Please welcome Mary Ann Bernal to my blog. Hello Mary Ann, it is so nice to have you as a guest on my blog today.  

1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

I’m Mary Ann Bernal, a multi-genre author who has always been fascinated by the what-ifs of human nature. I’ve spent years wondering how people reacted to life’s challenges throughout the centuries, and whether we’ve really changed at all. That curiosity led me to write historical fiction, science fiction, and short stories; each genre offers a different insight into the human condition.

2. Has writing always been part of your life, and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

Writing has been with me since childhood, but reading Ivanhoe in tenth grade sparked my love for romanticism and historical adventure. I always wanted to write my own Erik the Viking story, but didn’t commit to a full novel until after retiring from the workforce. And that’s when The Briton and the Dane saga was born.

3. How difficult was it writing your first book?

It was definitely a learning curve, but an exciting one. A novel‑writing course, a storyboard, and even a hand‑drawn map helped keep track of the characters as the story expanded into an epic adventure. That process kept everything organized and made it possible to manage a large cast spread across England, Denmark, and the European continent.

4. Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

I never truly wanted to give up, though I did procrastinate at times because writing The Briton and the Dane, with so much story to tell within what was then a recommended 120,000‑word limit for the genre, felt overwhelming. Once I realized the story didn’t have to fit into a single book, everything fell into place. That’s how the trilogy was born.

5. Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

My family and friends have always been there for me, encouraging me and telling me I was doing a good job. Their support meant everything, especially when I was just starting out.

6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Nothing is more inspiring than hearing from readers who enjoyed a story or can’t wait for the next release. That kind of enthusiasm keeps me writing.

7. What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

The best advice came from my first editor on The Briton and the Dane. I’d reached a point where the story felt stalled, and her simple reminder, “Just finish the story,” helped me push through the uncertainty and stay true to the heart of the narrative. Those words have stayed with me ever since.

8. What is your target audience, and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

I write for readers who enjoy stories that explore the human condition. My Scribbler Tales collections have the same spirit as Fireside Theater, The Outer Limits, and The Twilight Zone; short, engaging stories that leave you thinking. If you enjoy that kind of storytelling, you’ll feel right at home in my worlds.

9. Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

My illustrator, Steven Novak of Novak Illustration, has created all my book covers since day one. He understands each genre I write, historical fiction, science fiction, and short stories, and always manages to capture the right tone. The Gothic Collection was no exception; he brought the atmosphere to life beautifully.

10. What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

I’m currently working on The Thriller Collection, the next installment in my Scribbler Tales series. These stories explore danger, tension, and topics people often shy away from: the darker corners of everyday life. Since Escape from Berlin is included in this collection, enjoy this excerpt:

The driver tried to make small talk, but Mark was too preoccupied for pleasantries. His cover had been blown, but how? He had trusted no one since trust in this business might cost him his life.

The men in his office were staff editors, working for the publishing house where he was employed. Wilhelm, his handler, was also the managing director who traveled frequently. Was his workplace a setup to flush him out? Was Wilhelm trustworthy? After all, his handler wasn’t an American; he was German like the rest of them, all Germans who worked for Mother Russia.

But what did they want with him? Mark was a mere go-between, a courier who dropped off packages and picked up envelopes, none of the cloak and dagger stuff, no sneaking into buildings late at night, taking photos of sensitive material, learning military secrets to pass along to American and British intelligence. He was not in that league and never would be because of his father.

Mark knew he was passed over for the most dangerous missions because his father did not want to lose his only son and heir. He had been overprotected since he was a kid after that incident with the Commies. His dad was a member of the Senate, and he was still in office, and his constituents loved him, and his mother was the perfect politician’s wife. Mark smirked when he remembered the look on their faces when he revealed he was a trained agent and would soon be sent overseas. A big mistake telling the old man. He knew his father was behind this arcane assignment, which was to last one year. A mere twelve months to get this spy stuff out of his system, to sow his wild oats, before settling down in good old Washington, D.C., and working on his dad’s next campaign.

Mark was now part of this clandestine league, and his life was in danger. The espionage game took on a new meaning; he realized he had underestimated the enemy, being complacent because he was a nobody, or so he thought.

11. Any last words before we wrap things up?

I love writing in different genres because it lets me reach a wider audience and keeps the creative juices flowing. Each genre offers a new challenge and a new way to tell a story. As I always say: something for everyone.

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Bio:

Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her literary career began with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, launching a diverse body of work that spans historical fiction, contemporary short stories, science fiction and fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.

Her recent publications include Crusader’s Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the First Crusade; Forgiving Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in Ancient Rome; and the award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the daring exploits of a museum curator turned relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has been honored by the Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award, the Chanticleer International Book Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards, and the American Legacy Book Awards. She was also recognized with the Editor’s Choice Award for Literary Excellence by Reader’s House magazine.

A dedicated supporter of the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively participated in letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her advocacy has been featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs and book promotion platforms.

Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to craft stories that inspire, entertain, and endure.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.maryannbernal.com/

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Amazon author page  https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

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