Page 35 - Reader's House magazine

In this interview, Marcy pulls back the curtain on her creative process, her journey as an author, and the extraordinary characters she has brought to life. From the serendipitous beginnings of The Vengeance Series to the challenges and triumphs of her publishing journey, she offers an inspiring glimpse into her world. It’s a conversation teeming with passion, authenticity, and invaluable wisdom for both her readers and aspiring authors. Marcy is, without a doubt, a force of nature in modern storytelling, and we are delighted to share her story with you. to let go of my characters. Mac and Aria had an entire life together that I wanted to create. I was literally typing the last paragraphs of the book, and I had a thought. When I finished the new ending and reread it, I got chills. That’s when I knew I made the right decision. The second and third books, Seduction and Revenge and Nightmares & Premonitions, continue telling the story. I wrote the last book, Secrets & Infidelity, to keep all the series details straight in my mind. I needed to go back in time before Aria and explain how the whole messy family feud began, so the What inspired you to start writing the series made sense in my mind. I knew that if I couldn’t connect all the dots, my read- Vengeance Series? ers couldn’t either. So, the interquel was a Honestly, I’m not sure that I decided to self-serving checklist. Besides, CiCi Halprin write a novel. I mean I always wanted to write had become such a strong influence in the one, but I didn’t actively say one day, “Hey, series, even I wanted more of her. And that’s it’s time to write that book!” But I remember what Secrets & Infidelity offers. the idea for the plot coming into my head and dismissing it at first. When more and more What challenges did you face when ideas downloaded at rapid speed, I couldn’t transitioning from self-publishing ignore them anymore. I had to start getting it to collaborating with Words Matter all on paper. Publishing? Can you share the creative process behind I know very successful authors who developing the characters of Mac and self-publish, but it wasn’t my forte. For me, Aria? there were no challenges in the transition, only relief. I’m not a content formatter, a cover I poured my heart and soul into creating designer, or an editor. I don’t know the first Mac and Aria and developing their relation- thing about the business of selling books. I’m ship. I wanted Aria to make a phenomenal a writer, and I want to focus my attention on transformation from beginning to end. She be- doing what I love and what I do best. When gins as a completely ordinary woman who gets Words Matter Publishing picked up my series, my books got the professional attention and Marcy Bialeschki is a presentation they deserve. I am blessed. masterful storyteller whose compelling narratives and readers engaged? inspiring journey continue to resonate deeply with readers worldwide. thrown into a life-changing, dangerous situa- tion and has to adjust; and not only adjust but also stay one step ahead of the bad guys. With every perilous situation, Aria must be stronger to survive, and she rises to the occasion. In the end, she’s a bad ass, and never looks back. D R A F T Deception & Consequences by Marcy Bialeschki is a thrilling blend of romance, suspense, and family drama. With a strong heroine, sizzling chemistry, and high-stakes tension, the novel captivates readers How did you develop the suspenseful and romantic elements of your writing to keep I spent 36 years teaching writing, and I still struggle explaining the process of pacing and creating suspense. So, instead, I’ll explain why my books are just one big disaster after another. I hate boring lulls in books. Keep me engaged. Keep me thinking. When I find my- self writing aimlessly, creating that boring lull I hate so much, I stop writing. I want drama, danger, tension, and fear through the entire book. I’ll admit, I’m a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants with no definite outline, mak- ing up one tense moment after another. That In the beginning, Mac is Aria’s guardian approach isn’t for everyone, but it works for angel and protector. By the end, they are me. I love it when readers say they couldn’t equal partners. Mac is every woman’s dream! put my book down. That’s when I know I did Instead of feeling insecure and threatened by something right. I wish my process was more her new independence, Mac just loves her intellectual and captivating, but it is what it is. more. For Mac, Aria’s growth is the ultimate compliment. Where she needs Mac’s guidance and protection initially, she wants him in the end, and there’s a big difference. I have said from the beginning, “You’ll want a love like Aria and Mac.” And I still believe that 100%! How did the decision to change the ending of Deception & Consequences impact the direction of the series? Deception & Consequences was supposed to be a stand-alone novel, but I wasn’t ready What has been your most memorable moment as an author so far? What comes to mind right away is the day Deception & Consequences went #1 on In- gram in the Romance-Suspense category. I had no idea this had happened, but my publisher texted me and asked me to meet her at a bar downtown. When she walked in, she had a giant poster of my book cover where she had added #1 Bestseller at the top. She just walked in and gave me this look like she was mad and said, “Marcy, Deception & Consequences has been out eleven days, and it became an Ingram romance-suspense bestseller.” I was blown away. But what she said next was hilarious. “All I have to say is—what took you so long?” It was a great day, and she was very wise, presenting that honor to me at a little Irish pub because we celebrated! What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out in their writing journey? Write about what lights you up, and don’t worry about everyone else. At one point, I was reading prolifically in my genre and compar- ing my work with other authors. Consequently, I changed my style to fit a mold, but it wasn’t working for me. I was miserable and unsatis- fied, and my writing became work. I met with my publisher, and she gave me the best advice ever: “You’ll never please everyone. Just be Marcy, and let your readers find you.” That day I learned my biggest lesson, and I’ll share the wisdom: If you just be you, writing will always be your passion and never work. And that’s a good life to live. Trust me. Reader’s House II 35