Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! So lovely to share here. I’ve written the first two books in the Castlewood High Tales series and one related short story in the Castlewood High Origin Stories series under the pen name Mary-Kate Thomas.
The first book, Pumpkin Run, is a clean and wholesome high school romance with a fun take on retelling of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. The second book in the Castlewood High Series, Team Peabrain, is also a clean and wholesome high school romance with a fun take on retelling the fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea.
The short story, The Ugly Truth, is the origin story of the stepmother character in Pumpkin Run (remember – Cinderella always has to have a wicked stepmother!) and is more of a mystery with a touch of romance, using the classic fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling, as a framework for the story.
I like to describe myself as a lifelong reader and a newbie author, but in truth, I’ve been writing since I was very young – like most authors.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the second book in the Castlewood High Series, Team Peabrain. Again, it’s a retelling of the classic tale, The Princess and the Pea, with a high school romance between an unlikely couple.
All the main female characters in the Castlewood High Tales series are girls who are both strong and smart; the “magic” in these books is the magic of falling in love for the first time.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to dictate my first drafts while walking. I find it easier to think my way into the heart of the story while I’m moving instead of sitting at a desk.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So, so many – truly. I read so many different authors and genres (and hope to write in different genres over time, thus the pen name) and it’s hard to narrow down to just a few.
I will say Stephen King was a huge influence on me, both in the detail of everyday people and places that he captures so skillfully while weaving together complex plots as well as his books on writing and craft.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the third book in the Castlewood High Series, Camp Castlewood. This one is a fun retelling of the classic fairytale, The Beauty and the Beast. It’s set to release in early August 2021.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning! That’s probably one of the best things about indie publishing – you’re always challenged to learn a new skill in order to build your business and promote your books.
I have taken part in several newsletter swaps which always help to introduce my books to new readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find what works for you. Sitting at a desk to type my first drafts is difficult for me; experimenting with dictating then editing the transcript has been a game changer for me. Keep reading about anything that interests you – from fiction to non-fiction. Writers need active and curious minds.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From Stephen King – write the first draft with the door closed. Literally or metaphorically. Gaurd that story and give it the time and space it needs to grow to fulfillment with as little outside interference as possible.
What are you reading now?
I just finished The Lightest Object in the Universe by Kimi Eisele and am now reading Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin. I also just finished The Girls in the Attic by Marius Gabriel.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep hitting my word counts, publish book three (Camp Castlewood) in the Castlewood High Series, write another origin story for a side character from Team Peabrain. And keep growing my audience of readers. I’m thankful for all those who have given my books a chance.
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 Stand by Stephen King
Watership Down by Richard Adams
The Once and Future King by T.H. White
All the short stories by Shirley Jackson and Flannery O’Connor.
Author Websites and Profiles
Marianne Thomas Website
Marianne Thomas Amazon Profile
Marianne Thomas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile