Meet Marian L Thomas | Author & Wife

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marian L Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marian L, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Thank you for having me. My fictional book “Saving Raine” was born out of a fascination with the human spirit and its capacity to endure even the most painful circumstances. I wanted to explore the heart’s resilience when faced with betrayal and tragedy and the enduring power of love to heal wounds. The story was also inspired by the idea that sometimes, we run from our problems, but ultimately, we find the strength to confront them head-on.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Born in Illinois, my first career choice wasn’t writing novels. I envisioned myself working as a journalist for a local newspaper. During my college years, I held positions as a sports editor and later as the news editor for the student paper. However, my writing journey took an unexpected turn when I embarked on drafting my first manuscript. Little did I know then that writing books wasn’t a walk in the park. It requires unwavering dedication, countless late nights, and a steady supply of coffee. Yet, I find immense joy in crafting stories that resonate with women, breathing life into characters who confront real obstacles and navigate intricate barriers in their quest to discover their inner strength and forge their own paths.

In terms of the lessons I’ve learned along the way, I could easily write a plethora of articles on the subject. However, I carry one vital lesson with me at all times—never allow negative individuals to infiltrate your mind or heart. Negativity acts as a roadblock to creative progress. When someone tells you you can’t achieve something, it likely stems from their lack of success. They fail to grasp that true success lies in trying, and failure only arises from not daring to pursue one’s aspirations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the Atlanta area for a week, I would want to ensure they have an unforgettable experience exploring this vibrant and diverse city. Here’s an itinerary that combines a mix of cultural experiences, great food, and fun activities:

Day 1: Welcome to Atlanta

Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at “West Egg Café” for some Southern-inspired dishes.
Mid-Morning: Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, including the King Center.
Lunch: Head to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market for various delicious lunch options.
Afternoon: Explore the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at “The Optimist,” a popular seafood restaurant in the city.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Morning: Visit the High Museum of Art to explore a diverse collection, including works by renowned artists.
Lunch: Try “Mary Mac’s Tea Room” for authentic Southern comfort food.
Afternoon: Take a stroll through the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Evening: Attend a performance at the historic Fox Theatre or catch a concert at State Farm Arena.

Day 3: Historic and Eclectic

Morning: Take a guided tour to learn about Atlanta’s history.
Lunch: Try “The Varsity” for classic American fast food.
Afternoon: Explore the trendy Krog Street Market and the nearby Atlanta BeltLine.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and live music at “Venkman’s,” a popular local spot.

Day 4: Day Trip to Decatur

Morning: Take a short drive to Decatur and enjoy breakfast at “The Iberian Pig.”
Mid-Morning: Explore the Decatur Square and its boutique shops.
Lunch: Savor international flavors at “Brick Store Pub.”
Afternoon: Visit the Waffle House Museum for a quirky experience.
Evening: Return to Atlanta and have dinner at “The Capital Grille.”

Day 5: Outdoor Adventures

Morning: Start with a hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park, just outside Atlanta.
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at “The Flying Biscuit Café.”
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the World of Coca-Cola to learn about the history of this iconic beverage.
Evening: Dine at “The Sun Dial Restaurant” atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza for breathtaking city views.

Day 6: Sports and Entertainment

Morning: Tour the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.
Lunch: Have lunch at “Ponce City Market” with its various food stalls.
Afternoon: Explore the CNN Studio Tour to see behind the scenes of news broadcasting.
Evening: Enjoy a Braves game at Truist Park and dinner at “The Battery Atlanta.”

Day 7: Relax and Farewell

Morning: Have a leisurely brunch at “Buttermilk Kitchen.”
Mid-Morning: Visit the Atlanta History Center and its beautiful gardens.
Lunch: Savor Southern cuisine at “South City Kitchen.”
Afternoon: Take a walk through Piedmont Park and relax by the lake.
Evening: End the trip with a farewell dinner at “Canoe,” a picturesque restaurant along the Chattahoochee River.

Throughout the week, I recommend exploring Atlanta’s vibrant neighborhoods, like Midtown, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland, which offer unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Atlanta has so much to offer, and this itinerary provides a taste of its rich history, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Goodness. I credit my husband for his unwavering support and love, along with my mother, sister, and mother-in-law. I am grateful for the incredible support from my family, friends, and all my amazing readers.

Website: https://marianlthomas.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianlthomas09/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marianlthomas01

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianlthomasbooks

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGYE-eghpzeFzeuQhWW65Bg

Other: https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Raine-Marian-L-Thomas-ebook/dp/B0CN4RW9QN