Meet Marian L. Thomas: Award-Winning Women’s Fiction Author

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

Hi Marian L., where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Born in Illinois, I grew up reading books and trying to win art contests to pay for my art supplies. I wouldn’t say that my first career choice was writing novels. I dreamed of working for a local newspaper, reporting news in a journalist fashion. I can’t tell you how many nights I practiced in front of my mirror with a shoe as my microphone. I even gave some serious thought to becoming an attorney. I wrote for the college paper as a sports editor but later became the news editor. I remember this one instructor in college who began grading my papers with a serious case of red ink fever after discovering that I wrote for that paper. That lesson stayed with me. It reminded me of the importance of giving writing my all, no matter what I’m writing for. My writing path took a detour the day I drafted my first completed book manuscript. I’ve penned six women’s fiction novels. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an author. That doesn’t set me apart, but I’m proud to be in the author eco-system. Many today don’t go after their dreams. They are afraid to put themselves out there. Afraid to experience failure. Over the course of my writing journey, I’ve had many say to me…”I always wanted to write a book.” Being an author isn’t easy. Putting yourself out there is challenging. Sometimes, readers want an up-close and personal interview into your life, and that’s where the war between staying in a writing cave and interacting with readers becomes a battle. But I don’t regret my decision to fight that battle, win or lose; I can say that I did it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would put eat, drink, and visit on the itinerary each day. We’d start with a great pasta spot where we could sit out on a balcony and people watch (that always makes for a solid laugh). I enjoy wine tastings and Atlanta has some great venues for this, so a wine tasting would be on the list of things to do. Finally, we would wrap up the day by visiting a place that inspires our minds and hearts. 

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?
I’ve been writing women’s fiction books since 2009. Not a book that you see today, has become a part of the book industry as a result of something I did on my own. My biggest cheerleaders have been my mother and my mother-in-law. My support and strength to step out of my comfort zone come from my husband of over twenty years. My friends that stay up at midnight and listen to me pitch a story to them or read a chapter that I just wrote, are my teammates. Lastly, my publicist has been a shoulder to lean on.

Website: https://www.marianlthomas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianlthomas09/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marianlthomas01
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianlthomasbooks