Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marie Still. 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. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?

When I first started writing, I simply started. I’ve been a writer is some capacity my entire life, however much of my career has been marketing, so that writing tended to be things like telling a product story, much different from fiction or creative writing. As an avid reader, I figured I’d just give it a go. What I didn’t do was study the craft. My first draft of my first book could be called a failure in a way, however magic happens in our failures. It’s where we learn. I did things a little backwards, but looking back I wouldn’t change the way I approached my fiction writing career. By starting with writing first and educating myself second, I was able to find my unique voice as a writer. It didn’t get sanitized trying to fit myself in a box of what this craft book or that podcast said I should be doing. After I finished my first draft, I turned to the professionals. I read every craft book I could get my hands on, I listened to podcasts, I joined critique groups, and I hired a professional developmental editor. Now armed with my voice and who I wanted to be as a writer, I used these resources to fine tune my skills. I identified my blind spots, and I went back and edited, many, many times. Within four months of finishing my first novel, I had book deal. Within six, I had two book deals. Writing is an art, but it’s also a business and a skill. A book is a very personal thing, it’s a piece of our soul, because of this having it ripped to shreds can hurt. However, it’s in that pain that you discover a writer within you that you never knew existed.

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?

I am a reader and writer of books. Under Marie Still I write thrillers, my debut We’re All Lying, releases on March 14, 2023. Right now it’s with early readers, the reception has been amazing. Many of the readers have reached out to me via social media or email, hearing their interpretations of the characters and story has been a lot of fun. I spend about four months writing and editing my books before turning them over to my publisher, which is followed by the rounds of edits with them. In that time these characters are mine. The only way they exist is how they are in my head. That all changes when the book is turned over to readers, it becomes theirs.

“The caliber of writing in this novel is just fabulous; I was impressed from page one. From the highlightable metaphors to the sometimes dark humor, the plot, the pacing, the red herrings…gah! I loved it all.”

“Wow! This book is ultra tense, gripping page turner! It starts fast, tension gets higher at each chapter, fast pacing, heart pounding tennis match between female characters who are on the verge of breakdown makes you nervous!”

“A mind bending, heart racing, page turner that I found very difficult to put down.”

“What a wild ride.”

We’re All Lying centers around married couple Cass and Ethan. Cass receives a taunting email from her husband’s mistress, who then starts stalking her. Then that mistress disappears. And that’s just the start! My second thriller My Darlings will be out in 2024, it is about Eloise, an affluent stay-at-home-mom who is also a serial killer.

I also write under Kristen Seeley, the less murdery side of my personality. Beverly Bonnefinche is Dead releases in September 2023. It follows social anxious Beverly and is an exploration of mental health, friendship, family, and love. While it does still have darker elements in it, it is book club / women’s fiction where Marie Still books are strictly thrillers.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Selecting your publishing path is very personal to each writer, and every path is valid and can lead to a successful career. When I finished my first book, I decided to query for a literary agent. I sent out a lot of queries at once, and got 86 rejections and only one request for a full read. In that time, on a whim, I threw up a pitch on Twitter during a pitch contest and got a request from a brand new publisher Rising Action. While Alexandria Brown, the CEO, had my materials, I began querying my second book. Within two weeks I had thirteen agents show interest. I was convinced that my path included an agent, however after meeting with Tina and Alexandria, and hearing their business plan, I decided to sign with them. It was a risk, they were brand new at the time, but I believed in their mission. Through them my books are on film submission and foreign rights submission, I’ve gained national placement in major retailers, and so much more that I can’t talk about because publishing is secretive and slow! If I had stopped at those 86 rejections, or not gone with my gut, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I absolutely love the thriller bookstagram community, and thriller reader community on social media. I started my socials before my books were even signed. I mainly focus on Instagram and TikTok, and use Twitter to connect with other writers. Starting early allowed me to build a strong community of real connections. I credit the support from my social media friends for We’re All Lying’s success. They have posted about my book, shared announcements like cover reveals, signings, and pre-order information. They have read and reviewed my book, creating awesome photos and videos. And they have filled my Kindle with enough books to last a lifetime, because they give great book recommendations.

Contact Info:

• Website: MarieStill.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariestillwrites/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariestillwrites
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stillmarie/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariestill
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariestillwrites