Press Release

Local Writer Gets First Novel Published

"Kiss to Betrayal", a fictional novel by Grace Hewyard, though most people would know her as, Mary Speight, was recently published.  Heyward is a resident of the Antelope Valley.

A native Californian, Heyward was born and raised in the Antelope Valley.  She attended Valley View Elementary from Kindergarten through fifth, when her parents built a home in Quartz Hill and she attended Quartz Hill Elementary during the sixth grade.  She completed her high education in the AV, as well.  Obtaining a Master's degree in Psychology at Chapman University, satellite campus in Palmdale.

Heyward is currently employed at a local counseling agency as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Intern and Intake Supervisor, said, "I have aways imagined writing the great American Novel.  Although, I am most certain this isn't it, I am well on my way."

Heyward has been writing all her life.  Keeping a diary or journal for almost every year, beginning since junior high school.  Most diaries have been lost or destroyed.  "The written word has always been the most expressive way for me." she said.  She is also an avid reader.  "I love to get lost in my imagination.  I'm a daydreamer, by nature.  But books have always held a fascination for me.  I have even collected children's books and cook books."

Heyward said she was very saddened when she finished her book.  Though she writes often, "unlike a journal that is continuous as your life.  Typing the final sentence made me feel like graduating from college, Now What?"  This was the first novel Heyward had the guts to submit to a publisher, PublishAmerica, and it was accepted for publication late last year.  "Nothing can compare to that day when I opened my email and read the first line, "We would like to invite you to submit your manuscript for publication." Oh what a feeling!"

Heyward continues to work full time and continues to write.  She is currently working on three other novels, one being the sequel to "Kiss to Betrayal".  She hasn't found a title, as of yet, but it's the continuation and a reminder that just because you leave an abusive relationship, the abuse, though no visible scars, never leaves.  The emotional and mental scars are just as deep and painful, as if, you got slammed by a mack truck.

The novel returns readers to the heroine, Maura Martin's life after Rick Watters.  Maura continues to live the pattern of abuse and even after she breaks it off, the residue still lingers, making it difficult for her to let go of the hurt, that she wears as a badge of honor.

Copies of "Kiss to Betrayal" are available on-line through PublishAmerica.com, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and other on-line book sellers.

Contact:

kisstobetrayal@gmail.com

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