MARY FORD
Author, Editor & Writing Coach
About Mary Ford
Mary Ford is a retired, award-winning journalist who spent twenty-eight years as the editor of two successful, small-town newspapers in Massachusetts. She met Conley in 1971 and has always been fascinated by his story. They live in Scituate, Mass. with their dog, George. This is Mary’s first novel.
Journey as an Author
Mary Ford began her career in journalism with the Daily Herald in Arlington Heights, Ill. When her husband’s job took them to Massachusetts, she was hired as a reporter for the Mariner Newspapers, based in Marshfield, Mass.
In 1992, she was promoted to editor of two community newspapers, the Cohasset Mariner and the Hingham Journal. She served as editor until her retirement in September 2018.
Images – Mary Ford’s Retirement from Hingham Journal, 2018; Video of Mary’s Retirement Party
A former English teacher turned entrepreneur, Mary launched her editing/consulting business, maryfordedit, in October 2018. She can help with everything from college essays to letters to professional thank you notes.
After retirement from newspapers, Mary discovered writing groups through the Meetup online service. There she connected with fellow writers who shared and critiqued each other’s work.
Images – Mary Ford, Grand Marshall of July 4th Parade, Hingham MA; Mary Ford with Veteran’s Award
Mary also took several classes at Grub Street, the Boston creative writing center.
Learning from both aspiring writers and professionals, Mary dove into drafting “Boy at the Crossroads.” The discipline she acquired from years of meeting deadlines, helped her focus on getting the book written.
Her book began as a memoir but, through advice of a Grub Street instructor, she learned that it was in actuality a novel. “Boy at the Crossroads” will not only appeal to the Young Adult reader but to all ages. It’s an American story about a poor boy who comes from a hardscrabble background and makes it through.
Images – Grub Street Creative Writing Center, Boston, Ma; Boy at Crossroads cover and excerpt
Boy at the Crossroads is based on a true story
Fictionalized by Conley’s wife Mary, Boy at the Crossroads is an adventurous coming-of-age novel about making it on your own and overcoming a hardscrabble childhood. Learn more about Conley Ford, the inspiration for this story here:
Q&A for Mary Ford
How did being an editor affect your transition to an author?
My experience as an editor helped me become a better writer. Over the years, I edited every type of story and submission imaginable. I know not to be too wordy.
Why does your husband’s story make an appealing book?
My talent as a newspaper editor was recognizing what makes a good story. From the get-go, when I first met my future husband, I was intrigued by the tales of his teenage years as a runaway. I knew it would make an interesting read.
How does your husband feel about the book?
Conley is really excited. He has been a partner through the entire process and thinks there is a lesson to be learned in every chapter.
What made you decide to finally write BOY AT THE CROSSROADS?
Any newspaper person will tell you that finding spare time during 50-to-60-hour workweeks is a challenge. Once I retired, I suddenly had time on my hands! Over the years, I asked my husband to record his memories while he was traveling. So, at first, I transcribed those recordings and pulled the story from those.
What advice would you give other aspiring authors?
Learn everything you can from writing groups and classes. Be open to criticism and listen. But most of all, get down to the business of writing. Don’t procrastinate!
What are some fun facts about you?
- My husband and I were married in Los Angeles. We were on the Newlywed Game with host Bob Eubanks back in 1972-1973. We came in last and were invited back to the Alumni game and came in last again. Our incompatibility has lasted more than 48 years!
- I used to be a runner and completed two marathons in the 1980s, the Twin Cities Marathon and the Chicago Marathon.
- Through my husband’s career, we were transferred nine times in 16 years that included stints in Japan, France, and England.
- I taught English as a second language in Yokohama, Japan and Minneapolis.
- I really enjoy reading non-fiction. Malcolm Gladwell is one of my favorites. In terms of fiction, great authors are too many to mention. I recently re-read “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton. It was amazing she wrote that in high school! I also reread “To Kill a Mockingbird” with my granddaughter. It is one of the best!
- I grew up in Scituate, Mass. where we now live. When my husband’s job transferred us to Massachusetts in 1987, he agreed that Scituate was the best town to plant our roots as a family. We have two grown sons and a granddaughter, Samantha, to whom my book is dedicated.
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Boy at the Crossroads
Now available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle ebook