The One Where Mary is a Princess and Gives a TED Talk
Happy New Year!
I’m so happy you’ve found your way to this little corner of the internet that I can call my own. Now before we get started, I’m just going to answer the burning question that I’m sure is on everyone’s mind:
Mary, it’s 2026… don’t you realize no one blogs anymore?!
I know, I know. Just let me explain. First of all, people definitely still blog. I know, because I read them. Even ones that don’t have recipes at the end. So there. Second of all, I’m an author without a newsletter. Newsletters are tricky for indie authors for various reasons, namely because a physical address is required to be placed at the bottom. As much as I love my readers, I don’t exactly want to give out my home address to everyone and their second cousins.
But, alas, how am I ever going to talk about things longer than a social media post? And y’all know I’m not one to make a vlog.
So, this blog was formed. Voila! Problem solved.
I hope that this space can be somewhere that I can let you in on my writing process, announce exciting news about upcoming books, and just talk about life in general.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and your new year is starting off well. It seems like everyone has been ill lately, but I’ve managed to stay healthy through a trip overseas and family gatherings. A great accomplishment, I know!
I went on a girls trip with friends over Thanksgiving and it was amazing. It’s one of those times when you’re on a chat saying, “Wouldn’t it be so much fun to go to London and Vienna for the Christmas markets” and then you just… actually go and do it. It was incredible. While in London we were lucky enough to get a tour of the East Wing of Buckingham Palace. If you ever have the opportunity to do that, I highly recommend it. It was unbelievable, and bonus points because you literally get to walk through the front gates with a security detail and walk through the main courtyard while waving like a princess. Sigh.
Now that my travels and the holidays are over that can only mean one thing: It’s back down to writing. Book two is still in the editing process and is currently on submission to literary agents. I’ve learned so much as an indie author, but I just feel like I need to pursue traditional publishing with this novel. I’m so in love with it, and I hope I can find the right agent that feels the same way I do about it. Please send me all the prayers and good vibes you can spare!
As the submission process can take a while, you know me, I’m not lazing around. The next book is outlined and hopefully by the time you are reading this I will have started on the first chapter. I’m so excited about writing this one. It will be a little different, but still the romantic comedy with heart that I strive for with every book.
If I’m being completely honest, there was a time when I didn’t think book two would happen at all. I fell into a disastrous mindset and almost talked myself out of ever writing anything again. I think creative people can often have imposter syndrome, and this really hit me while trying to write. Am I actually any good at this? Does anyone even care? I’ll never be as good as x, y, z… But every time those thoughts would enter my head, it seemed like there was someone there to encourage me. Sometimes it was a friend, and other times it was a stranger at a book fair. I’m so thankful for my faith and the people God has placed in my life. If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this blog post, it’s that you shouldn’t give up. Ever. Whether you’re writing a book of your own, studying, or honing your own craft: You are good enough.
End of TED talk.
I hope you have a wonderful day and the next time I write I will be an actual princess, because someone is giving me a literal crown. My very first. It’s such an honor.
Okay, it’s the dentist. Whatever. A crown is a crown. I’ll take it.
Take care and until next time would you like a sneak peek into the vibe for book two? I thought you would. Listen to the amazing song Villain by Venice Qin. It’s on Spotify, Apple Music, basically everywhere you can listen to music. This song was on repeat while writing book two, and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Cheers!
Mary
