It is my great pleasure to introduce you to Marni Mann, a talented writer with a fun streak that I love. Marni and I met via Twitter, and we both had our first novels published through Booktrope Editions within the last six months, which makes us sisters in the publishing family.
Marni inspires me with her spunk, her compassion, and her kindness. In this post she courageously explores this question–Who changed you? How were you changed? What would you say now to the person(s) who changed you?
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BECAUSE I KNEW YOU by Marni Mann
Underneath all the darkness, grit and grime, two messages have been placed in my novel.
One is for the eyes of the hungry; addicts in recovery who still crave their drug of choice, and struggle every day to fight their disease. The other is for the ones who are attracted to a lifestyle of addiction, for a high that empties their minds, and wraps them in a blanket of warmth.
“Don’t ever go back to that life, stay strong, work the Steps because these are the consequences,” my novel says to the first set.
“Fight the temptation. One taste and this is where you could be. These are the consequences waiting for you on the other side,” my novel says to the second.
Then there are the families who have been affected by addiction. Reading stories like Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales offers them comfort. Maybe their story isn’t as bad. Maybe it’s worse. But one thing is certain: they’re not alone.
Whether you’re an addict, recovered addict, family member of the addicted, or you’re just interested in learning more about the disease, I want my story to touch you. I want my characters to stay in your mind for days after you’re done reading. I want you to feel their pain and tragedy. One of my goals is to make you, the reader, so uncomfortable, you have to put down the book, get something to eat, go for a walk, cuddle your significant other, thanking someone your life is the way it is. If your face shows any type of expression other than blank, my words have done their job.
There have been different junctions during my writing career and each has challenged my creativity. The morning before the writing portion of the state exams, senior year in high school, my mom said, “This is where you can shine.” While applying to colleges, my English teacher said, “The math scores of your SAT’s aren’t going to get you into college, your essay is.” In English 101 as a freshman, my professor said, “I’m going to assign you separate essays, you’re on a higher level than the rest of the class.”
Senior year in college, one of my professors approached me, “I’m writing a book on women in Maine, would you consider writing a guest chapter?” When I was twenty-five, my husband said, “This is what you were born to do. I believe in you. I support you. Do what you love. I’ve seen your talent, now show the world.” The day my novel got released, my mother said, “I always knew this day would come and I couldn’t be more proud.”
You all gave me the courage and strength to give my thoughts a voice, reveal the darkness I have inside, take risks with controversial topics, and do this because it’s what I love. Your words, support, and encouragement will never be forgotten. For those who inspire me, whose stories I hear, and pain I feel, my writing is for you. You’ll never be alone.
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A New Englander at heart, Marni Mann, now a Floridian is inspired by the sandy beaches and hot pink sunsets of Sarasota. A writer of literary fiction, she taps a mainstream appeal and shakes worldwide taboos, taking her readers on a dark, harrowing, and gritty journey. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, she’s scouring for chocolate, traveling, reading, or walking her four-legged children. Her debut novel, Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales, was published by Booktrope Editions in December 2011.
Website: http://marnismann.com
Twitter: @MarniMann
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mcbmann
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Arent-Fairytales-Addiction-ebook/dp/B006OO7L58/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1329565894&sr=8-1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13267836-memoirs-aren-t-fairytales
Gale Martin
9 Mar 2012Beautifully done. I so appreciated my husband’s support and my mother’s support. But I envy your having people who validated you as a writer at such a young age.
Marni Mann
9 Mar 2012Thank you so much, Gale! 🙂 I found my calling very early on in life, but I think *doubt* was what held me back. I was fortunate (still am!) to receive an extra push from those around me – you included, my friend. As always, I really appreciate your support.
Galit Breen
9 Mar 2012I loved reading this, Marni!
The encouragement you’ve had, and the way that you embrace it, is stunning!
Elise
9 Mar 2012Marni, I can totally relate to finding the calling earlier, and then fighting doubt the rest of the way!
James Garcia Jr
10 Mar 2012Hello, ladies. I apologize for being so behind in my blog visits that it has taken me until now to get here. However, I am very glad that I did. Not only am I curious about your book, Marni, but am touched by reading of the route that you took getting here, and of all of the support that you have received along the way. Wishing you every success.
-Jimmy
http://jamesgarciajr.blogspot.com/
Elise
12 Mar 2012Jimmy, I’m glad the effect of Marni’s story was so powerful to you. Thank you for letting us know!
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