Mary Vensel White is the author of The Qualities of Wood, Bellflower, Starling, and Things to See in Arizona. She’s also an editor, a publisher, and an English and writing professor. She’s involved with her local writing community, most notably as the current president of the California Writers Club, Orange County branch.
About Resonant Blue
The first collection of award-winning short fiction from the author of Bellflower and Things to See in Arizona, whose writing shows “how we can endure and overcome our personal histories, better understand our ancestral ones, and accept the unknown future ahead.”
The interview
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
I’m definitely inspired by character. The inner workings of people, in and out of relationships with others, has always been my motivation for writing.
To me, the discovery of self, or having insights about others, can feel like plot! Others may not agree. But I think what we all truly read for is to find connection with the characters. Even if we’re reading for escape—a fantasy novel, a humorous but far-fetched crime story, or anything else outside our experience—we still want relatable characters along on that journey.
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
Neither! Fortunately, I’m in the book business in several ways already. I exercise my creativity through writing and try to provide compelling reads for the public.
As an editor, I help authors shepherd their stories onto bookshelves, and I publish books as an independent publisher, too. I know how hard indie bookstore owners work, and I’m happy to serve in a supporting role to their efforts! And our libraries are so important, a wellspring of books for their communities.
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
For the past three years, that indie publishing endeavor has been a primary passion. I truly enjoy discovering great books and working with the talented authors on a vision for presenting them to the world.
When I have time, you’ll find me at various arts events. I love theater, Broadway, and dance performances, and I see a whole lot of movies. I like storytelling in every form!
And of course, I’m a big reader and always have been, thanks to a mother who filled shelves in our house and took us often to the library. I love travel as well, and for me, it’s an integral part of staying creative.
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
I’m gearing up for some fall events, and I’m excited to get out and talk to readers. I was in conversation with another short story writer, Lisa Cupolo, at a great local bookstore, Arvida Book Co., on 11/20. We discussed not only my book and her wonderful story collection but the art of writing short stories.
And I had a signing at a local Barnes & Noble on the 22nd. I was in a couple of fantastic book fairs: the North Park Book Fair in San Diego in October, and the OC Book Fair in Tustin in November. It’s always a good time hanging around authors and readers and bonding over a love of books.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of greatest/inspirational authors?
A tough choice—so many considerations! For today, I’ll go with Kent Haruf, for the way his writing cuts right through to souls, Toni Morrison for her music and searing vision, Per Petterson for his quiet and restrained depictions of human struggle and striving, and Marilynne Robinson for her intellectualism partnered with an uncomplicated love for humanity.
Have you ever mentored another writer with their writing?
For the past six years, I’ve taught writing and English classes at a local university. I hope I’ve made the road a little smoother or gave a small push forward to aspiring writers in my classes.
I also tutor many sensational, upcoming writers currently in middle and high school. Creativity should be nurtured! Sometimes I’m in awe of our young generation of writers.
One of the main things I try to get across is to remain faithful to your vision, while also being committed to continued learning and development. And great writers are born from reading—always be reading!
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
When my children were small, occasionally I would take a writing retreat by going someplace nearby for 2-3 days. My story collection was written mostly during a couple of these weekend retreats, in flurries of all-day-and-night writing.
I’m afraid I might not be the best participant in a group writing retreat, because my idea of writing time is to fall into sort of a fever and literally spend most of my time writing and not being social. Lately, writing time is so precious, and I’d love to find a way for a retreat in 2026.
I wouldn’t want to go someplace where I’d be distracted by wanting to play tourist. So, my ideas for retreat venues are more general: a hotel with a balcony overlooking water or a cabin surrounded by trees.
I once spent a weekend in a little rental house in the desert of Joshua Tree but had to leave when a mouse decided to move in with me. So…I won’t be repeating that.
What is an annoying thing that a non-writer has assumed about writers or the act of writing?
Well, I think any time someone shows any interest in what I do on the writing side, or has an opinion at all, that’s nice. However…probably one of the comments writers get a lot is “You should make that into a movie.”
I mean, sure, hardly anyone will turn down a film option. But screenwriting is its own art form, and I don’t believe one just hops over to it.
Yes, I see many films, but that doesn’t mean I can write a screenplay without studying. And believe it or not, some authors don’t see a film as the pinnacle of success for their story. That’s another thing non-writers sometimes don’t understand (although I would love it!).
How do you measure the success of your writing career?
As long as I’m enjoying being immersed in the world of storytelling—in writing stories but also helping to bring others’ to the world—I’d say I’m pleased with the trajectory of my “career.” I’m gratified to have my fifth book out in the world, and I’m humbled to see how my writing has changed and grown over these years.
There’s nothing better than having readers connect with your work, to find some common thread that meant something to them. I started by talking about character and the fact is, all our characters have a bit of ourselves in them. So, when a reader connects to our stories, they’re connecting to us, too. And that connection can bridge great distances and make the world feel like a homey place.
Author Links
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Read my review of Things to See in Arizona by Mary Vensel White here!
Buy it!
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