Author Spotlight with Mary Moss

Author Spotlight Feature with Mary Moss by Letrise Carter

I had the pleasure to interview author Mary Moss, a full-time Office Administrator for a local transportation company in Richmond, Virginia. Like many indie authors, Mary still works full-time and is a published author, speaker, and teacher. Mary comes from a long line of writers and continues the legacy and journey that she is very passionate about. She wears many hats as most women do, but Mary’s hat is very unique. When you are a woman of God, the shoes you walk in are many. Get to know Mary Moss in our author spotlight feature to learn more about who she is and find out more about her books.

Letrise Carter: Give our readers some insight about who Mary Moss is.

Mary Moss: I’m a writer, speaker, Biblical storyteller, columnist, retreat leader, and occasional blogger. I’m creative and energetic with a passion for life and a deep abiding faith in Jesus. I’ve served as a Stephen Minister, a Certified Lay Speaker (now Lay Servant) in the United Methodist Church, and earned a certificate in Congregational Leadership through the Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.

I’m a wife; mom and doting grandmother and I’ve had just about any job you can think of! "Jill of all trades" and master of some, I lean on the Lord to make it through every day-- every hour. Okay . . . every minute. Oh! And coffee . . . lots of coffee!

Letrise Carter: Tell us about your latest book release

Mary Moss: Woman with the Alabaster Jar is my second book (both are titled after “unnamed” women in the Bible). In this book, I invite readers to walk alongside me through grief, and join my journey toward healing, and hope. My first book, Woman at the

Well, chronicles my discovery of God’s grace and how it manifests in our lives.

I’d like to interject that the cover art for both books are commissioned paintings done by a friend. He is a United Methodist Pastor by the name Jim Harris. I was attracted to the stained glass look of his paintings and thought they would be a good fit for the covers.

Book synopsis – Woman With The Alabaster Jar: Grief is a club with open membership, but nobody wants to join!. Whether we grieve over the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage or long-term relationship, loss of a job, even when a pet dies, grief, like birth and death, is a universal experience. We certainly don't like grieving! But if we are to accept the

reality of it, we must believe it serves a purpose in our lives, just like love and joy and awe and every good thing we know of this life. Join the author as she journeys through grief, to find healing and hope and even faith renewed.

Letrise Carter: It’s always fascinating how authors come up with their book titles. What is the inspiration behind your book?

Mary Moss: The scripture upon which both book titles are based are two of my favorite Bible stories. They are both about women who are marginalized by society yet meant enough to Jesus that he not only spoke to them; He uplifted and healed them both.

He demonstrated the depth of love God has for all of us, regardless of our situation or status. They are both powerful stories of redemption and I enjoyed unwrapping the treasures found in them.

Letrise Carter: After readers read The Woman with the Alabaster, What is it that you like for them to take from your book’s story?

Mary Moss: I wrote this book to offer healing and hope to those who are grieving. Specifically, I share my journey through the grief of losing my mom to cancer. In the process, I discovered a renewed, albeit, different faith, and that life can and does continue after a tragic event.

My desire is to let others know that while we never stop grieving. It is possible to find healing and hope as we continue to live in a “new normal.

Letrise Carter: Who would you say inspired you to be a writer?

Mary Moss: This latest book is dedicated to my mom and to a dear family friend. They both died from cancer. I’ve really been writing my entire life-ever since I could hold a pencil! I

am descended from a long line of writers and wordsmiths! Newspaper men and women, teachers, and crossword-puzzle-solvers-with-pens! My love of words comes naturally.

I largely credit my mom for instilling in me a curiosity for word meanings and origins. Back in the day before Google, when one of us asked my mom how to spell a word she almost always responded, “Look it up in the dictionary.” (I also learned to be a really good speller!)

Letrise Carter: Name three of your favorite authors and why those 3?

Mary Moss: Three of my favorite authors are Michael Chrichton, James Patterson, and John Grisham. All tell great multilayered stories that are well-researched with compelling characters and storylines.

Their books are entertaining, and tell a story that draws the reader in from the start and make you sorry the book is over! I tend to read several books at a time, including devotionals, bible studies, and biblical fiction

Letrise Carter: Being an author is an amazing and fun journey, what is next for you?

Mary Moss: I’m actually working on two books. I am looking forward to speaking at women’s groups, retreats, conferences, and church groups about faith, grace, grief, healing and hope. I plan to speak about some of the topics listed on my website regarding Journaling, Prayer, and Living into God’s dream for our lives.

I thank you Mary for sharing your story with Sistah’s Place. It’s a blessing when you can turn your testimony into a passion that will be able to bless us. Continue to bless others with your stories and walk the path.

The best way to reach Mary Moss is to follow her on Facebook. Visit her website to keep up with her speaking engagements, interviews, and events.

To learn more about Mary, follow her on social media and visit her website listed below.

Facebook: facebook.com/themarymoss facebook.com/themarymossauthor My website: divinelydesigned.us My Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/marymoss