Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marie Lestrange. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Marie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Writing and creativity have truly been my guiding lights, leading me to a place of profound transformation and self-discovery through the completion of my debut Historical Horror Novel, Crimson Cobblestones. After years immersed in the rigors of academic writing for my educational doctorate in leadership, I found a new sense of purpose and joy in the realm of crafting fiction in the form of short stories, poems, and novels.
The journey of writing Crimson Cobblestones has been nothing short of life-changing for me. It allowed me to break free from the confines of academic writing and embrace a form of expression that not only sparked my imagination but also provided a much-needed outlet for processing personal challenges of anxiety, past trauma, and self-esteem issues.
Through the creation of this novel, I rediscovered the joy of blending storytelling and research, merging my love for history with my passion for crafting narratives. This fusion not only enriched my writing process but also brought a sense of fulfillment that had occasionally eluded me during my academic pursuits. Not to say that I am not extremely passionate about my work in special education, but after ten years of shoving my creative nature to the side…I was ready to re-embrace it.
Writing Crimson Cobblestones became a cathartic journey for me, one that has opened doors and lifelong friendships that I will forever cherish. The act of creating characters and weaving intricate narratives allowed me to confront and heal from past experiences, fostering personal growth and resilience. My dedication to this novel reflects my deep belief in the transformative power of creativity as a means of self-expression and exploration. By embracing fiction writing, I have found a renewed sense of purpose and passion that transcends what I previously believed my artistic capabilities to be, and has pushed me further into the arts. I have since started a business, opened an online retail store, started a podcast called Moths to the Flame where I interview indie Horror authors, have taken on an editorial position with a small press, and started attending many writer/Horror events which has brought such joy to my life.
My novel, Crimson Cobblestones, stands as a testament to the profound impact writing and creativity has had on my life. Through this project, I have not only found joy and fulfillment but have also navigated through challenges, emerging stronger and more resilient on this creative journey.
Marie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Growing up, I was not allowed to watch or read any Horror specific media. Goosebumps was as close as it got for me, and that was because I checked it out from my school library! After years of sneaking over to the witchcraft and occult sections in bookstores, diving head first into every true crime documentary I could get my hands on, and discovering a love for creative writing, I went to college to be a teacher. Full stop on the creative endeavors, as I had now embarked on a 15. year journey that would deepen my passion for all things supporting special education students. I cherish this time, and love love love the work that I do in that realm, and am so very thankful for the numerous transferable skills that I learned during this time that now benefit me in what I like to call, “Horror World.”
My business, Crimson Cult Media, is a boutique all-in-one creativity machine specializing in art in a variety of forms. I publish books (predominately Horror, with a bit of Spice sprinkled in), design book covers, plan events, sell original merchandise with design I created through my online store, Crimson Curiosities, produce a live weekly podcast, and participate in various Horror Conferences as a vendor or guest. I am most proud of my written work, as it has taken years of developing that craft into something I am willing (and excited) to share with the world. I want potential clients to know that at Crimson Cult Media, we prioritize one embracing their authentic self, to build a community of eccentric dissenters from common (and restricting!) societal norms. With every bit of support we get, this only further helps us offer artistic events and creative opportunities to encourage our rural Tennessee community to broaden their horizons and further education in the arts.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
As is the cornerstone of any successful creative, artist, influence, or social media presence…authenticity reigns. In a world bogged down with carefully curated social media posts, the average consumer craves an authentic and. *real* viewpoint, from someone without the picture-perfect experience.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
For me, in any venture of life where I am attempting to learn and accomplish something I am unfamiliar with, I find that surrounding myself with others in the field, at varying levels of entry, is a pivotal resource in reaching my goals. Engaging with a diverse community of individuals at varying levels of expertise in any unfamiliar pursuit is a transformative resource for personal growth and achievement. This collective wisdom offers multifaceted perspectives, guidance, and collaboration opportunities that accelerate my learning, foster personal resilience, and pave the way for success. By surrounding myself with peers, mentors, and experts, I have found that I am more equipt to navigate challenges, gain deeper insights, and cultivate a sense of interconnectedness that enriches the journey towards mastery and fulfillment in unfamiliar territories.
Contact Info:
- Website: marielestrange.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lestrangebooks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089856814986
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lestrangebooks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS0_jn4FWKMzTP6ZXplK3Rw
- Other: Retail Store: https://crimson-curiosities.myshopify.com/ Crimson Cobblestones Novel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQDD4K4Y?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_TGMYKG4G6W56BD8QM2X6&peakEvent=4&dealEvent=1 Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2137609