In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, I’m joined by the talented Mary Karlik, writing as Mary J. Wilson, to chat about her Scottish roots, her writing journey, and how she blends her Texas charm with Scottish magic to create heartwarming happily-ever-afters.

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About Mary Karlik / Mary J. Wilson:

Mary is the author of five indie-published contemporary young adult romance novels and two fantasy novels, crafting love stories that stretch from Texas to the Highlands of Scotland. With deep ties to her Scottish heritage and a passion for storytelling, Mary brings authenticity, heart, and a dash of Celtic flair to everything she writes.

She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, a B.S. from Texas A&M University, and is currently studying Scottish Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the beautiful Isle of Skye.

When she’s not writing, Mary is a certified professional ski instructor, a Registered Nurse, and an active member of Romance Writers of America, Contemporary Romance Writers, and Dallas Area Romance Authors. Married to a real-life Scot, she splits her time between Texas and Scotland—two places that inspire her rich, romantic storytelling.

In this interview, we discuss:

• The influence of her Scottish heritage on her writing
• Her journey from Texas nurse to published author
• How she balances YA romance and fantasy
• Her experience studying Scottish Gaelic and how it adds depth to her stories
• The writing process, inspiration, and advice for aspiring authors

Listen now for a cozy, inspiring conversation filled with heart, heritage, and happily-ever-afters! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes author interviews.

Where to find Mary: Website

Where to find Mary’s books: Available on Amazon