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) 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-two good years, I don’t know what I'd do without him. We have a wonderful, single, twenty-something son, Tommy, who's as smart and handsome as his dad. My daughter, Wendy, now in her thirties has given us our first rambunctious grandchild. Jake just turned five.                       

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 six books with book #1 in its third printing.

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, four of my books, A CRYING SHAME, MIDDLE RIVER MURDERS, GREENE COUNTY KILLER, and DEATH ON THE BELLA CONSTANCE 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/index.htm. For updates, additional information, or to post a comment, visit my blog: www.annmullen.blogspot.com.

Author photo by Holly Allen.

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