Mallory O’Connor is a multi-talented creative force—a respected art historian, novelist, and curator who brings together the worlds of art and storytelling. Her work explores the rich connections between visual and written mediums, offering unique perspectives that inspire and engage audiences.
As a writer, O’Connor crafts compelling stories, including her acclaimed memoir, The Kitchen and the Studio: A Memoir of Food and Art. This work highlights her passion for food and art as essential forms of creativity and expression. With each book she writes, she weaves thoughtful narratives that often draw from her deep knowledge of history, culture, and the arts.
Beyond her writing, O’Connor is a seasoned curator and art historian with a distinguished career in academia and exhibition planning. Her expertise in American art and her dedication to preserving cultural heritage have left a lasting impact in the art world. She is a storyteller in every sense of the word, whether she’s writing fiction, sharing her experiences, or curating exhibitions that bring art to life.
Mallory’s career reflects her passion for blending creativity and scholarship, making her an inspiring voice in literature and the arts. She continues to inspire readers and audiences through her multifaceted work.
Check Out Our Podcast Interview
Video on YouTube
Audio Version of the Podcast
Apple Podcast
https://apple.co/4hFvOGh
Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/06tHKTGhJ3M2c4BlvSyOAS?si=KSXcxgBpQC2tF0H8X5YQeA
IHeartRadio Podcast
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-jolenes-book-and-writers-t-119694968/
Where To Connect With the Author
Email: oconnormallm@gmail.com
Website: https://oconnorartllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mallorymoconnor/
Amazzon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mallory-M.-OConnor/author/B073QXR5LQ
Books by the Author
Fiction / Paranormal
Xanadu’s Cavern
Epiphany’s Gift
Key To Eternity
Fiction / Historical
American River: Tributaries
American River: Currents
American River: Confluence
Non-Fiction
Florida’s American Heritage River: Images from the St. Johns Region
Lost Cities of the Ancient Southeast
Local Lives In A Global Pandemic
The Kitchen and the Studio: A Memoir of Food and Art
Author Interview Questions
Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
I have a “close relationship” with all my characters. Some are “autobiographical,” others are based on people I know. But once I start “writing them,” they become unpredictable, and I have to try to figure out why they do what they do and what they really want. It’s a wonderful puzzle! I have “a lot in common” with my characters.
How much research did you need to do for your book?
Well, as a retired professor, it’s safe to say that I LOVE research and do a thorough job of researching my stories in terms of people, places and events. I try to visit places where I set the action and in some cases very specific places like Tanglewood Music Center or the Cleveland concert hall. When one of my characters decided to become an orchestra conductor, I enrolled I a conducting class so I’d know just what he had experienced. If I can’t actually physically GO to a place, I watch some travel videos and read guidebooks to get a sense of the place. I also delve into my character’s backgrounds — where did they grow up? Where did they go to school? What happened to them along the way? I might not use these incidents in the story, but I need to know what happened to my characters.
What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged with this work?
Since many of my characters are artist, I like to reveal just how tough the art world is and how difficult it is to become successful in it. There are so many things that can get in the way or discourage even the most determined individuals. I like to reveal their struggles and their disappointments, not just their success. Also, my “cli-fi” books delve into hot topic environmental issues like fracking and extinction. And since my protagonist is a psychic, I also get to explore the paranormal and some of the details of how psychics live and work. I’ve been fortunate to have a psychic as a long time friend and she has helped me with my research into that world.
Do you have other writers in the family?
My husband John is the author of two books and is working on a third and my son Chris is getting ready to publish his first book, so yes—we’re family of writes!
As a writer, what would you choose as your spirit animal?
About fifty years ago I had an interesting dream. I was walking along a path. It was dark and the path ran along a narrow ridge on a cliff overlooking the ocean. I sat down on a rock to rest and when I looked back at the path, I saw a large wolf coming toward me. I wasn’t afraid, just curious. The wolf trotted up and sat down next to me. We both looked out at the dark ocean for a few moments, then the wolf turned to me and said, “Hi. I’m meat-catcher and I’ll be your spirit animal.” It was sort of funny because it was like the waiter coming up and saying “Hi. I’m Doug and I’ll be your server. “But I nodded to the wolf and said, “That will be great.” And so it has been.
A Note from our Editor
We would encourage any North Florida Writers who would like to submit a Guest Post on our online magazine or be a featured author on the North Florida Writers Tour website then please get in touch using their CONTACT US form. Our other Online Magazine called “Webs and Blogs for Writers” does featured articles and has an excellent monthly Newsletter with exclusive content. Check it Out! CLICK HERE! For those who wish to be a guest on Jolene’s Book and Writer’s Talk podcast visit the Southern Dragon Publishing Information page.
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