Meet Mary Vensel White | Author, Publisher, Editor, Professor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Vensel White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve been a writer for a long time and had published three novels, with both a small press and a big publisher. I had great experiences with those books, but when the time came to think about how to put my most recent project out into the world. I realized I’d like to retain the artistic vision I had and basically, do it my way! This led to thoughts about nurturing other writers and applying all the skills and experience I’ve acquired over the years working as not only a writer but as an editor and writing coach and writing business consultant. I thought it would be extremely rewarding to find books I believe in and see them through the publishing process, all while developing a certain aesthetic, so that when people see “Type Eighteen Books,” they know it will be a book with a great story, written by someone who cares about language and relaying human experience in a resonant way. And so far, it has been rewarding!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been writing for quite a long time. In today’s publishing landscape, writers have to be ready to get out in the world to promote and advocate for their work, and that’s tough for many. I’m proud of the career I’ve built, not only in education as a professor of writing and English, but in my writing career and my editing business and now, publishing company. Everything I do revolves around the world of storytelling. If I have a brand, it’s adding to the world’s collection of stories, either by writing them or helping someone else to develop them. On the professional/business side, my career has been ever-evolving, and I’m always learning. I think one thing that works in my favor is that I’m not afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. I look to what successful people and companies are doing, but I also keep a clear vision and try to trust my instincts. And, of course, I put in some long hours sometimes.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m fortunate to live a few miles from Laguna Beach, so that would definitely be number one on the itinerary. A beach walk starting at Main Beach, followed by brunch or lunch at one of the many restaurants there. We’d stop by Laguna Beach Books, of course, and some of the galleries and shops. Maybe another day we’d head up to the circle in Orange for more shopping and eating, or old town Tustin. The new Orange County Museum of Art is a must-stop. It’s such a beautiful, inspiring place, and we’d have afternoon tea and pastries in the airy cafe. We’d have to check the schedules at Segerstrom, South Coast Rep, the Irvine Barclay, and Laguna Playhouse. Maybe dinner and live music at the Anaheim Packing House, and a stop in Muzeo. OC has such a vibrant arts community and so many places to enjoy outside. And too many great restaurants to count.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet so many other creative people who inspire and motivate me. My involvement in the California Writers Club – Orange County branch has led to many of these friendships; also, teaching workshops at the Southern California Writers Conference has brought many amazing writers into my life and work. I’ve had so much support and encouragement within the writing community.

Website: https://typeeighteenbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mvw888/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-vensel-white-b53885201/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mvw888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.venselwhite/