About Mary, Author of Fantasy Thriller Books

Mary Zuelke is a debut author with a passion for adventure, magic, and mystery—crafting stories of courageous heroes who rise to defeat evil. For over twenty years, she has been weaving imaginative tales, and now, she’s fulfilling a lifelong dream with the publication of her first novel.

In addition to her writing, Mary is a proud grandmother to five, mother to one, and a loving wife. Her favorite pastimes include exploring enchanted forests, enjoying pillow fights, hiking mystical mountains, embarking on quests along the Tomorrow River, kayaking on tranquil lakes, engaging in swordplay, and gazing at the clouds and stars. Mary treasures twinkling lights, Christmas music, adventures with her husband, delicious food and wine, quality time with her grandchildren and son, reading captivating books, and creating lovable characters who embark on heroic journeys to defeat evil.

Growing up as a loner, Mary developed keen observational skills by listening and watching the world around her. These insights, combined with her life experiences, have helped her craft compelling stories. She enjoys writing about honorable heroes and heroines who strive to make things right, as well as exploring the motives of villains who challenge hope and happiness. For Mary, magic is essential—it surrounds us and fuels the adventure in every story. 

I didn’t start out writing, I started out living. At eighteen, I was already working full time, married, and having my first child. Life was busy and responsibilities a priority. After my son didn’t need me as much attention, I turned to writing as a past time. This kept up for years and years. In 2010 the Magician’s Carnival of Horror was born – though under a different name. It was a passion. It took years to create, and then it sat and sat. That is until 2022. I looked at the story and said, "I’m going to finish it, I’m going to make it a good story, and I'm going to share it." That’s when the hard work started. 

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and The Mummy.

Dracula by Bram Stoker, The Inexperienced Ghost by H.G. Wells, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, and John Carter by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Mary’s childhood was filled with adventure and daring moments that shaped her creative spirit. Born on Halloween, she found herself immersed in the mysteries and horrors of that magical night. From trick-or-treating with her older sisters to climbing tall trees without fear, riding dirt bike trails, and spinning on horizontal bars, Mary embraced life with courage and curiosity. She played kick-the-can, swung high into the air, and even jumped from second-story windows during childhood games—all experiences that inspired her stories.

Set your mind on your goal and make it happen. Welcome changes to your plans when new adventures greet you head-on. Don’t fear 'them'—fear never pursuing your dreams.