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Conversations with Mara Prose

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mara Prose

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all began with a pen, a notepad, and a head full of stories waiting to be told. Growing up, I transformed everyday moments into vivid tales, but it wasn’t until I was nine years old—when I reimagined Beowulf into a modern play—that my love for storytelling truly took root. That childhood spark never dimmed, and in 2012, I took a leap of faith and launched my first blog. Little did I know, that blog would grow into a community of thousands of readers and lay the foundation for something far greater: Mara Prose Publishing.

As life unfolded, I realized that writing wasn’t just my passion—it was my purpose. Fueled by my own journey through challenges, healing, and rediscovering my voice, I wrote and published works like The Davenports: A Battle of Wills, The Queen of Marriage, and The Journey to Mara Prose. Each book reflects a piece of me, blending storytelling with lessons in resilience and empowerment.

Mara Prose Publishing was born from a desire to create not just for myself, but for others. I wanted to help aspiring writers find their voices, share their stories, and navigate the complex world of publishing. Today, my company offers everything from editing and ghostwriting to self-publishing and marketing services—because I believe everyone deserves the chance to see their name on a book cover.

Through persistence, passion, and a deep love for the written word, I’ve built a platform that celebrates creativity, diversity, and the power of storytelling. My journey to Mara Prose is far from over, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road? Not even close—more like a chaotic rollercoaster with a few spectacular crash landings along the way. When I first released The Davenports: A Battle of Wills, I was so excited for my big debut that I went all out. I planned a beautiful book signing, created an app specifically for the book, and invited my closest friends and family to celebrate this milestone. What could go wrong, right? Well, everything.

The day of the signing, my books were somehow lost in a snowstorm and didn’t make it to the event. Imagine hosting a book signing without books—talk about humiliation. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the app I poured my heart into completely crashed, leaving me red-faced and scrambling in front of the very people who had gone out of their way to support me. It was a total disaster, and I left that day feeling defeated, questioning whether I was cut out for this industry.

But here’s the thing: failure has a funny way of teaching you resilience. That experience, as painful as it was, became a turning point. I learned to adapt, to double-check logistics (and the weather!), and most importantly, to believe in my ability to bounce back. It was those hard-earned lessons that fueled my determination to not just write books, but to create a publishing company that helps others navigate the highs and lows of this journey.

Mara Prose Publishing is the result of every setback, every struggle, and every moment I felt like giving up. Today, I can look back on that snowy disaster and laugh (well, mostly). It reminded me that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. And the story only gets better from here.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Being Mara Prose is like living in a world where every word carries a purpose, every story has a heartbeat, and creativity knows no bounds. I’m a storyteller at heart—whether it’s through my books, blogs, or the services I offer through Mara Prose Publishing, my mission is to inspire, entertain, and empower.

I specialize in creating layered, character-driven stories like The Davenports: A Battle of Wills, where power struggles and family dynamics collide, or The Queen of Marriage, a witty romantic comedy that dives into the chaotic world of dating. But my work doesn’t stop with my own books—I’m just as passionate about helping other writers bring their stories to life. Through Mara Prose Publishing, I offer everything from editing and book design to marketing and ghostwriting, providing a full suite of services for aspiring and seasoned authors alike.

What sets me apart? My ability to merge heart, humor, and authenticity into everything I do. My readers don’t just read my books—they connect with them, laugh with them, cry with them, and sometimes yell at the characters (which, to me, is the ultimate compliment). I’m most proud of the way I’ve built a loyal community of “Prosers” who believe in my work and my vision.

What makes Mara Prose Publishing different is that it’s not just about the business of books—it’s about building relationships, telling stories that matter, and creating something timeless. It’s a journey, and I love every word of it.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely! As Mara Prose, I live by the philosophy that you’re only as good as the tools, inspiration, and community you surround yourself with. First and foremost, I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out The Mara Prose Podcast! It’s my own labor of love where I explore the creative journeys of artists, authors, and visionaries while diving into topics like healing, goal-setting, and the art of storytelling. It’s not just a podcast; it’s a creative lifeline that keeps me inspired and connected to my audience.

When it comes to writing and publishing, apps like Scrivener and ProWritingAid are my bread and butter—they streamline everything from plotting to polishing. Canva is my secret weapon for designing promotional materials, and when it’s time to focus, I turn to ambient apps like Coffitivity to recreate the comforting hum of a coffee shop. And let’s not forget about Google Docs—an absolute lifesaver for collaborating on drafts.

As for podcasts, The Creative Penn by Joanna Penn is like a masterclass in self-publishing and marketing, while The Writer Files keeps me inspired with stories of how other writers thrive. I’m also a big fan of How I Built This by Guy Raz—it’s a constant reminder that every creative journey has its bumps but is worth the hustle.

On the reading front, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is practically a manifesto for creativity, and Atomic Habits by James Clear is a game-changer when it comes to staying consistent in my craft. And, of course, I always keep an eye on blogs like Jane Friedman’s for invaluable insights into the publishing world.

Whether it’s through podcasts, apps, or simply soaking up the creative energy of others, I firmly believe in staying connected to resources that inspire, educate, and elevate. After all, every great story—whether written or lived—needs a little help along the way!

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