We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mary Lee Painter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mary Lee below.

Mary Lee , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve written most of my adult life. The first book I ever wrote started in a park while my sister and I watched our kids play while we were deciding if our stories could actually turn into a book anyone would want to read. I’d always thought of stories, but didn’t know if I would be able to actually write a book. While that first story was not good, I became addicted to writing. The process of developing a story and creating characters in my mind is like a high. I love that process so much and if I had a wish, it would be to have endless time in front of my laptop.
Once I worked on developing my writing skills, I dove head first into reading rom-com books. With every book I read, I absorbed differenty writing styles, the developement of stories, and the building of characters. When I wrote my debut novel, The Other Fork in the Road, I was shocked when I finished it in two months. It’s a high concept story, and once I got started I was writing around the clock loving the story so much.
I then took on the daunting task of finding a literary agent. I sent my query letter to what seemed like a million agents which was followed by rejection. Writing is subjective and some people will love what you’ve done, and others will not. I’d be lying if I said that process wasn’t brutal and down righ painful. A few months later an agent reached out, and I was over the moon to start a great relationship with her. We went through my story with a fine tooth comb before she submitted it to many publishers. After more rejection, which is the equilivant to a kick in the teeth, Satin Romance offered to publish my book. It came out in September of 2024 and is available on Amazon and Barneandnoble.com. I am thrilled to have my second book, Wild in Minnesota, which will be be released in May. It’s a hockey rom-com coming from my love for Minnesota and Minnesota Wild hockey.
I also have my first young adult rom-com entitled Worst Idea Ever that will be published in March 2026, and another adult rom-com, Ding Dong,I’m Home, which will be published in July 2026. I just got word a week ago that my book, Quarterback Blitz, will be published February 2027.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I reside in Omaha,Nebraksa. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching Minnesota Wild hockey, the Huskers, chasing kids, day dreaming, and Dove chocolate. I grew up in an Air Force family and moved around when I was young and lived in the Philippines for two years. I attended Papillion La Vista High School and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. My sister is New York Times Best Selling Author Lynn Painter who lives in Omaha as well.
My favorite authors would be Lynn Painter, Ali Hazlewood, and Emily Henry. I find reading to be an escape that can recharge a person by allowing their mind to travel places their bodies can not.
For me a good story is one that hits on all emotions, has some action in it, and unexpected twists. When writing I like the element of mystery and a surprise ending. Yes, I have annoyed my sleeping husband many times because I start clapping at my desk when I’ve come up with a twist.
I didn’t think my writing dream would come true, and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and every reader who has given my words a chance.
What I love most about writing is the chance to live so many different lives through my characters.
I will be attending the Midwest Bookish Fest in Minneapolis June 27th, and I can’t wait to meet the readers.
The Other Fork in the Road is available on Amazon and Barnesandnobel.com. Minnesota Wild will be available for pre-order mid April on Amazon as well.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I’ve learned is that you have to push through rejection. Whether it was getting an agent or publisher, there are a lot of “no’s”. It can be difficult to stay positive. I’ve found the key for me is to keep writing. I focus on developing new stories to keep positive.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think society can support different artists by supporting your local talent. Find people in your community and lift them up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maryleebooks.net/maryleebooks
• Instagram: @maryleepainterauthor
• Other: Tik Tok
  @maryleeauthor

Image Credits

Hannah Miller