Mariah Friend
@mariahfriend.bsky.social
Writer. Toddler Mama. Fierce advocate of the power of creativity + community.
Author of "The Pattern Shop" a novel about the hopes and fears we inherit and the courage it takes to choose home, again and again. 🦋
Author of "The Pattern Shop" a novel about the hopes and fears we inherit and the courage it takes to choose home, again and again. 🦋
Pinned
It's The Pattern Shop's birthday today! 🦋🥳
A story about the hopes and fears we inherit and the courage it takes to choose home, again and again.
Order a signed copy at mariahfriend.com
#debutauthor #literaryfiction #booksky #writersky #comingofage #bookbirthday
A story about the hopes and fears we inherit and the courage it takes to choose home, again and again.
Order a signed copy at mariahfriend.com
#debutauthor #literaryfiction #booksky #writersky #comingofage #bookbirthday
Currently in my phone, I have a photo of Noah’s first time pooping in the potty next to a box of my debut book, The Pattern Shop, hot off the press.
If that’s not the most accurate representation of life in all its messy, beautiful, weirdness, I don’t know what is. 💩😅🦋
#writersky #indieauthors
If that’s not the most accurate representation of life in all its messy, beautiful, weirdness, I don’t know what is. 💩😅🦋
#writersky #indieauthors
December 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Currently in my phone, I have a photo of Noah’s first time pooping in the potty next to a box of my debut book, The Pattern Shop, hot off the press.
If that’s not the most accurate representation of life in all its messy, beautiful, weirdness, I don’t know what is. 💩😅🦋
#writersky #indieauthors
If that’s not the most accurate representation of life in all its messy, beautiful, weirdness, I don’t know what is. 💩😅🦋
#writersky #indieauthors
Before I was a novelist, I was a poet. 🦋💗
#poet #poetry #debutauthor #writersky #litmag #writingcommunity
@poetrysouth.bsky.social
#poet #poetry #debutauthor #writersky #litmag #writingcommunity
@poetrysouth.bsky.social
December 11, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Before I was a novelist, I was a poet. 🦋💗
#poet #poetry #debutauthor #writersky #litmag #writingcommunity
@poetrysouth.bsky.social
#poet #poetry #debutauthor #writersky #litmag #writingcommunity
@poetrysouth.bsky.social
If I had to sum up what The Pattern Shop is in one sentence, it's this one, written in my dad's handwriting from a 2016 Christmas card, now tattooed on my arm.
#tattoos #indieauthor #debutauthor #literaryfiction #writersky #inspiration #mondaymotivation
Get your copy today! 🦋
www.mariahfriend.com
#tattoos #indieauthor #debutauthor #literaryfiction #writersky #inspiration #mondaymotivation
Get your copy today! 🦋
www.mariahfriend.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:04 PM
If I had to sum up what The Pattern Shop is in one sentence, it's this one, written in my dad's handwriting from a 2016 Christmas card, now tattooed on my arm.
#tattoos #indieauthor #debutauthor #literaryfiction #writersky #inspiration #mondaymotivation
Get your copy today! 🦋
www.mariahfriend.com
#tattoos #indieauthor #debutauthor #literaryfiction #writersky #inspiration #mondaymotivation
Get your copy today! 🦋
www.mariahfriend.com
Someone helped me open a special package yesterday! Sharing this moment with our little one--letting him know this his mommy is someone who writes books feels very full circle. 😊💗
The Pattern Shop is officially here! I can't wait to share these stories with you.
#booksky #writersky #indieauthors
The Pattern Shop is officially here! I can't wait to share these stories with you.
#booksky #writersky #indieauthors
December 6, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Someone helped me open a special package yesterday! Sharing this moment with our little one--letting him know this his mommy is someone who writes books feels very full circle. 😊💗
The Pattern Shop is officially here! I can't wait to share these stories with you.
#booksky #writersky #indieauthors
The Pattern Shop is officially here! I can't wait to share these stories with you.
#booksky #writersky #indieauthors
✨GIVEAWAY✨
One lucky reader will receive this beautiful, original art print by my friend Jordan EuDaly along with their copy of The Pattern Shop.
Order by December 10th for a chance to win! 🦋
www.mariahfriend.com/thepatternshop
#giveaway #literaryfiction #booksky #indieauthors #writersky
One lucky reader will receive this beautiful, original art print by my friend Jordan EuDaly along with their copy of The Pattern Shop.
Order by December 10th for a chance to win! 🦋
www.mariahfriend.com/thepatternshop
#giveaway #literaryfiction #booksky #indieauthors #writersky
December 5, 2025 at 3:23 PM
✨GIVEAWAY✨
One lucky reader will receive this beautiful, original art print by my friend Jordan EuDaly along with their copy of The Pattern Shop.
Order by December 10th for a chance to win! 🦋
www.mariahfriend.com/thepatternshop
#giveaway #literaryfiction #booksky #indieauthors #writersky
One lucky reader will receive this beautiful, original art print by my friend Jordan EuDaly along with their copy of The Pattern Shop.
Order by December 10th for a chance to win! 🦋
www.mariahfriend.com/thepatternshop
#giveaway #literaryfiction #booksky #indieauthors #writersky
It's The Pattern Shop's birthday today! 🦋🥳
A story about the hopes and fears we inherit and the courage it takes to choose home, again and again.
Order a signed copy at mariahfriend.com
#debutauthor #literaryfiction #booksky #writersky #comingofage #bookbirthday
A story about the hopes and fears we inherit and the courage it takes to choose home, again and again.
Order a signed copy at mariahfriend.com
#debutauthor #literaryfiction #booksky #writersky #comingofage #bookbirthday
December 4, 2025 at 4:49 PM
It's The Pattern Shop's birthday today! 🦋🥳
A story about the hopes and fears we inherit and the courage it takes to choose home, again and again.
Order a signed copy at mariahfriend.com
#debutauthor #literaryfiction #booksky #writersky #comingofage #bookbirthday
A story about the hopes and fears we inherit and the courage it takes to choose home, again and again.
Order a signed copy at mariahfriend.com
#debutauthor #literaryfiction #booksky #writersky #comingofage #bookbirthday
Anyone else ordered author copies from Ingram Spark? I ordered rush printing for my author proofs and that was 10 days ago with no update.
I'm getting nervous. 🤨
Ideas for alternate short-run printing companies?
#writersky #indieauthors #writingcommunity #selfpub #IngramSpark
I'm getting nervous. 🤨
Ideas for alternate short-run printing companies?
#writersky #indieauthors #writingcommunity #selfpub #IngramSpark
December 3, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Anyone else ordered author copies from Ingram Spark? I ordered rush printing for my author proofs and that was 10 days ago with no update.
I'm getting nervous. 🤨
Ideas for alternate short-run printing companies?
#writersky #indieauthors #writingcommunity #selfpub #IngramSpark
I'm getting nervous. 🤨
Ideas for alternate short-run printing companies?
#writersky #indieauthors #writingcommunity #selfpub #IngramSpark
Is it a risk? Most definitely.
What do you think about not selling books on Amazon?
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/no-amazon-...
#indieauthors #debutauthor #literaryfiction #writingcommunity #writersky
What do you think about not selling books on Amazon?
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/no-amazon-...
#indieauthors #debutauthor #literaryfiction #writingcommunity #writersky
No Amazon ads. No urgency. Just a book made with love. 🦋
When I decided to publish The Pattern Shop on the last full moon of the year, I knew I wanted to do it slowly, with the intention of bringing a gift, gently hand wrapped and tied with love.No noise, n...
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Is it a risk? Most definitely.
What do you think about not selling books on Amazon?
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/no-amazon-...
#indieauthors #debutauthor #literaryfiction #writingcommunity #writersky
What do you think about not selling books on Amazon?
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/no-amazon-...
