If you like any of these movies, you’ll probably like THE PATTERN SHOP—a coming of age novel about loss, longing, and the bridges we burn and rebuild in our search for home. 🦋 #literaryfiction #bookclubfiction #bookclub #writersky #bookrecommendations #indieauthor www.mariahfriend.com

It might seem like a small thing, but I just ordered my first checkbook for my writing business, The Pocket Lamp Press! I also changed over all my payment platforms to this checking account so that from now on, all transactions stay in one place. We’re moving on up, folks! 😊 #writersky

Last day for the free Ebook! 🦋 #booksky #literaryfiction #comingofage #bookclub www.mariahfriend.com

Travel lovers, looking for a coming-of-age novel that will transport you from the hospital hallways of Chicago to the thick jungle of Ecuador and beyond, all while making you remember what it’s like to discover parts of yourself for the first time? #solofemaletravel #travelstories #booksky

If you’re a NEVER Blippi, ALWAYS Raffi kind of mom, we might be friends. 😂 P.S. You might also like my debut novel, which isn’t about children’s music at all but DOES feature a curated playlist for each chapter. 🦋 www.mariahfriend.com/thepatternshop #booksky #literaryfiction #bookclub #momlife

I'm currently going through thousands of my old travel photos. Here are some takeaways: I was never as fat as I imagined (still true). I was (am) a bad ass. The look of joy/awe/enthusiasm for life is unmistakable. I need to travel again, soon. #solofemaletravel #wanderlust #adventure

Happy New Moon in Cancer! 🌚🦀 If you’d like a beautifully illustrated journal with original artwork, guided new and full moon prompts, and lots of space to dream and reflect, I’ve got you! shop.mariahfriend.com/products/dig... #astrology #astrojournal #cancerbaby #digitaljournal

If you're obsessed with chocolat au pain, the delicious chocolate French pastries, you might like my book, THE PATTERN SHOP, which has nothing to do with pastries but does have a deceptively charming French character in it, and may or may not be based on my real life. 😂🥐 #booksky #travelstories

Hello! It's my birthday tomorrow and I'm celebrating with you! 🥳🥳🥳 All July my book The Pattern Shop is 39% off, as well as a guided Rhythms and Rituals journal, and my upcoming self-publishing course. Check it out! www.mariahfriend.com #writersky #booksky #writingcommunity #litfic #selfpub

Just never get into sports betting, gas station heroin, or creative writing, and you'll be fine

Hi! It’s my birthday this week and I’m offering a special 39% discount for my entire shop! Including: 🦋 My debut novel, The Pattern Shop ☀️The Rhythms and Rituals guided journal 📖 My upcoming, self-publishing course, “A book of your own!” All the details 👇🎈 substack.com/home/post/p-... #writersky

A birthday grab bag 🥳

I turn 39 this week!

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Sharing a simple, free Summer Solstice ritual I can do with my four year-old. A way to mark the shift in seasons with presence and a little bit of delight. ☀️ shop.mariahfriend.com/products/dig... #giveaway #summersolstice #momlife #creativerituals #freebie

Hi! My name is Mariah and I'm an indie author choosing NOT to sell my book on Amazon. Share or like this post if you agree! 🦋 #writersky #indieauthor #humanmade #writingcommunity #booksky #literaryfiction

What to say the next time someone says, "Artists don't make any money." 🙃 thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/no-hes-not... #creatives #writersky #indieauthor #writingcommunity #artmatters

Hi! I’m an indie author building a creative career from scratch. If you’re building something you love and making it up as you go, let’s connect! Even better if you’re a mom, navigating chronic illness, and tired of being told our work isn’t valuable. thebarefootbeat.substack.com?utm_campaign...

STARTS TONIGHT! PEN America’s You Are A Writer — a #free online workshop series for early career writers — returns June 8. This year’s class is dedicated to fiction writing, from early research to publishing strategies. Learn more and sign up now at: pen.org/you-are-a-wr... #writing #writingworkshop

I don't normally write about tech or the billionaires that profit off creative work. 💸 But two things are happening in the news that absolutely matter and affect all of us. Read more here: thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/no-hes-not... #writingcommunity #writersky #indieauthors #AI #humanmade

@sanders.senate.gov is introducing legislation this week to put the money AI companies stole from us back in our hands. Meanwhile, #SpaceX is set to go public at a record breaking valuation next week. Here's why that matters, not just for creatives. #humanmade #writersky #writingcommunity #art

No, he's not wearing any clothes

On the perceived value of SpaceX and the REAL value of the Arts

thebarefootbeat.substack.com

Some juicy bits from ODESSA chapter 3 this week and how I can't stop picturing one of my characters as "Mal" from Shadow and Bone...🫢 thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/chaos-gard... #writersky #processinpublic #writingcommunity #historicalfiction

Chaos gardening and building an author career from scratch...Think they have nothing in common? Think again! 🐛🍄😅 #creativelife #entrepreneur #writersky #indieauthor substack.com/home/post/p-...

Chaos gardening and growing an author career: Results may vary 🍄

Writing Odessa Week 9 📖

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My #WIPsnips for today from ODESSA. Follow along as I write my second novel, about two women facing the same impossible choice: stay, or leave? thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/write-a-bo... #amwriting #historicalfiction #novelinprogress #writersky

I have 60 songs in my novel's themed playlist...and I've only written 43 pages. What does that say about me? 🫢😅 Oh well, if you'd like a listen, here it is! P.S. What do you listen to while writing? open.spotify.com/playlist/6jO... #amwriting #literaryfiction #ODESSA #writersky #indieauthor

Odessa

open.spotify.com

In 2013 I worked my last nightshift as a nurse in the ICU. THE PATTERN SHOP is the story of how I got there and everything that happened when I finally decided to leave. Join me for a book club with the author for #nurses (and the ones who carry too much). 🦋 luma.com/394x0j9k #bookclub #booksky

Not me procrastinating on Pinterest when I should be writing...🫢 #ThePatternShop #LiteraryFiction #TravelInspo #Booksky #ComingofAge #BookClubRecs

This is stunning.

Literary Mama@literarymama.bsky.social · 3mo ago

"There is love so fierce, it scalds" - from Sian Maciejowski's poem, "Half Milk, Half Terror," in our May/June issue:

Anyone else's parents ask them when they're getting a 'real' job after pursuing a creative career? 🤦‍♀️ substack.com/home/post/p-... #indieauthor #creativecourage #creativity #writersky #writingcommunity #womenwriters

"My mom still asks me when I’m getting a ‘real’ job."

"Artists out here, doing the things" Vol. 3: Mariah Friend

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Still in shock over this amazing review for THE PATTERN SHOP that came in on Goodreads. 🫢 #literaryfiction #booksky #comingofage #travelstories

Today is the day for our monthly #womenwriters #skychat. We are talking Writing Events: Festivals and Readings at 6pm BST. Follow #WomenWritersNet to get involved in a really 'eventful' conversation with some friendly and knowledgable writers. #writingcommunity

When you’re feeling cute and your fit matches your book. 😎 If you love pie but also believe it has nothing to do with equal rights but think equal rights are human rights…you’ll probably like my debut novel, THE PATTERN SHOP. Available now, matching outfit not included.🦋 #literaryfiction #booksky

On what it looks like to navigate doubt on the creative path and what helps me on my worst days. #amwriting #creativelife #writersky #keepgoing