Mary Dezember creates stories about possibilities—inspiring champions to find their magic for a new and better day. She believes it helps to make life magical, even if that means simply cuddling a cat, donning a tiara, talking with a unicorn, channeling the muse, or reading a good book. She lives in the Land of Enchantment.
A lover of the beauty and power of language, she states: “We spell words and, arranged well, words can put a spell on us.”
Her novel, Wild Conviction, (Brilliant Moon Press), is a richly historical, coming-of-age, socially conscious, epic adventure with touches of magic and love. It examines the historical basis for contemporary social issues and the rite of passage to identity, including the hero’s emotional and intellectual quest.
Wild Conviction is the GOLD WINNER of the 2024 Human Relations Indie Book Awards (Historical Realistic Fiction category), a FINALIST in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards (Teen category), and a RED RIBBON WINNER in the 2023 Wishing Shelf Book Awards (Books for Adults, Fiction, category).
Her publications also include several non-fiction essays and articles, fiction, and two books of poetry: Earth-Marked Like You (Sunstone Press) and Still Howling (CreateSpace Independent Publishing), with the title poem being First Place winner of the Best Beat Poem Contest, 2016, sponsored by Beatlick Press.
She holds a doctorate in Comparative Literature with an emphasis in Comparative Arts from Indiana University. In addition to being an author of novels, she is a poet, Professor Emeritus of English at New Mexico Tech (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology), and a scholar of the arts, literature, and writing.
Praise for Wild Conviction:
“Mary Dezember has created a tour de force featuring a strong young woman who displays integrity, independence, empathy, and a commitment to equality—a necessary role model for today’s world and any other.” — T. A. Niles, from T. A.’s Poetic Expressions-Plus
…“‘Wild Conviction’ is an amazing story that has a little bit of everything readers enjoy…history, romance, suspense, very strong characters, and just a little bit of magic to pull it together…There is absolutely nothing to say about this book that is not complimentary. ‘Wild Conviction’ is a story that should not be missed by anyone.” — Kathy Stickles for Reader Views
“…With a signature writing style, Dezember expertly weaves together a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and personal growth that will have readers of all ages hooked from the very first page.” — Suzie Housley for Midwest Book Review
“Author Mary Dezember brilliantly blends history with the dilemmas of the present day in WILD CONVICTION…The thrilling plot will keep readers engaged…The protagonist, Twilight Wild Adams, is an endearing character that readers will find it easy to cheer for and the journey she undertakes illustrates the author’s superb character development abilities.”
— IndieReader
“A smartly plotted, coming-of-age novel with a strong, easy to root for, protagonist. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!” — The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“Twilight Adams is such a fighter; reminded me of Katniss Everdeen from THG. She’s the star of the show!” — The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, male reader, aged 19.
Author photo by Jason Collin Photography
Website: marydezember.com