#indieauthors #debutauthor #literaryfiction #writingcommunity #writersky
What's on your winter reading list? Here's mine:
1. Quickening by Heidi Fiedler
2. To Kill a Queen by Amie McNee
3. Reunion Songs by Amanda Cooke
P.S. If you're looking for a coming-of-age story written for millennials, you might like The Pattern Shop, available now! 🦋
#writersky #booksky
1. Quickening by Heidi Fiedler
2. To Kill a Queen by Amie McNee
3. Reunion Songs by Amanda Cooke
P.S. If you're looking for a coming-of-age story written for millennials, you might like The Pattern Shop, available now! 🦋
#writersky #booksky
December 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
What's on your winter reading list? Here's mine:
1. Quickening by Heidi Fiedler
2. To Kill a Queen by Amie McNee
3. Reunion Songs by Amanda Cooke
P.S. If you're looking for a coming-of-age story written for millennials, you might like The Pattern Shop, available now! 🦋
#writersky #booksky
1. Quickening by Heidi Fiedler
2. To Kill a Queen by Amie McNee
3. Reunion Songs by Amanda Cooke
P.S. If you're looking for a coming-of-age story written for millennials, you might like The Pattern Shop, available now! 🦋
#writersky #booksky
The Pattern Shop is coming out in just 13 days! Mark your calendar for December 4th and leave a comment or "like" this note if you'd like a reminder when it's here!🦋
#booklaunch #indieauthor #literaryfiction #comingofage #booksky #authorsnote
#booklaunch #indieauthor #literaryfiction #comingofage #booksky #authorsnote
November 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The Pattern Shop is coming out in just 13 days! Mark your calendar for December 4th and leave a comment or "like" this note if you'd like a reminder when it's here!🦋
#booklaunch #indieauthor #literaryfiction #comingofage #booksky #authorsnote
#booklaunch #indieauthor #literaryfiction #comingofage #booksky #authorsnote
When the cover for your debut literary fiction book is inspired by illustrations from the 1920’s by French artist E. A. Seguy 🦋
#coverreaveal #literaryfiction #booksky #indieauthor #comingofage
#coverreaveal #literaryfiction #booksky #indieauthor #comingofage
November 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
When the cover for your debut literary fiction book is inspired by illustrations from the 1920’s by French artist E. A. Seguy 🦋
#coverreaveal #literaryfiction #booksky #indieauthor #comingofage
#coverreaveal #literaryfiction #booksky #indieauthor #comingofage
Authors, how do you celebrate a finished book? What rituals or ceremonies carry you through a book launch to remind you to take it all in?
I've been working on The Pattern Shop for 10+ and launch is just a few weeks away! I want to savor all of it. 🦋
#authors #writersky #indieauthors #selfpub
I've been working on The Pattern Shop for 10+ and launch is just a few weeks away! I want to savor all of it. 🦋
#authors #writersky #indieauthors #selfpub
November 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Authors, how do you celebrate a finished book? What rituals or ceremonies carry you through a book launch to remind you to take it all in?
I've been working on The Pattern Shop for 10+ and launch is just a few weeks away! I want to savor all of it. 🦋
#authors #writersky #indieauthors #selfpub
I've been working on The Pattern Shop for 10+ and launch is just a few weeks away! I want to savor all of it. 🦋
#authors #writersky #indieauthors #selfpub
As I'm building a career in writing, one thing I'm trying to do is tend to my body, not just my mind.
This is me on a morning walk before heading to the coffee shop to work on my website, trying to practice what I preach!
#selfcare #writingcommunity #indieauthor #writersky
This is me on a morning walk before heading to the coffee shop to work on my website, trying to practice what I preach!
#selfcare #writingcommunity #indieauthor #writersky
November 17, 2025 at 2:59 PM
As I'm building a career in writing, one thing I'm trying to do is tend to my body, not just my mind.
This is me on a morning walk before heading to the coffee shop to work on my website, trying to practice what I preach!
#selfcare #writingcommunity #indieauthor #writersky
This is me on a morning walk before heading to the coffee shop to work on my website, trying to practice what I preach!
#selfcare #writingcommunity #indieauthor #writersky
For artists and creatives who feel discouraged by the statistics of success.
#indieauthor #selfpublishing #literaryfiction #creativepeptalk
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/ai-says-il...
#indieauthor #selfpublishing #literaryfiction #creativepeptalk
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/ai-says-il...
AI says I'll fail. I'm doing it anyway.
When the math isn't mathing, magical thinking, and self-publishing updates
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:47 PM
For artists and creatives who feel discouraged by the statistics of success.
#indieauthor #selfpublishing #literaryfiction #creativepeptalk
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/ai-says-il...
#indieauthor #selfpublishing #literaryfiction #creativepeptalk
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/ai-says-il...
Hey #selfpub authors! I'm using Reedsy to format my literary fiction novel, but it's just not as elegant or professional as I was hoping. What tools have you used, or if you're an interior designer, I'd love to connect and hear some quotes!
#indieauthor #writersky #authorsky #writingcommunity
#indieauthor #writersky #authorsky #writingcommunity
November 12, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Hey #selfpub authors! I'm using Reedsy to format my literary fiction novel, but it's just not as elegant or professional as I was hoping. What tools have you used, or if you're an interior designer, I'd love to connect and hear some quotes!
