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Love, intrigue, and attempted murder, are set against the background of the southwest in Mary Verdick's novel, "Indian Time". Verdick brings her characters to life amidst the beauty and customs of her beloved Santa Fe, N.M.Verdick grew up in Colorado and still visits Santa Fe every summer.I'm always fascinated by it. It's like another world with its Indian culture," she said.Verdick came to write her novel after being the care-giver for her husband Fred who succumbed to a 12 year battle against terminal illness."After his sickness and death I was at loose ends and started volunteering. I was a literacy and hospice volunteer in Middletown," she said. "These were good for me and helped me, but I still had a lot of time on my hands and I started writing this book."Verdick calls her novel, "a timeless story of two lovers caught between two cultures," and has the American divorcee Liz, meet Clyde, and Indian from San Tomas, manager of her parents' resort. The two are immediately attracted to each other, but go through soul searching before realizing they can meld their different backgrounds.Clyde tells Liz, "... I was raised in a tradition as old and powerful as the mountains themselves. My people believe in a single, powerful force... some call the Great Spirit... holding nature and mankind in perfect balance... Religious belief and daily life are one and the same, every action has a spiritual consequence."
Liz responds with, "How can you reconcile all this talk about the spirit world... with the tenets of Christianity?" and he answers, "It's not all that difficult. Our religion is not all paint and feathers, or strange looking dancers, it's a matter of the heart... our belief in a spiritual life is part of us... It permeates every aspect of our lives... The cultural traditions of my people and the teachings of the church complement one another, if you let them."Intricately woven within this love story are characters at the resort, not who they seem and Liz's long time friend who turns out, not a friend, but a threat. Among the background of local customs, Verdick has the reader discover the Indian market artists' display at Santa Fe every summer; its rodeo, the Corn Dance, one of the most religious festivals, praying for rain with "dangling streamers, colorful feathers, sound of drum and rattles, colorful poles," plus the torching of the 40 foot statue Zozobra, Old Man Gloom, marking the beginning of the Sante Fe Fiesta over Labor Day weekend."Verdick describes New Mexico as the "land of enchantment... with its adobe buildings and Sangre de Christo range... will all the colors of the southwest: sienna, burnt orange, ochre, raw umber... its alpine meadows carpeted with blue larkspur, yellow blanket-flowers, cream colored rabbit bush, and red and blue penstemons."Verdick continues to hone her writing skills from when she was editor of her high school and then college newspaper. Her first novel followed - "A Place of Honor," and then "The Unexpected Journey," a group of short stories. She was a former middle school teacher for five years; editor at Weekly Reader for 16 years, and an author of many children's books.Verdick says, "Writing satisfies something in me. It's kind of a release and a a therapy." She has begun another book, tentatively titled, "Don't Let The Good Life Pass You By," also placed in Colorado, about a girl paralyzed from a car accident and how she copes. Included within the plot is a romantic interest between the girl's mother and the man who hired to help on their ranch.To meet the author, Verdick will be at the Broad Street Bookstore Middletown, Feb. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a book signing.
Mary Verdick has, to say the least, a way with words. Her new novel, "Indian Time" proves that beyond a doubt.Thursday, February 12th (2004), I met Mary at her Middletown home with the express purpose of finding out more about the lady who has chosen the stifling discipline of writing over a relaxing, more settled retirement."I've always enjoyed writing," she replied to my query. "I wrote a book quite a few years ago, published by Doubleday, called 'A Place of Honor,'" which she describes as a mystery. "After that, I went to work for Xerox, when they owned the "Weekly Reader" and wrote a whole series of children's books called "Pal Paperbacks."
Then, almost simultaneously, Xerox moved their operation out of town, and Mary's husband was stricken with Parkinson's disease. For the next twelve years, her writing career was put on hold while she ministered to his needs. "I couldn't do any writing, because I had to take care of him, and it was a very demanding, full time job."After her husband's death Mary describes herself as being "At loose ends." She became a literacy volunteer, and did hospice work, but when that failed to completely fill the void left by her husband's passing; she decided to return to writing. "It's very therapeutic," she says, and I agree.Mary volunteered the answer to my next question without my having to ask it. Why a novel set in the Southwest, and New Mexico in particular?
