Local author Barbara Marriott visited Bookmans Ina to sign copies of her book Legendary Locals of Marana, Oro Valley and Catalina. Mary Wray was lucky enough to get Barbara to answer questions about her writing. It was an honor to have such a prolific author in our store, so willing to chat and share her knowledge with our customers.

When and why did you begin writing?
Fifteen years ago I moved to Arizona from the East Coast. Realizing I knew nothing about the west I started doing research on my new home.

What inspired you to write your first book?
One of my volunteer jobs was at the Oracle Historic Society that kept bragging about the history of their village and the "most luxurious" hotel there, built in 1896. I checked out their history and my first book Annie's West was born.

Which books have most influenced your life?
I take inspiration from many books in many genres. Fiction author Susan Elizabeth Phillips for her great development of characters. Biographical books such as No Life for a Lady. It is wonderful information and inspiration.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Local authors have been very helpful. I have to say however, that Jan Cleere was the one that really helped me break into the profession. She still remains a guiding light for me.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Libraries, Internet, books and interviews. Even the fiction that I write requires a lot of research. Fiction however gives me more creative freedom that comes from inside of me.

What was the hardest part of writing your books?
The research is the hardest part. It is time consuming and sometimes expensive, demanding travel. The checking and rechecking of facts and sorting out facts from the near facts from fiction! The good part is the amount of information I learn.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write! Don't fuss over style, marketing, or getting published. All that comes later. For now just write when you want, how you want. Once the words are on the page you can worry about editing and submission. But if you worry about that in the beginning you will make it difficult to be creative.

Barbara's past works include Annie's Guests, Canyon of Gold, Oro Valley: Images of America, Outlaw Tales of New Mexico, Banana River, In Our Own Words, Myths and Mysteries of New Mexico and Contact Creed. You can check out Barbara's website to learn more about her and her books. Look for future book signings with Barbara, as we plan on having her back later this winter.