Minnesota born, Romantic Location-Mysteries author, Molly Jo Realy’s heart is finally home. How she came to reside in Simpsonville, South Carolina, after living thirty-five years in California can only be explained as a move of God.
In May 2015, she began attending the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conferences. After her fourth year, she was convinced she needed to move to the South where her soul told her she belonged—a place where she could be surrounded with Southerners who write.
“I woke up on June 21, 2018 – the first day of summer – and just knew. I wrote out a list of all the bills I had, and countered it with how much I’d need to sell my house for in order to make it work. I had a five-year plan to get things in order, then move. But God had a shorter plan. A much shorter plan. It took me three months to get my house ready to sell, and 52 hours to sell it (nine years to the day from when I purchased it). I arrived in South Carolina on at 1:23 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2018.”
Because of a mother who rewarded her with books and regularly read to her and her brothers, Molly Jo learned from an early age to love words and the worlds they open up. Now an award-winning writer, her first book, NOLA, released in June 2019. From inspiration to publication, it took seven years to produce. She wrote about half of that time.
NOLA is a romantic location-mystery, a sub-genre she created—meaning, the setting is so integral to the overall plot, the story can’t possibly be told anywhere else. The physical, cultural, psychological, and emotional dynamics of the place bring it to life as strongly as any human being could.
The venue is New Orleans, a place where the past never stays buried. After an abusive relationship and the death of her beloved uncle, Penny, the book’s protagonist, finds herself embroiled in a murderous love story. In search of something she can’t identify, she discovers things aren’t always as they seem. Somewhere between the French Quarter and the bayous, she finds the answers she’s looking for … and some she’s not. Now she must uncover the truth between the lies.
And JUST RELEASED! On Kindle only—The Author’s NOLA NOLA and The Author’s NOLA can be purchased by tapping the images provided.
When asked for her advice to writers struggling with their first book, Molly Jo said, “It’s okay to not listen to everyone. Rules are for grammar, guidelines are for everything else. Trust your gut and write the story that’s inside you. Write now. Edit later. And have fun with it. Always. Stephen King wasn’t always Stephen King. Once he was just a boy with a dream. Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t write.”
Looking forward, Molly Jo, first and foremost, wants to be recognized for record-breaking writing. “I strive to be the writer who broke the rules successfully, and excelled. Someday I hope to own a writer’s café where I can teach the craft of writing, and encourage so many others to not give up on their dreams.”
Often called the “Human LEGO,” Molly Jo loves to connect people with others who will not only be their cheerleader but will also offer support and guidance. She invites you to connect with her on her website at www.mollyjorealy.com/ and to check out her book on her Amazon Author page.
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“I admired the fireflies for not needing light but making their own. I want to be a firefly—to bring so much light into the world for no other reason than it’s what I was born to do. They know no other way to exist than to just be themselves.” —Josie, NOLA
Often called the “Human LEGO,” this week’s author loves to connect people with others who will not only be their cheerleader but will also offer support and guidance. Check out today’s Author Snapshot and meet Molly Jo Realy. @starrayers.org Share on X
I’ll admit this is super late, but it’s never TOO late to say thanks. Thank you everyone for your encouraging comments.
Molly Jo, kudos on your interview from one of your old friends in California! Your energy and brightness just shine through!
This was so delightful! You captured her personality and projects so perfectly! Thanks for sharing her with the world! Blessings. Patricia Tiffany Morris
Thank you so much for stopping by, Patricia. I appreciate your comments! Stay wild, my friend.
I can’t honestly say that I’ve read her work, but I have been blessed to see her heart for God and her genuine caring for others through her social media and blog posts/comments. Thank you so much for sharing this “inside look” at a dear and sweet lady. I got to interact with her just a bit on PJNET TV; and was so impressed by her ability to be so “comfortable in her own skin.” Ms. Molly Jo knows who she is and what she wants to achieve in this life. A blessing indeed.
J.D., what a beautiful thing to say. Thank you so much. Your encouragement is highly valued.
Starr,
Thanks for the snapshot with author Molly Jo! She certainly lights up the room or page when she’s around. She’s as hard to catch up with as a bee “Swarm”!
Haha. I see what you did there, Ben.
From one Swarm keeper to another.
Stay wild, my friend, and keep buzzing.
Glad to know ya.
I shared the profile post. I love Molly’s energy. I’m blessed to have met her through the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s COnference.
Jimmie, thank you for sharing. And thank you for the kind words. God bless you. Keep writing!
Starr, another great interview!
Welcome to SC, Molly, from another Cali transplant. I love that your heart is to support and encourage others.
Blessings,
Denise Holmberg
Denise, thank you, and thanks for the encouragement! Be blessed and stay wild!