After I “finished” writing Living by Ear in 2012, I “self-published” it in 2013.
Little did I know that LBE was not complete. And “self-published” was far from an accurate term, because so many amazing people were involved in that endeavor. Without the members of my original writing group—who became the manuscript’s initial editors and cheerleaders—I never would’ve moved forward with the writing. Nor would I have known the first thing about sending a book out into the world without the lovely people at IPNE (Independent Publishers of New England), who selflessly provided essential publishing advice. And I’ll forever be grateful to Cate Barr, who designed LBE’s first cover, and my mom, Joanne Rowen, a one-woman marketing force in my hometown of North Andover, MA.
About a year later, I met my wonderful literary agent April Eberhardt at the Grub Street writing conference in Boston. By then, I was shopping a second manuscript (Leaving the Beach), which April brought to a hybrid publisher. That publisher offered a contract for Leaving the Beach, and then, shortly thereafter, published a revised version of Living by Ear as well. Once again, I believed LBE was complete. But no. Although I made dozens of terrific friends—authors, editors, marketers, and designers—at that publishing company, it closed its doors in 2016, and my books went out of print.
2016, however, brought about far more significant changes than the closing of a small book publisher. And, like so many other Americans, I began focusing a good deal of attention on matters of national and world politics. Then, in 2017 and 2018, my family and I faced several unexpected health challenges. Thankfully, we’re doing better now. Here’s to excellent doctors, great family, friends, and faith.
My writing has been given another opportunity too, thanks to Dave Lane and Evolved Publishing. Evolved kindly offered a three-book contract for Leaving the Beach, Living by Ear, and a brand new novel called It Doesn’t Have to be That Way, which is due out in April, 2020. So these days, I get to work with brilliant editor Jessica West, and phenomenally gifted and generous cover designer Kabir Shah. Living by Ear is now in its third incarnation, and I really do hope it’s finally complete. What a journey! I’m truly grateful for every twist and turn.
But I’d be nothing without the angels who were in my life before Living by Ear existed: my amazing parents, siblings, in-laws, extended family, and friends. And of course, precious Mike, Walter, and Maggie. I love you all.
MaryRowen.com 
Congratulations! I really enjoyed Living By Ear in its second incarnation, and I am certain that Leaving the Beach will be great in ITS second life, and It Doesn’t Have tbtw will be wonderful in its first!
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Thank you, Claudia! So many edition numbers. How are you and what have you been up to? Actually, I’m going to hop over to your blog now… 🙂
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Darn! I loved your post about Havana, Claudia, and the short video you posted, but when I tried leaving a comment, WordPress wouldn’t accept it. I tried a few different ways, but it kept giving an error message. In any case, I’m glad to see that you’re still writing and publishing, and would love to catch up some day.
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Dear Mary, So happy to hear the fantastic news and that good things are happening to you and yours! Greetings from Croatia,Irena http://www.irenastanicrasin.comwww.perlinapress.com
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Thank you, Irena! When do you plan to be back in the States? I hope all is going well in Croatia and it’d be great to have coffee when you return.
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You know what they say about persistence! I’m proud of you for pushing forward – so far I haven’t been able to face my older novels. I’m a coward! Best of luck! Glad the family is doing better.
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Jan, you’re a superstar! Every time I read one of your excellent blog posts I’m in awe of your ability to keep writing new, interesting stuff. You’re a true inspiration.
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Thanks Mary – I just can’t seem to go back to the old stuff.
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I bet you will one of these days, Jan. I hope so, anyway. Your books deserve to be out there in the world. I often think about “The Graduation Present.” It’s a terrific story. And your fabulous female detective in Vegas!
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Congratulations – persistence pays off!
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Thank you, Judith. How are things in your world these days?
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Congratulations, Mary! Third time is the charm 🙂
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Thank you, Meredith!!
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This is great news, Mary. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you – well deserved! If you’d like me to do an Author Update on my blog, email me at bvitelli2009@gmail.com and I’ll give you the details on the format. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Barb! I’ll be in touch soon!
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