Tell us about yourself.
I’m a 42 year-old Author/Director from Toronto, Ontario. I’m living in Hamilton, Ontario. I have an amazing husband named Adam, and we’ve been together for almost nine years, (coming up in August, 2025).
So far, I’ve written two mystery/suspense/psychological thriller fiction books. The first is ‘Concrete Jungle,’ which was released in in September, 2021. The second is ‘Sidewalk High.’ which was released in February, 2024. I’ve also directed both of the audiobooks for those books. The ‘Sidewalk High’ audiobook came out in February, 2024 and the ‘Concrete Jungle’ audiobook came out in June, 2024.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born and raised in the concrete jungle of east end Toronto/Scarborough, in Ontario, Canada. The fictional town in my books, is based off of Toronto, Ontario, where I grew up. I've called it 'Shady Acres.' It's a rough place, and everyone has a 'screwface.' Not knowing who to trust when I was growing up, really had an influence on the types of people I've chosen to include in my stories.
"In the end, we all become stories." Margaret Atwood
What was your journey to getting published like?
I began my own writing/production/publishing company, 'Room with a View Productions,' back in 2014. This, alongside Kindle Direct Publishing, is how I've published both of my books in the past, and how I will continue to do so in the future for my next two. My books are sold on Amazon and on Audible. They're available in eBook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook versions.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
One of the best book reviews I've ever received, was about my first book, 'Concrete Jungle.' Here it is:
"This is a bitter, brawling story of murder, corruption, and domestic abuse. Your imagery is vivid, and the picture is horrific. I could see the room, the people, and even the grit in the fingernails. This is very good."
It made me smile so big when I read it. I'm glad my book made this person think and feel this way, because it's what I was going for. It made my writing feel more authentic, real, and raw, when it was perceived the way that I intended it to be perceived.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
If you’re not sure what to write, just start writing. Just turning on the tap, will get the water flowing. Write first, edit second. First with your heart, then with your head. If you want to be a writer, you’ve just got to write.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
For someone who is a huge hockey fan, I can't skate!
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
Bridgerton! Both the books, and the TV series. I absolutely LOVE them! They're definitely a guilty pleasure of mine! 🙂
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
“Fiction is a lie – and good fiction, is the truth inside the lie.” -Stephen King
"In the end, we all become stories." Margaret Atwood
Sorry, I couldn't pick just one!
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
When I'm not writing, I can be found reading, cooking and baking, or playing video games. I play 'The Sims' and 'Fallout Shelter.' I also listen to all kinds of music. I watch hockey (GO LEAFS GO!) — and I also love an enticing movie, or television show, acrylic painting on canvas, going on social media, swimming, being in nature, and going camping.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank and 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. I can't pick which one had the most impact on me, but they both did, significantly. I think they should be read by everyone.
What has inspired you and your writing style? How did you choose the Mystery genre?
Everyday life inspires me. The people I know, friends, family, enemies, and even strangers. The state of the world and the way things are today, the trials and tribulations that I've gone through. It all seems like a mystery, at times. I really love reading a good mystery/thriller, and so it's a genre I've always been interested in writing in, too. People are a mystery, life is a mystery! I really love building up the characters, releasing a bit about them out at a time, like who they are, what they do, and what they're about.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
If they're constructive reviews, I take it all in. If they're not? I take it with a grain of salt. I try not to take criticism from people who I wouldn't even go to for advice. You've really got to think about whether or not you want to let the few bad bother you, or the many good inspire you. It's really up to you what you choose to see.
How do you connect with your readers?
I usually connect with my readers through my social media pages: (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), and TikTok). I also connect through my company website, 'Room with a View Productions.'
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to be finishing and releasing my third fiction book, ‘VAULT 777 – ‘The Odd Family,’ which comes out November 3rd, 2025. I’m also working on my first ever recipe book, ‘Dee-licious F*ckin’ Recipes – ‘A Collection of Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, & Dessert Ideas,’ which comes out April 13th, 2025.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
There are plenty of Easter eggs and hidden messages in both of my books, (and there will be more in my upcoming books, too!), for those who know me, and know what to look for. 😉
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
I think of it as though I'm in the room with my characters. I'm the speaking character, and I visualize the scene, the feel, the mood, the vibe, everything. I try and pick the right words for the moment, and not always the 'perfect word.' It needs to flow and feel right, not just look right.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I can't thank them enough for their continued love and support throughout the years. It really does mean the world to me. You all rock! xo
Mary Odile (M.O.) LeClair’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Amazon Profile
Goodreads Profile
Mary Odile (M.O.) LeClair’s Social Media Links
Facebook Page
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.”
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