One of the many advantages of NFPW is getting to know members across the country with similar interests and interesting backgrounds. One member with an interesting career is Mary Anne Barothy of Indiana. She followed her passion to Los Angeles and ended up working for an actress she admired. She wrote a book about her experiences, won an NFPW award for the book and now shares it with others. Meet another outstanding NFPW member, Mary Anne Barothy.
Mary Anne Barothy
Name: Mary Anne Barothy
City, State: Indianapolis, IN
Affiliate & Leadership role: Woman’s Press Club of Indiana, Past Vice President
Years a member of NFPW: 9
Tell us a little about you:
I grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from St. Agnes Academy, an all-girls school run by the Sisters of Providence. I went on to Marian College where I majored in English/Journalism. My interest in pursuing a career in writing came from a role Doris Day played in Paramount’s Teacher’s Pet co-starring Clark Cable in which Doris played a dedicated college journalism professor.
I joined the staff of The Indianapolis News as a society reporter for nearly two years before moving to Los Angles in 1968. My journalism background served me well with future employment at the May Company in Los Angeles and later working with Doris Day.
I returned to Indianapolis in 1977, as a free-lance writer and became Director of Publicity for Perennial Pictures Film Corporation. I worked in the Education Division at Lilly Endowment and later earned a paralegal degree from Indiana University – Purdue University, Indianapolis. Since 1999 I have been Development Assistant for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Indianapolis at St. Augustine’s Home helping coordinate fundraising events.
Mary Anne Barothy with Doris Day.
In 2007 I wrote a book “An Indiana Girl’s Sentimental Journey to Doris Day’s Hollywood and Beyond” about my story story and I continue to give talks around the country sharing the unique story. Turner Classic Movies has this piece on their website: http://www.tcm.com/this-month/movie-news.html?id=182157
Today I feel very fortunate and blessed to have been able to do as many things as I have including working for my childhood idol, Doris Day. Talk about a ‘dream-come-true.’
Any career advice you would give?
Do the very BEST you can do. Don’t be afraid to ASK for things. Associate with like-minded and successful people. Follow your dream (I did) and don’t listen to negative people. Stay POSITIVE! I believe in “The BEST is yet to come.”
Which talent would you most like to have?
Better computer/technology skills – trying to keep up is a challenge these days.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
On or near a beach in Ocean City, NJ, or on Sanibel Island, FL where the weather is warmer year round.
What book are you reading?
Adios America by Ann Coulter
Mary Anne Barothy promotes her book about Doris Day.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am writing another book, but due to time constraints, haven’t been able to spend as much time on it as I want to.
Why is your affiliate (Woman’s Press Club of Indiana) and NFPW important to you?
I am happy and proud to belong to both professional organizations, plus it looks good as a reference and gives great credibility.
Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.
My website is: http://www.dayatatimesentimentaljourney.com Day At A Time: An Indiana Girl’s Sentimental Journey To Doris Day’s Hollywood and Beyond.
I also host The Brenda Lee Hour monthly on Baltimore Net Radio ( mybnr.com ). It airs on the 2nd Thursday of each month @ 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time, with encores thru Sunday. You can check the schedule at mybnr.com
I am on Facebook as Mary Anne Barothy
Talking with Teri 