLA CONSTANCE, and ALL ABOUT THE
MONEY have been
nominated for a Library of
Virginia Literary Award.
All the books in my mystery series are
set in beautiful Greene County, Virginia. To find out
what's happening here in real life, visit
http://www.vgreene.com.
For updates, additional information, or to post a
comment, visit my blog:
www.annmullen.blogspot.com,
or friend me on
Facebook,
follow me on
Twitter.
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Contact Me:
aftonridge@aol.com
434-985-1957
Books available on
Kindle
NOOK
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