#indieauthor #writersky #authorsky #writingcommunity
#indieauthor #writersky #authorsky #writingcommunity
Three weeks out from book launch day, I'm feeling guilty for being less "present" with my son.
But a few weeks where he gets more attention from his dad vs. years of me resenting him for not following my dreams?
Worth it.
#ThePatternShop #indieauthor #momlife
But a few weeks where he gets more attention from his dad vs. years of me resenting him for not following my dreams?
Worth it.
#ThePatternShop #indieauthor #momlife
November 11, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Three weeks out from book launch day, I'm feeling guilty for being less "present" with my son.
But a few weeks where he gets more attention from his dad vs. years of me resenting him for not following my dreams?
Worth it.
#ThePatternShop #indieauthor #momlife
But a few weeks where he gets more attention from his dad vs. years of me resenting him for not following my dreams?
Worth it.
#ThePatternShop #indieauthor #momlife
"They’d arrived with Benoît that afternoon, wandering around the city in search of the best pinxtos, and “non-touristic” sites. But they were tourists, exploring territory that didn’t belong to either of them. Children in a forest, building forts of leaves and sticks and calling it home."
-TPS
-TPS
November 11, 2025 at 7:09 PM
"They’d arrived with Benoît that afternoon, wandering around the city in search of the best pinxtos, and “non-touristic” sites. But they were tourists, exploring territory that didn’t belong to either of them. Children in a forest, building forts of leaves and sticks and calling it home."
-TPS
-TPS
When you finally hear the words you're for...but they're not enough. 🦋
Comment or "like" this post for a reminder when THE PATTERN SHOP is out, December 4th!
#writingcommunity #booksky #literaryfiction #indieauthor #writersky #selfpub #comingofage
Comment or "like" this post for a reminder when THE PATTERN SHOP is out, December 4th!
#writingcommunity #booksky #literaryfiction #indieauthor #writersky #selfpub #comingofage
November 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
When you finally hear the words you're for...but they're not enough. 🦋
Comment or "like" this post for a reminder when THE PATTERN SHOP is out, December 4th!
#writingcommunity #booksky #literaryfiction #indieauthor #writersky #selfpub #comingofage
Comment or "like" this post for a reminder when THE PATTERN SHOP is out, December 4th!
#writingcommunity #booksky #literaryfiction #indieauthor #writersky #selfpub #comingofage
Today I'm focusing on correcting dialogue tags and misplaced commas...only about 150 pages left to go for the final proofread before THE PATTERN SHOP is ready! 🦋
(Listening to this song by Angie McMahon on repeat to staty sane).
open.spotify.com/track/5EeqvD...
#indieauthor #selfpub #writersky
(Listening to this song by Angie McMahon on repeat to staty sane).
open.spotify.com/track/5EeqvD...
#indieauthor #selfpub #writersky
Letting Go
open.spotify.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Today I'm focusing on correcting dialogue tags and misplaced commas...only about 150 pages left to go for the final proofread before THE PATTERN SHOP is ready! 🦋
(Listening to this song by Angie McMahon on repeat to staty sane).
open.spotify.com/track/5EeqvD...
#indieauthor #selfpub #writersky
(Listening to this song by Angie McMahon on repeat to staty sane).
open.spotify.com/track/5EeqvD...
#indieauthor #selfpub #writersky
Real talk from the thick of proofing my debut novel:
I just realized I’ve written all of my dialogue tags incorrectly!😬
As frustrated as I am, being self-published doesn’t mean compromising on professionalism or polish.
AND NOW I KNOW.
So…onwards and upwards! 🦋
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpub
I just realized I’ve written all of my dialogue tags incorrectly!😬
As frustrated as I am, being self-published doesn’t mean compromising on professionalism or polish.
AND NOW I KNOW.
So…onwards and upwards! 🦋
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpub
November 5, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Real talk from the thick of proofing my debut novel:
I just realized I’ve written all of my dialogue tags incorrectly!😬
As frustrated as I am, being self-published doesn’t mean compromising on professionalism or polish.
AND NOW I KNOW.
So…onwards and upwards! 🦋
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpub
I just realized I’ve written all of my dialogue tags incorrectly!😬
As frustrated as I am, being self-published doesn’t mean compromising on professionalism or polish.
AND NOW I KNOW.
So…onwards and upwards! 🦋
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpub
Anyone can write a book...it's the formatting and proofreading that'll kill ya 😬
Authors, how do you stay motivated during the final phase of polishing your book when you just CAN'T stand looking at it anymore?
