“I was stunned,” says Greene County mystery maven Ann Mullen on being named  Favorite Virginia Author in Cooperative Living’s August 2006 issue. 

“It is a fabulous honor but I never expected to win,” admits Mullen.  “There are so many other, much better known authors in Virginia.  It was a real surprise.” 

“When my husband showed me the information on the people’s choice poll in the magazine, I thought it would just be nice to be nominated, so I told a few friends.  Obviously, they spread the word far beyond anything I could have ever imagined.”  

Mullen found out just how far her fan base extended when she received word of her win.   

“I was notified by email and didn’t believe it,” says Mullen. “I called the magazine to make sure it was not a mistake and was told the vote for me had been overwhelming.  I certainly was overwhelmed.”

 Mullen who has just revised and reprinted her first book is preparing to go to print with her fourth in the Jesse Watson mystery series.  The fourth novel is expected out in time for holiday giving.

 “As both author and publisher, I had to make the financial decision on whether to do the reprint of the first book now or go to print on book four,” explains Mullen.  “Since I didn’t have any copies of the first in the series left, I felt it was more important to do the second printing of that book now and work to get book four out before Christmas of this year.”

“I think the fourth book is really going to hit home with Baby Boomers – especially women,” says the writer with enthusiasm. “Like all my books it takes place right here in Greene County where I live.  It’s about a group of women who belong to a private club called the Stanardsville Social Club.  They have money; they like to socialize; and they like to gossip about each other—and everyone else.”

“Suddenly, there is more than just gossip going on, there is murder.  Now, they are not just concerned with who is doing what with whom, but who has been the newest victim wondering which one of them might be next.  Each time I write a book, my goal is to keep the reader guessing until the end and I hope I have accomplished that again this time.”

This may still be a new (and second) career for Mullen but she is certain of her goals.

“I want to evolve as a writer so I can retain my readers' interest, and I want to branch out and start writing articles.”

Mullen credits much of her success to the Greene County community. 

“The people in this area have been so supportive.  Not only have they bought and read my books, they have talked about them with others.  I feel like I belong to them, and I’m proud to be their local writer.”

“I don’t know what it is but there is something in the air or the water around here.  Since I moved here, my life has been different as far as the way I think.  There are so many creative people here, so many great ideas that come out of this one area.”

We look forward to reading more of Ann’s work on bookshelves and as a contributing author to Virginia Greene and Greene Lite On-line Magazines.

Read about Ann Mullen as “Virginia’s Favorite Author” on the Cooperative Living website.
Read an interview with Ann at Moonstone Research Library.
Read a short bio right here on Virginia Greene Magazine
Read Virginia Greene contributor  Lou Page’s review of Ann’s first book – What You See.
Ann Mullen Website
Ann Mullen Blog