Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Beth McCarthy.
Hi Mary Beth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If someone had told me twenty years ago that I would become a children’s author, I would have smiled and said, “Not a chance.”
For 43 years, I was a cellular and molecular biologist in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Connecticut. My career was devoted to research, publishing more than 75 peer-reviewed scientific papers, and presenting my work at conferences throughout the United States and internationally. Science was my passion, and I truly loved every minute of it.
When I retired, I wasn’t searching for a second career. I was looking forward to spending more time with my family, especially my grandchildren, and enjoying life on Hilton Head Island with my husband.
One afternoon, while shopping with my young grandson, Mac, he wandered away for just a few moments. Like any parent or grandparent can imagine, those few seconds felt like an eternity. Thankfully, he was perfectly safe, but the experience stayed with me. It made me think about how quickly children can become distracted and separated from the adults who love them.
That experience sparked a simple question:
**”What if it wasn’t a little boy who wandered away? What if it was a curious Goldendoodle?”**
Our beloved dog, Hilton, immediately came to mind. I began imagining him slipping out of his collar on the beaches of Hilton Head Island, meeting the incredible wildlife that makes the Lowcountry so special, while trying to find his way back to his family. Before long, *Hilton’s Island* was born.
As I wrote, I realized I wasn’t simply creating an adventure story. I wanted children to experience the excitement of exploration while gently reinforcing an important lesson: stay close to the people who love you. I wanted parents and grandparents to have a story that naturally opened conversations about safety without frightening children.
Looking back, I don’t think I reinvented myself as much as I discovered another part of who I had always been. Science taught me to observe carefully, ask questions, and remain endlessly curious. Those same qualities now help me create stories that encourage curiosity, kindness, a love of nature, and meaningful family conversations.
Since publishing *Hilton’s Island*, the response has been beyond anything I could have imagined. The book has sold more than 3,000 copies, is available in more than 20 retail locations on Hilton Head Island, and has received Honorable Mention recognition from both the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards and the New England Children’s Book Festival. Its success inspired me to continue Hilton’s adventures in my second book, *Hilton’s Holiday*.
Although my career has changed dramatically, my purpose has remained the same. As a scientist, I hoped to improve lives through research. Today, I hope to make a difference by helping children fall in love with reading, appreciate the beauty of nature, and create lasting memories with their families.
Retirement didn’t mark the end of my story.
It became the beginning of a wonderful new chapter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but looking back, every challenge taught me something valuable.
After spending so many years in science, I was used to working in a field where I understood the rules. Research had a clear path—conduct the experiments, analyze the data, publish your findings, and present your work. Becoming a children’s author meant stepping into a world where I knew very little. I went from being an expert in one profession to being a complete beginner in another, and that was both exciting and humbling.
Like many first-time authors, I quickly learned that writing the book is only half the journey. Once the book is finished, you have to become a marketer, salesperson, public speaker, and entrepreneur. I had to learn about book design, printing, distribution, bookstore relationships, book signings, social media, and promoting my work—skills I had never needed during my scientific career.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was not to be afraid of hearing the word “no.” Every opportunity starts with asking, whether it’s approaching a bookstore, contacting the media, or reaching out to a podcast. Not every door opens, but the ones that do can change everything.
Fortunately, I also discovered that people genuinely want to support a good story. Booksellers on Hilton Head Island welcomed *Hilton’s Island*, readers embraced Hilton, and families began sharing the book with their children and grandchildren. Watching complete strangers connect with something I created has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
If there’s one thing my scientific career taught me, it’s perseverance. Experiments don’t always work the first time, and neither does building a publishing career. Success comes from learning, adapting, and continuing to move forward. That mindset has served me just as well as an author as it did as a scientist.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I had the privilege of working as a cellular and molecular biologist in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Connecticut. My research focused on understanding how cells respond to injury and healing, with the goal of improving treatments for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
Throughout my career, I published more than 75 peer-reviewed scientific papers and was invited to present my research at national and international scientific conferences. I also served as a laboratory manager for many years, leading research teams, mentoring young scientists, and helping create an environment where collaboration, curiosity, and excellence could thrive.
One of the most rewarding parts of my career extended beyond the laboratory itself. I had the privilege of mentoring numerous medical students, residents, research fellows, and young investigators as they pursued careers in medicine and science. Watching many of them achieve their dream of matching into competitive residency programs and go on to become outstanding physicians has been one of my greatest professional joys. Knowing I played even a small role in helping them reach those milestones is something I will always treasure.
Looking back, what I’m most proud of isn’t any single publication, grant, or presentation. It’s the people. Scientific discoveries are important, but investing in others and helping them grow may be the most meaningful contribution any of us can make.
What sets me apart is that I never imagined my scientific career would prepare me to become a children’s author. At first glance, the two professions seem worlds apart, but I’ve come to realize they share many of the same qualities. Both require curiosity, creativity, careful observation, patience, perseverance, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Today, I simply reach a different audience. Instead of publishing research for scientists, I write stories for children and families. Although the audience has changed, my purpose has remained the same: to educate, inspire curiosity, encourage learning, and leave the world a little better than I found it.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Without being redundant, there’s one thing I hope readers take away from my story, it’s that it’s never too late to begin a new chapter.
For many years, I thought my identity was tied to being a scientist. I loved my career, and I was incredibly fortunate to spend more than four decades doing meaningful work alongside remarkable colleagues and students. When I retired, I assumed that chapter of my life had simply come to an end.
What I didn’t realize was that retirement wasn’t the end of my purpose—it was an opportunity to discover another one.
Becoming a children’s author has reminded me that we are all capable of growing, learning, and surprising ourselves, no matter our age or profession. You don’t have to abandon one passion to discover another. In my case, science and storytelling are connected by the same desire: to educate, inspire curiosity, and help others.
I would encourage anyone who has ever dreamed of trying something new not to let fear or uncertainty stand in the way. You don’t have to know exactly where the journey will lead. You simply have to be willing to take the first step.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way—my husband, Mark, my family, the wonderful booksellers on Hilton Head Island who believed in my first book, and the readers who have welcomed Hilton into their homes. Their encouragement has made this unexpected second career more rewarding than I ever imagined.
If my journey inspires even one person to pursue a dream they thought had passed them by, then sharing my story has been worthwhile.
Pricing:
- $24.99 Hilton’s Island
- $24.99 Hilton’s Holiday
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marybethmccarthy.com
