Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My life has been traumatic and strange, for the most part, but at least it’s provided me with an endless amount of incredibly varied material. Now that I’m a believer in Christ (since June 2015), I’m finally at peace. So, while much of my writing is dark, that is no reflection on the Marian I am today.
I have been writing, submitting, and receiving rejections for about 20 years. My most ambitious project was my life story (currently being edited, possibly torn apart and cannibalized). My main loves are poetry and short stories. I’ve had several of these published in small press literary magazines. As well, my story – ‘Starving Artist’ was published in the E-zine ‘Underground Voices’. That story was also included in their printed issue.
I’m also excited about 2 new worlds of writing that I’ve recently discovered – Faith based writing, and illustrated children’s books. I love to draw, and I’ve learned that using a wacom pad to make vector drawings is just a fun as drawing the old fashioned way. Along with kids bible story books, I’m in the process of creating illustrations for a children’s book that I’ve written myself.
I currently have four books for sale: ‘The Heavens Declare the Glory of God’ – a 10 day devotional, including my own testimony, ‘He Heals the Broken Hearted and Binds Up their Wounds’ – a 10 day devotional with excerpts from my own life, ‘Noah’s Ark’ – a children’s story, and ‘Pretend No one is Singing’, available in digital and paperback.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘Pretend No one is Singing’. I was inspired to write it after I was discharged from the hospital after a month of drying out, and realized I remembered in detail, all of my hallucinations. I originally wrote them as therapy – as a way of convincing myself that these had indeed been hallucinations, and not actual experiences.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I absolutely love writing, but I have been known to go for several years at a time where I write nothing. I don’t even edit my work. I just don’t feel like it. And I’m ok with that. I tell myself it will come back, and it always does. And then it feels like a brand new gift. I don’t know if that’s unusual or not.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of Evelyn Lau’s work, and feel very influenced by her style. Also just listening to Janis Ian singing ‘Jolene’ seems to do it for me.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on ‘All the Broken People’. It’s the story of my childhood, and years on the street in Vancouver, B.C. I originally wrote it 20 years ago, and have been editing it ever since. It’s a heart wrenching, brutal story. Revisiting it now for what I hope is the final time, is proving to be the hardest edit yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far I haven’t found one. I’m hoping this will be it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you love it, don’t stop.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Why not check out non-traditional book publishing.
What are you reading now?
‘Living Under Plastic’ by Evelyn Lau
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a good start on a novel. My first attempt at fiction. I really like it so far, but have no idea how it will end.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The bible. I know that sounds so pious, but I’ve discovered it’s not boring at all. Some kind of ‘Do it Yourself’ book, and also an empty notebook with a pen.
Author Websites and Profiles
Marian Toews Amazon Profile