I wish to thank Sally Cronin for the honor of allowing me to be a guest on her wonderful blog, “The Sunday Show: Smorgasbord – Variety is the Spice of Life“. Her blog is indeed uplifting, filled with savor and spice in today’s world.
The Sunday Show – Defining Moments – Mary Ann Pérez – Author, Blogger and Survivor
Filed under Uncategorized
Houston Authors Bash – 2015
On this day, I had my first big book signing event, rubbing shoulders with over 100 other authors. A lot of work and labor of love went into it behind the scenes, spanning weeks, days, hours, and even minutes beforehand. Family and friends braved the cold and wet weather to stop by and share my special day with me. I was intoxicated with emotions as I ran around giggling, boohooing, and giggling again. This was one exhilarating day, an event that I will hold dear to my heart and cherish for a lifetime.
Do you have a passion? Is there a dream in your heart that motivates you to do something? With perseverance and determination, dreams do come true. Be a dream chaser. Dream big. Don’t quit. Every journey begins with a single step.
Guest Blogger: Mary A. Perez (This Thing Called Tears)
I wish to thank Faith Simone for the honor in allowing me to be a guest on her blog, “All Things Written…To Encourage & Inspire“. Her blog is indeed encouraging and inspiring as she unselfishly pays it forward.
There are a few people walking the earth brave enough to wear their hearts on their sleeves; not because they’re careless or foolish, but because they’ve been through enough to know that each time they share their stories they celebrate their triumph. They’ve won. Mary Perez, of Reflections from the Heart, is one of those people.
This Thing Called Tears by Mary Perez
I consider myself a tough cookie. After all, aren’t I a survivor? I’ve survived some hard times: A broken home by age three, followed by poverty, hunger, homelessness, alcoholism, neglect, loss of a sibling at age nine, two near-drowning incidents, in a car wreck, juvenile detention home, taunting, brawls, racism, alternative schooling, marriage to a ruthless man twice my age, bearing four children by the time I was twenty-two—three by cesarean—physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, betrayal, hopelessness, despair, rejection, abandonment, being shot at (he missed), divorce, single-parenting …
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Filed under Guest Blogger
Out of My Comfort Zone
Several years ago, the desire to write my memoirs was conceived. I didn’t know how far it would go or what the outcome would be. That didn’t matter to me because the more I wrote, the more the desire grew. The passion to complete the journey burned from within.
I never imagined the outcome. But I know now, God was in it.
After writing a couple of years on my own, I started mentioning what I was doing to some people and received some great advice and direction. Like a sponge, I soaked in all the info I could and soon realized that I needed to join others with the same passion. I started visiting writing groups and even joined a couple. Every week, I took notes, listened to critiques, shared ideas, and discussed scenes and sequels with my peers. I entered a few contests and some writing essays. I knew then that I had a story to share that would inspire others.
I also learned that I needed a writer’s platform, so I started a Facebook fan page, a blog website, and finally, a Twitter account. Along this journey, I’ve met some incredibly talented people face-to-face, as well as through social media.
The time has come when I am definitely way out of my comfort zone. Matter of fact, as I timidly began this writing journey, wading into the water, it quickly went from ankle-deep to knee-deep. And the water continues to rise.
Wade in the Water by MartinGollery on DeviantArt
I am not perfect. I’m not some superwoman with superpowers able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. I am just like you. I am aware of my weaknesses and limitations. However, I am ready to take the next step, and I dare say I will not do it alone. God has given me resiliency. He has given me favor and is opening doors. As I rely on Him–more now than ever–He sends the right people at the right time. Each one holds a special place in my heart and has touched me in different ways. Some plant and some water, but God gives the increase. I don’t take this experience lightly or for granted.
I had a dream. I never dreamt it would go this far.
I am about to give birth to my dream. Soon, my first book, “Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace,” launches. In just a few days, I will hold the books that I call my babies in my hands. For starters, I will attend book signings, blog tours, radio interviews, conferences, and speaking engagements. I may not know where I’m going, but I remember where I once was. And that’s enough.
Do you have a dream? Does something take you out of your comfort zone? That means you are growing, stretching, and bettering yourself. Does it scare the hell out of you? Good.
Go for it. If I can, you can. Reach for the stars. The sky’s the limit.
© M.A. Pérez 2015, All Rights Reserved
Filed under memoir book project, Writing Journey
“I Always Loved You …”
“I always did love you, just had too many problems.”
Ten words on ink and paper.
Handwritten by her.
Pierces my heart.
Quiet pain.
Does she know I exist? Or care? Or want me?
I love her, look up to her; want to be her.
Unspoken. Forsaken.
Isn’t love also a verb?
Hidden shame.
Grandparents notice. Embrace me. Love me.
They say I am worthy and special.
I am not allowed to stay.
Said I might become spoil.
Wounded heart.
I leave home. Searching for Mr. Right.
Run to him at sixteen. Happily ever after.
Young. Naïve. Taken for granted.
Thinks to mold me into his image.
His way or the highway.
Internal screams.
Motherhood. Baby having babies.
Crawl before walking. Stumble. Fall.
Clinging unto a strand, unraveling.
Faded dreams.
Years overlap. Encumbering.
Emotions are numb.
Hubby seeks greener pastures.
Two-timer. Tosses me to the wolves.
Abandon.
Water is not missed until the well is dry.
Alone. They’ve aged. Reaching out.
Across the miles, calling my name.
Vowing eternal devotion.
Hollow words.
Grown children look back.
Open arms. Nostalgic.
Rebuild the fences.
Dying to live.
Forgive.
In times of happiness, embrace your beloved.
In times of calamity, hold them closer.
Love isn’t love until you give it away.
God grants life.
And second chances.
Poem written by Mary A. Pérez
Filed under Love, Valentine's Day
Tour Through Blogland
I was invited to participate in “A Tour Through Blogland,” also known as “The Virtual Blog Tour Award.” When my nominator, Sally Georgina Cronin introduced me to this project, she peaked my interest. After all, I just published my memoir and am pretty excited to let others know of its soon release date.
>>>Click here to see more!<<<
Filed under Award, Book Marketing
Pre-Orders Available Now!
Available in hardcover, paperback and e-book!
Orders are rolling in!
I received a message from Chart House Press earlier this week which blessed me: “Seeing the orders come in is bringing me to tears, Mary. I can’t wait for people to read your story.”
Purchase thru Amazon
Purchase thru Barnes and Noble
Filed under Book Marketing, Running in Heels
The Year 2014 in Review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,800 times in 2014. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.
Filed under Blog Review
‘My desire is that my story may help someone else walking through similar circumstances I once walked,’ Mary Ann Perez author of Running in Heels
About a week ago, Natasha Collins with http://literarylifestories.com invited me to be a guest on her wonderful blog and to share with her readers a little about my journey in writing “Running in Heels.” She knew my desire was to reach out to others who are going through or have gone through similar struggles that I mentioned in my memoir.
Natasha, thank you again for getting in touch with me.
Filed under Book Marketing, Interview
From Heart to Heritage
Reflections From the Heart 