Marianne Rice Writes Contemporary Romance
~Writing to Escape ~
Marianne Rice, author of contemporary romance, is here today to tell us about her writing life, her life beyond writing, and to give us one very important writing tip. She also shares her upcoming release Here With You. Be looking for it on Feb 28th.
Welcome Marianne…
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in southern California but have lived in Maine for the past twenty-five years. I’m a high school English teacher, a wife, a mother to three crazy-active kids (17, 15, and 12 years old), and when I have a few minutes, I spend my free time reading and writing.
What do you do when you are not writing?
Ha! It’s more like when I’m not doing “stuff” I’m writing. All three of my children are athletes and play sports year-round. Besides the day job, bringing them to/from practices and attending their games monopolizes at least six days a week. Often seven. When I can, I love attending writer meetings and conferences, visiting local wineries–because, WINE!, and I try to exercise 4-5 days a week. This compliments my weakness for all things sweet and chocolatey.
When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?
I started writing while on maternity leave and home with my newborn son and two and four year old daughters. Crazy, right!? Writing was a way for me to escape from the crazy world of being a mom of three young children and teaching high schoolers during the day. When I started writing, I had no ambitions of being published. I honestly didn’t think it was even a possibility. It wasn’t until I had three books written that I stumbled across the Maine Romance Writers and started attending writing workshops and conferences. And still another three years before I actively pursued a publisher. My first book took almost two years to write (granted, I had three little ones at home) and now I write three books a year.
How did you choose the genre you write in?
I love reading small town contemporary romances so it seemed natural that I write them! All of my books take place in fictitious towns in Maine or New Hampshire.
Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?
I’ve written two of the four books in my Band of Sisters series. They’re about four women who met when they enlisted in the army; the stories take place twelve years later. Three are out of the army–for various reasons–and one is still in. Of course, they’re carrying emotional and physical baggage…and are looking (consciously and subconsciously) for love. I hope to have these books out in 2020.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Write what you love and find your tribe! I’d never be the writer I am without the support from the writer groups I’m in. They educate, inspire, and support.
HERE WITH YOU by Marianne Rice
Hiding behind her high-end fashion and even higher heels, Grace LeBlanc returns home to Crystal Cove, Maine to escape the scandal she’s created in Europe. Her relationship with her sister is rocky at best, and the last thing she wants is for her to learn about the string of stupid mistakes—-intentional and unintentional—-she has floating behind her. It doesn’t seem tomatter what decision Grace makes, it always end up being thewrong one.
Brady Marshall enjoys his simple life tending to his family’s blueberry farm and minding his own business. As the oldest son, it is his duty to keep their farm running after his father’s death. Now at thirty-six, he’s still living in his childhood bedroom in his mother’s house. It never bothered him until the LeBlancs’ wild child returns to town.
When his mother falls ill and Grace comes to their aid, Brady begins to see another side of the superficial pinup girl he’s never respected or cared for. Somewhere behind her false eyelashes and spiky heels, there’s a caring heart. If only he can get her to see her own value and worth.
As they spend more and more time together, something deeper than friendship forms between them.
But when Brady discovers the secrets she’s keeping go against everything he values, he has to decide if Grace is worth giving his heart to.
Learn more about Marianne Rice. Find her on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariannericeauthor/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marianne-Rice/e/B00SICUIRM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariannericeauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariannericeaut
Website: http://www.mariannerice.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marianne-rice
Reader Group (Ricecakes): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1255334934501071/
Though I love all of your books, the new series with your band of sisters sounds wonderful. I can’t wait until you release them out into the world! Best of luck with your newest release!
Great title, Band of Sisters! Very memorable. ?
Your book sounds fascinating–as does the idea of the four Band of Sisters. I grew up in a small town too–and found that small towns are just microcosms of big cities 🙂 . Good luck with your release.
Thank you so much, Barbara!
Great to have you here and to learn about your newest book. Congratulations on your upcoming release.!
Thank you for having me!
Marianne – congrats on new release. I hoped you would write this heroine. Just pre-ordered. Yes, I have several tribes, that all keep me on my toes everyday and push me to be better at what I do. As you are, I am lucky to have found the same tribe you did. You are an inspiration to me 🙂
Awww. Right back at ya, Deb!
Thank you for having me on your blog today!!