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MT Oates is a Communications and Marketing consultant. Her writings have appeared in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and a number of other publications. This book was the fruit MT Oates helping Opus Dei with media and message training (and some media relations) when The Da Vinci Code made slanderous accusations against the organization.  MT Oates published Erin's Song, a novel, in 2004. She is currently at work on her second novel, Love is Blind.

Thank you Marie for answering some questions for us! To start, please tell us more about Women of Opus Dei: In Their Own Words.

I recently published the book Women of Opus Dei: In Their Own Words -- in collaboration with Linda Ruf and Jenny Driver, MD -- after having worked with numerous members of Opus Dei in the US when the organization was being grossly mis-characterized in the Da Vinci Code (book and movie).  I helped members with media and message training and some media relations work.  Many of the numerous reporters covering the story had no idea women were in Opus Dei or that women make up over 50% of the membership worldwide (over 88,000 members). The book took about year to pull together; the women in the book offer a great cross-section of members from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic and professional backgrounds.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Yes, all three editors are happy to give presentations on the book, women in the Catholic Church and on Opus Dei in general.

How has your education or background helped you in your writing career?
 
I studied English at Boston College and received a master's in journalism from Boston University.  I have had wonderful training preparation for my career in communications.

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

I published Erin's Song, a novel and love story in 2004.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

I enjoy media and message training; this brings me in touch with people and how they can (and have difficulty) communicating.

What will your next project be?

I am currently finishing my second novel, Love is Blind. And I hope that my next project will be a non-fiction book on an inter-racial married couple who have a very interesting story about how they got together.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

Jesus.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Never give up. Knock until the door is opened to you, then put your foot in the door to keep it open!

How did you get started as a writer?

I started writing in college.  Specifically, I took a course at Boston College called writing fiction for profit.  Best course I ever took.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, and Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

I really admired my dad (he died when I was 20).  He loved to read books, and I think knowing that has helped me want to write books I think he would be proud of.  The father figure in Erin's Song is my father in many ways. 

Who is your favorite writer/author?

Philosopher Josef Pieper.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?

ABC by the Jackson Five.

Thank you Marie! We wish you great success with your second novel!