Mary C. Lewis

A lover of language in all forms and a word laborer who is not shy about correcting errors, politics be damned, Mary C. Lewis balances her enthusiasm for grammar with a commitment to act creatively on her knowledge. Throughout more than four decades, Mary has built a communications portfolio. She began her career as editorial assistant and then managing editor of Ebony Jr! (Johnson Publishing), entering self-employment in 1980. She has edited manuscripts for book publishers; served as “last eyes” on stewardship reports at universities; helped implement first responses to the Affordable Care Act; and composed intranet articles on cultural events for a global investment firm. Her latest day job, as a senior editor, involves her in analyses of transformative destinations. Those are day jobs. Mary also unearths characters’ footsteps and voices, to bring collective fulfillment to as many ancestors and contemporaries as her daily 4 a.m. rising allows. eMerge has published her short fiction, and her essays appeared in Under Her Skin and Sleeping with One Eye Open. Her début novel, Strangers and Pilgrims, will extend to a sequel. Mary enjoys cooking, films, books, and conversations among the sun, moon, and innocent, determined creatures.