This week, Good Morning America and Entertainment Weekly are revisiting classic shows and movies, reminiscing with their cast members, and finding out what they’re doing now. On Friday, October 18th, GMA will air the interview segment featuring cast members of The Waltons. Since I get asked a lot about my experience writing with Mary McDonough (Erin Walton), I thought I’d take the opportunity to share some of the highlights of what’s happened since Lessons from the Mountain came out, and what Mary and I are both up to now.
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- The books I call my fraternal twins that both released March 2011
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- Evan took private acting lessons from Mary, and a germ of an idea for a book was planted when we’d listen to her talk about her fascinating life “growing up Hollywood.” Mary McDonough, Evan and Runtie
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- When we had just started writing, we visited Patricia Neal at a book signing at D.G. Wills Books in La Jolla, packed with fans. When Pat left, Mary and I stood in the pouring rain (under an umbrella) wondering if our book would be as well received.
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- Me, Pat Neal, Mary and Pat’s biographer Michael Shearer. They were both very encouraging, and I later interviewed Pat about her role on The Homecoming.
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- My husband, Gary, and Mary’s husband Don. Probably discussing flying or skydiving or something. They had to cope with a lot while we wrote, but they managed our lengthy phone calls and late night editing sessions with a sense of humor. Did you read the book, yet, Don?
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- Mary and me standing on the porch of Earl Hamner’s boyhood home. This was about a year before “Lessons” released.
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- Mary had a recurring role on The New Adventures of Old Christine. All these ladies were encouraging, and are in the acknowledgements. Mary recorded hours of memories while she drove in, and we used the tapes as the foundation for the book.
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- Lessons came out in March, 2011 and Mary hit the ground running, touring and making appearances all over the country.
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- Daddy Ralph Waite and Momma Michael Learned showed up to a book signing in Hollywood
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- Mary and her gorgeous daughter Sydnee.
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- The family has been so supportive. Who’s next to write one, gang?
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- Lessons won the Ella Dickey literacy award, shared with Sen George McGovern
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- Lessons also won the Readers Favorite Gold
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- My name’s not on the cover because George gave us the great quote. Fine, I’ll give up the glory for the guy Mary shares a birthday with. Two degrees of separation?
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- While she was on tour, Mary and bro Richard Thomas reminisced.
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- When she returned from the book tour, Mary’s 50th Birthday party became a surprise wedding! Was so wonderful to see these two so happy.
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- Newlyweds Don and Mary on the day.
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- This is Mary with Barry Livingston and Erin Murphy before a segment on being a child actor on CNN’s Showbiz Tonight. The man in front is Harlan Boll, to whom Mary and I owe a lot of gratitude for all his PR help. Thanks, Harlan!
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- Mary signed thousands of copies of the book. I signed a few as well. 🙂
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- Dolly Parton!
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- Loretta Lynn and Mary.
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- Mary and Alison Arngrim (Nellie from Little House) had fun talking about their books that came out at the same time.
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- The Waltons 40th Anniversary Party. The kitchen table wasn’t large enough for everyone to sit around, but they tried!
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- Mary and I taking a selfie at the gala. What a goof! (Maybe it was the recipe we’d been sampling)
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- The authors.
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- The journey to publication took us back to D.G. Wills three years later. I still remember standing in the pouring rain after waving goodbye to Pat Neal wondering if our little book would become a reality. Thanks for the memories, Mary!
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- The dedication reads: “For anyone who has felt like they were not enough.” Mary McDonough
Now, Mary is busier than ever with her coaching, acting, and speaking. Keep up with her on Facebook, or her website. And yes, she’s writing more, but I’ll let her tell you about that herself.
Since Lessons came out, I’ve continued adding to my popular fiction series, The Seasons of Cherryvale. I’m also branching out, working on a high concept adventure story, The Kaleidoscope. I also have a new nonfiction project in the pipeline called “God Stops, a Pediatrician’s Faith Journey After Her Son’s TBI,” written with Dr. Karla Ramsey.
People often ask me what were my lessons from the mountain. My answer? To be open to the possibilities of what God has in store, and with some lots of hard work, your dreams can come true. ALSO, I learned that the people behind the scenes of one of the most classic, enduring television shows ever, from the creator and writer Earl Hamner, to the crew and cast, guest stars and their families, are all truly a part of an American legend.
I’ve been honored and blessed to be a small part of The Waltons‘ legend, continuing its positive influence on the world’s culture through entertainment. Because after all, “the Walton way” is truly at the heart of every loving community.
You’ve been a blessing to others, Bev. Thanks for who you are and what you do! God Bless You!
Thanks so much, Susan. Proud to call you my friend!