When asked how long it took to write the novel, she estimated, "About a year." Then she added: "But I have to admit that I didn't work on it every day.""Who does?" I replied. "Some days the muse just isn't there, and if you're not on a deadline, why sit in front of a blank screen and get frustrated?"She nodded her agreement. "When it's something like this, you want to get it just right."The resulting novel, "Indian Time," is the story of two people in love, who must deal with a clash of cultures: Anglos and Indian. In addition to the romance aspect readers of the book will be treated to vivid descriptions of the timeless landscapes, rising mesa's, painted deserts, and ancient Pueblo ruins of the area. Mary's knowledge of local cuisine, and proficient insights about Southwestern Indian traditions give readers the opportunity to be "in the moment," while also walking in the footsteps of a bygone civilization. There is also an interesting sub-plot involving a mysterious "Major" who's not all he professes to be. If you want to know any more than that, you'll have to buy the book.In my opinion, it's the regional focus that gives the book added attraction, an observation to which the author readily agrees. "I've spent every Summer in Santa Fe for years," Mary says. "I have a lot of background in my head that I thought would add interesting affect to the plot."It is easy to see by the accurate colloquial dialogue, vibrant descriptions, and historical information contained in the book, that this is indeed the case. Verdick volunteered that some of her favorite writers are: P.D. James, Nelson DeMille, Michael Crichton, Anne Tyler, and Dan Brown; also sticklers for accuracy, descriptive skill, and detail.Mary endures the plight of the modern writer: numerous book signings and radio and newspaper interviews, with affable good humor. Her next book signing is scheduled for March 25th at the Barnes And Noble bookstore in Manchester. "It's from 6:30 to 8:30 pm," she says. "That seems like an odd time, but that's when they want me." She also has a website: www.maryverdick.com that will give interested readers an opportunity to learn many additional facts about the author's life history, keep up with her comings and goings, and even order "Indian Time".Being an aspiring mystery-fiction writer myself, I was eager to find out whether or not she derives the inspiration for her characters from real life people, or just from "the essence of pure thought.""Funny you should ask that," was her reply. "I don't do it consciously, but recently a friend of mine, whom I've known since I was eight years old, wrote to me and she recognized the traits of two characters as people we both met years ago when we were living in a resort town in Colorado."I didn't find this surprising at all. I told her that I am constantly sizing up individuals I meet, and then incorporating some, or all of their traits into my fiction. Then I added: "Agatha Chistie was waiting for a train one day, and saw an impeccably dressed, fastidious little man with a waxed moustache, who ultimately inspired her to create the Hercule Poirot character.""Oh, yes," she acknowledged. "There's a log cabin in the book that is reminiscent of one that my letter writing friend and I came across one day when we were out exploring. She mentioned that to me in the letter too."Mary went on to explain that in addition to her personal knowledge of the area, she also did extensive research on Indian customs and rituals in order to insure accuracy. "Many of the Pueblo Indians in New Mexico are Christians, but they still celebrate some of their original spiritual rites, and the church accommodates them by sort of looking the other way."Here's some reassuring news for those of us whose literary plans are slightly behind schedule. At the end of our conversation, Mary was kind enough to autograph my copy of "Indian Time," and inform me that she is planning another book. The setting for this work will be a ranch in Colorado: a place she obviously knows well. "It's a love story too," she adds with a smile, "but there's also going to be a lot about horses and descriptive imagery of the area."
Well, I though with pleasure as I left her home, so much for "loose ends."Book highlights love caught between cultures
Chronicled by Edith Zeldes (Special to The Press): February 2004
"I lived in Colorado for many years, and went to school there, but I've also spent a lot of time in Santa Fe. Suddenly, the idea came to me that people would be interested in a book that took place in that area."The school she speaks of is the University of Colorado. Verdick also attended Southern Connecticut State University and holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in English. For five years, she taught English and various other subjects in a middle school before becoming a magazine editor for Xerox's. "Weekly Reader." Mary has a son, a jewelry maker and appraiser who lives in Meriden, and is the proud grandmother of two grandsons.Local author and Middletown resident Mary Verdick recently released her third novel "Don't Let the Good Life Pass You By."Verdick said she is very satisfied with the results of her latest endeavor."I think it's a real inspirational story. If I had to say there was a theme, it would be love and perseverance can conquer impossible odds," Verdick said. "It might be hard and it's a long road but you can win."
The novel is set in Colorado. The story centers around the Maddox family: husband Ray, wife Kitty and their 12-year-old daughter Jamie. The Maddox's own a guest ranch that has fallen on hard times. Tragedy strikes when Ray and Jamie are out on a road trip and are involved in a serious accident; Ray is killed and Jamie is paralyzed. Kitty then decides to turn the ranch into a therapeutic riding camp.Verdick had had a variety of careers in the writing field. She began writing as a child and her love of writing evolved from there. She has taught English in the school system for several years, and she worked for the educational publication "Weekly Reader" for 16 years."I've always wanted to write. It gives me a lot to do. It gives me something to look forward to when I get up in the morning. I just don't sit there all day long."
When she is not at work writing, Verdick enjoys doing volunteer work for the Middletown community."I do quite a lot of volunteer work. I'm a tutor with Literacy Volunteer where we teach people to read. I do that one day a week. Then on Sundays I work at the hospice program at Middlesex Hospital. That's very interesting and very rewarding," Verdick said.
Despite having written two other novels (See: Indian Time), Verdick said that her writing style has not changed. Writing the third novel was a similar experience to producing the first two.
"I haven't tried any other different styles. I just sit down and write the way I've always done," Verdick said. "Of course as you write, sometimes things change. Sometimes there are characters that just take over. It does change as you go along. But I think my style has always been the same. I haven't tried to change."
