Savannah, Georgia, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Mary J. Nestor’s debut novel, ‘Bus No. 7,’ presents a captivating exploration of complex characters entangled in themes of lust, greed, and revenge. Nestor, who transitioned from journalism to fiction writing, draws on her life experiences and reflections to create a gripping narrative. Following a successful reading at a writers’ conference, Nestor has continued to refine her work with an all-female publishing house. The novel is marked by its intricate character development and a cliffhanger that challenges traditional storytelling roles, leaving readers eager for the forthcoming sequel.
Savannah, Georgia — Mary J. Nestor’s debut novel, “Bus No. 7,” takes readers on a thrilling ride through a world of lust, greed, and revenge, featuring characters that are as intricate as they are unreliable. The novel is a gripping exploration of their complex lives, with a cast that includes a wise-cracking criminal attempting to rebuild his life, a drug-dealing businessman, and even an untrustworthy cat named Hannah. The narrative builds tension as secrets unravel and decisions lead to unexpected outcomes, culminating in a cliffhanger that raises the question of whether the villain could also be the hero.
Nestor dedicates her novel to “muses, demons, and lovers,” highlighting how reflections of her own personality and life experiences influenced the story’s creation. This multifaceted approach to character development invites readers to remain engaged as they navigate through layers of deceit and morality.
Before diving into fiction, Nestor was a contributing writer for the Savannah Morning News and authored a nonfiction book titled “Say It Now! Say It Right!” Her transition to writing fiction began at the 2016 Bear River Writers’ Conference. It was there that she participated in a short story workshop and developed her first draft, inspired by writing prompts. The initial concept featured two characters—a pregnant woman and a drug addict—meeting at a bus stop, which eventually evolved into the first three chapters of “Bus No. 7.”
Nestor’s first public reading of her draft during the conference’s open mic night was well-received by an audience of established writers. This positive feedback encouraged her to share her work with her writing group, Zona Rosas, who showed interest in her developing story. Over the next three years, the short story expanded significantly into a 433-page novel, which required perseverance through the challenging editing process.
Editing is often viewed as a daunting task, and Nestor faced her own struggles with it. Guided by her mentor Charlene Rothkopf, she was introduced to her publisher, Bold Story Press, an all-female hybrid publishing house committed to supporting women authors. Through multiple rounds of editing led by editorial director Karen Gulliver, Nestor learned to embrace the collaborative nature of refining the manuscript, a lesson she wishes to impart to aspiring writers. She emphasizes the importance of creating timelines to facilitate the writing and editing process, which can often lead to a more organized and coherent final product.
Nestor is currently working on a sequel to “Bus No. 7,” which will continue her exploration of minor characters from the original book. With the first novel already stirring interest among readers, many are eager to see what her next installment will bring.
FAQ
What is the main theme of “Bus No. 7”?
Who are the main characters in “Bus No. 7”?
How did Mary J. Nestor get started on writing fiction?
What is notable about the editing process of “Bus No. 7”?
Key Features of “Bus No. 7”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Characters | Complex, intertwined characters driven by personal motives. |
| Plot | Thrilling narrative filled with suspense and unexpected twists. |
| Theme | Exploration of human emotions such as lust, greed, and revenge. |
| Editing Process | Collaborative editing experience that taught valuable lessons. |
| Next Book | Sequel in development focusing on minor characters from the first book. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Mary J. Nestor’s Debut Novel
- USA Today: Animal Farm 75th Anniversary Edition
- USA Today: The River is Waiting
- Wikipedia: Bus No. 7
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mary J. Nestor
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