‘Your life is what you make it’

by Alex Carrier Special Correspondant
Published: July 3, 2008

For local author Ann Mullen, the journey to becoming a writer and publisher began years ago after retirement when she and her husband moved from Tidewater, Virginia, to the home they had built in Greene County. 
The path that Mullen followed to Greene County and novel murders has served her well: she recently debuted her fifth mystery novel: “Greene County Killer.“
Her first book—“What you see”—became just one in a series following the life and relationships of Mullen’s main character, a fictional female detective named Jesse Watson.
“My stories are not about real people, but they are based in Greene County and always will be,“ Mullen stresses. 
Mullen says that in each book, she tries to “introduce a few good characters that readers will really like and not forget.“
“I have developed a whole population I can pick from and add to.“
“I feel so connected to these characters I could not leave them behind,“ adds Mullen.  “Plus my readers have also developed a connection with each one.“
Women readers were Mullen’s original target audience but now she says she finds she appeals to men, women and even teenagers.
“I have many women tell me they have fantasized over Billy Blackhawk. (Blackhawk is the main male character and has appeared in all five books.)  They think he is a hunk.  Others feel they have personalities similar to Jesse’s and relate to her. They like reading about her because Jesse does things they believe they would also do.”
As with her perception of her readers, Mullen’s perception of herself has changed after five years and five books.  She points to the author photo on each successive novel.
“On the first book, my photo is really small and now it takes up the whole back cover,“ she says with a laugh.  “When I first started out, I was very insecure and did not know what I was doing.  It has taken this long to get my feet on the ground and feel nothing will set me back.  It takes drive and determination and confidence to put all your money into getting this done.“
Experience has taught Mullen to stay connected to her readers.  Although she keeps books stocked in local stores, she is putting more emphasis on her website http://www.aftonridge.com.  With rising fuel prices, she is seeing more shoppers on-line.  Email also allows what she considers an important component of being a good writer - communication with readers. 
“Readers feel they know me personally from my books,“ says Mullen.  “They want to know what is going to happen with characters and even make suggestions on who they would like to see get together.  At the end of each book, I try to leave them with a little taste, a little insight into what is going to happen in the next.“
After the first five years, Mullen is looking forward to the next chapters in her life. 
“I want to continue doing what I’m doing now and grow just like anyone else in their own business. …There is always another path you can take, another avenue.”
Mullen adds, “Your life is what you make it.  If you can’t make it what you want, then you need to change direction and find something else.“