Verdick relies on her own creativity to form the characters for her novels."People ask me that all the time. I do suppose that certain traits of people might come out," the author said. "A lot of people think that you're basing it on real people and maybe some writers do, especially when they first start writing. These characters are all imaginary. Just imaginary characters out of my mind."Verdick is currently at work on her fourth novel. Staying on a daily writing schedule helps her avoid writer's block."Some days it's just harder to write. Your mind is kind of blank and you can't get to it. When that happens with me, I just make myself sit down and write. Even if I don't like too well what I'm writing about at that time," Verdick said. "I think after a while you get into the mood and it comes easier. If you have a routine and stick to it, I think you can accomplish a lot more."Verdick estimated that it takes her an average of 1-2 years to complete a novel. Her time is also filled by attending book signings and publicizing her books through radio and newspaper interviews. More information can be learned about Mary Verdick by visiting her web site at www.maryverdick.com."Don't Let the Good Life Pass You By" is available in the Middletown area at Broad Street Books and the gift shop at Middlesex Hospital. Copies are also available on Amazon.com, or may be purchased through this site 88 "Don't Let the Good Life Pass You By" 
The Chronical
by Kimberly Loycano
September 2007
Book_Review: “Maybe This Time”
Author Mary Verdick has released her fifth novel, “Maybe This Time.” She is pleased with the results, and is enjoying her continuing success. For Verdick, writing her latest novel was not any easier than writing her first novel.“I try to improve each time and try to be a little bit better. Hopefully I am,” Verdick said. “I outline it in my mind then I put it down on paper and start. Sometimes the characters take over and change as I go along.”
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PRESS RELEASE II
BACK - PRESS RELEASE I
With so much writing experience, Verdick is still full of ideas to write about.
“The ideas just come to me. It could be an experience I had in life or I remember certain things and say, ‘That might be interesting some day to write about.’ It just comes.”Verdick said she does not have a favorite novel from her collection.“When I finish each book I like that one best,” the author said. “Then I start a new one and I like that one best. I have to be enthusiastic and believe in it. I have to believe in the characters. While I’m writing, the characters become very real to me.”The main character in her new novel is Cleo King, a young doctor in her late 30s. She seems to have the perfect life. She lives in Charleston, S.C. in a great house. She enjoys a successful career that she loves. Philip D’Arcy is her handsome, lawyer boyfriend who is eager to marry her. Philip is true and sincere. All should be well.But for some reason, Cleo is unable to embrace the life she has. While in California, traveling on business, she runs into Max Altman, her first love. The two were in medical school together with their two constant companions, Darlene Resnik and Clint Campbell. Max and Cleo had a passionate relationship, but one that did not last. He was never faithful to her. It is clear from her reaction upon seeing Max again that she was never completely over him. When Cleo returns to Charleston, she is dismayed that Max follows after her. He wants to pick up where they left off l2 years earlier.From flashbacks, the reader learns about the history of Cleo’s life. Cleo’s father is an Episcopal minister and she adores him. Her mother is a true Southern woman. As the Philip-or-Max love triangle continues, Cleo ponders her parent’s marriage more and more. Something does not seem quite right. By chance, Cleo happens to speak with a distant relative. The relative gives Cleo a different version of her childhood than the one Cleo remembers. Soon after that, her sister Laura confesses that she never felt that she was a part of their family—she always felt she was adopted. As a result, a dark family secret that was long kept hidden comes to life. Cleo is forced to face the past.Verdick did not have to search far for a location for her latest work. She was born in Charleston and spent her early childhood there. Her love of the town comes through in her writing. Verdick skillfully manages to include local history and traditions in the novel.“It’s just a beautiful, fascinating city. It’s almost a different world,” Verdick said. “Each one of my books has a different setting.”Verdick said there is a part of herself in her work.“Everyone, when they write, their feelings come out in their book. It has to,” she said. “My novels aren’t actual incidents in my life, but of course they reflect what I believe about things.”“Maybe This Time” is an enjoyable story. There are interesting plot twists and characters are not always what they seem to be. Marriage is a theme that continues through the novel. Cleo discovers that her parent’s marriage is not what it appeared to be. This naturally affects her relationship with Max and Philip. Cleo eventually makes a decision about who to be with.Betrayal is the other recurring theme. Verdick does well writing about the pain and disappointment that follows after betrayal. The ending of the novel is a surprise. It is interesting the way Verdick shows there are things beyond the character’s control.Verdick is hard at work on her sixth novel. She is taking a new approach with the new novel she is writing. She continues to write about people and relationships, but this next time her characters will be older than her previous ones.“It’s a story about a marriage. It’s a story about a couple starting off on a trip for their 35th wedding anniversary,” Verdick said. “It goes back to when they were very young. They met at an anti-war rally during the Vietnam war. Then it goes through their lives. I wondered since the characters start out in their 50s if it would appeal to people. But it has a lot about their young lives and it progresses. It’s different for me.”