#indieauthor #writersky #creative #selfpub #literaryfiction
Authors, how do you stay motivated during the final phase of polishing your book when you just CAN'T stand looking at it anymore?
#indieauthor #writersky #creative #selfpub #literaryfiction
November 4, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Anyone can write a book...it's the formatting and proofreading that'll kill ya 😬
Authors, how do you stay motivated during the final phase of polishing your book when you just CAN'T stand looking at it anymore?
#indieauthor #writersky #creative #selfpub #literaryfiction
Authors, how do you stay motivated during the final phase of polishing your book when you just CAN'T stand looking at it anymore?
#indieauthor #writersky #creative #selfpub #literaryfiction
Working on my author site today! 😊
Here's the vibe: Come in for a warm cup of coffee, weary traveler. Let's share our stories over a delicious, simple plate of food, then go outside and watch the sun set together and feel warm and cozy and held in the beauty and terror of it all.
#indieauthor
Here's the vibe: Come in for a warm cup of coffee, weary traveler. Let's share our stories over a delicious, simple plate of food, then go outside and watch the sun set together and feel warm and cozy and held in the beauty and terror of it all.
#indieauthor
November 3, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Working on my author site today! 😊
Here's the vibe: Come in for a warm cup of coffee, weary traveler. Let's share our stories over a delicious, simple plate of food, then go outside and watch the sun set together and feel warm and cozy and held in the beauty and terror of it all.
#indieauthor
Here's the vibe: Come in for a warm cup of coffee, weary traveler. Let's share our stories over a delicious, simple plate of food, then go outside and watch the sun set together and feel warm and cozy and held in the beauty and terror of it all.
#indieauthor
Looking for a supportive, generous community of other creative caregivers? Check out our monthly resource exchange and make a new connection! 💗
#creatives #writers #writingcommunity #freeresource
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/november-c...
#creatives #writers #writingcommunity #freeresource
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/november-c...
November: Connect, Create, Collaborate
Our monthly resource exchange + why are we doing this?
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Looking for a supportive, generous community of other creative caregivers? Check out our monthly resource exchange and make a new connection! 💗
#creatives #writers #writingcommunity #freeresource
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/november-c...
#creatives #writers #writingcommunity #freeresource
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/november-c...
Happy Día de los Muertos! 💀
Here's an excerpt from THE PATTERN SHOP--a reminder that we can choose to see through the veil at any time. 🦋
P.S. Leave a comment if you'd like to receive a reminder when THE PATTERN SHOP is out (Dec 2025)!
#diadelosmuertos #ThePatternShop #literaryfiction #booksky
Here's an excerpt from THE PATTERN SHOP--a reminder that we can choose to see through the veil at any time. 🦋
P.S. Leave a comment if you'd like to receive a reminder when THE PATTERN SHOP is out (Dec 2025)!
#diadelosmuertos #ThePatternShop #literaryfiction #booksky
November 2, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Happy Día de los Muertos! 💀
Here's an excerpt from THE PATTERN SHOP--a reminder that we can choose to see through the veil at any time. 🦋
P.S. Leave a comment if you'd like to receive a reminder when THE PATTERN SHOP is out (Dec 2025)!
#diadelosmuertos #ThePatternShop #literaryfiction #booksky
Here's an excerpt from THE PATTERN SHOP--a reminder that we can choose to see through the veil at any time. 🦋
P.S. Leave a comment if you'd like to receive a reminder when THE PATTERN SHOP is out (Dec 2025)!
#diadelosmuertos #ThePatternShop #literaryfiction #booksky
Anyone have strong feelings about Shopify vs. Squarespace for hand-selling books and other merch (either from the website or in person)?
I started a Shopify acct but hate the user interface! Worth switching or stick it out?
#writingcommunity #indieauthors #writersky #entrepreneur
I started a Shopify acct but hate the user interface! Worth switching or stick it out?
#writingcommunity #indieauthors #writersky #entrepreneur
October 29, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Anyone have strong feelings about Shopify vs. Squarespace for hand-selling books and other merch (either from the website or in person)?
I started a Shopify acct but hate the user interface! Worth switching or stick it out?
#writingcommunity #indieauthors #writersky #entrepreneur
I started a Shopify acct but hate the user interface! Worth switching or stick it out?
#writingcommunity #indieauthors #writersky #entrepreneur