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Mariah Friend

@mariahfriend.bsky.social
151 followers 230 following 377 posts

ICU nurse → self-published debut novelist. Writing from the trenches of motherhood + building a creative career from scratch. The Pattern Shop🦋 Heartbeats on Substack 💌 www.mariahfriend.com

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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 9h
Mariah Friend just now This is for the women who are convinced they’re too old or don’t have enough time to publish that story they’ve been working on for years. It’s never too late. If I can do it, you can too! 🙌 www.mariahfriend.com/a-book-of-yo... #writersky #writingcommunity #selfpub
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
This is the self-publishing course I wish I had after waiting in the query trenches for two years with a newborn. For busy moms, folks coping with chronic illness, & no extra spoons who still have a story to share. #writingcommunity #selfpub #writersky thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/ready-to-s...
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
Ready to share your story with the world?
A Book of Your Own is the guide you've been waiting for 📖
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Are you a writer who's always wanted to publish a book? How do you know if you're ready to commit to the process, whether you choose traditional or self-publishing? I created a free worksheet to help you decide! www.mariahfriend.com/a-book-of-yo... #writersky #selfpub #writingcommunity
mariahfriend.com
A Book of Your Own — Mariah M. Friend
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Well, ya'll. It's been 9 months since I #selfpublished THE PATTERN SHOP and it's time to do some math. 📈 How much have I spent? How much have I made? All the answers and more 👇🏻 thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/what-i-act... #selfpub #writersky #writingcommunity #indieauthors #literaryfiction
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
What I actually made (and spent) 9 months post book launch
Charts, receipts, and why I'm not ready to quit
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Curious about the business side of being a first-time self-published author? I’m sharing all the details and what I’ve learned 9 months after launching THE PATTERN SHOP! Subscribe to Heartbeats to get all the info in your inbox! 💌 thebarefootbeat.substack.com #writersky #selfpub #writingcommunity
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
As someone in the beginning stages of writing my second novel, I PROMISE you the hardest part is just opening up the doc and typing your first sentence. Everything flows from there. It doesn’t even matter if the words are good or not. You just need words. Keep going. 😊 #writersky #indieauthor
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
This marketing tool was as fun to make as I hope it is to play! Check out The Pattern Shop's "Feel of the day" to get a custom song, quote, movie, or essay recommendation. (No email required)! feeloftheday.netlify.app #indieauthors #writersky #marketing #creativity
feeloftheday.netlify.app
Feel of the Day — The Pattern Shop
Spin for the vibe of the day — a quote, a song, a movie, or an essay.
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Not me, hitting refresh 1,000 times since this morning, waiting for a venue to confirm availability for an event this Fall. Whelp, time to go to the YMCA and run off some of this anxious energy! #indieauthor #writersky #writingcommunity #selfcare
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Cherishing the robust coffee culture in the U.S. and third spaces for writers like me. It hardly feels like work when this is the view! Show me yours! 🦋😊 #writersky #indieauthors #selfpub #thirdspaces
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
The Santa Fe Writer's Project 2026 Literary Awards Program is open! It's perfect for #selfpub authors and simultaneous submissions. @sfwp.bsky.social I just submitted The Pattern Shop and look forward to seeing what comes from it! 🦋🤞🏻 #literaryfiction #indieauthor #fictioncontest
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Hot tip: If you like to write with background music that's not distracting, I've listened to the "We bought a zoo" soundtrack so many times while writing THE PATTERN SHOP it received an acknowledgement in the back of the book. 😊🦋 open.spotify.com/album/0qlp58... #writersky #indieauthor #music
open.spotify.com
We Bought A Zoo (Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Album by We Bought A Zoo - Music by Jónsi | Spotify
We Bought A Zoo - Music by Jónsi · album · 2011 · 15 songs
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
If you like any of these movies, you’ll probably like THE PATTERN SHOP—a coming of age novel about loss, longing, and the bridges we burn and rebuild in our search for home. 🦋 #literaryfiction #bookclubfiction #bookclub #writersky #bookrecommendations #indieauthor www.mariahfriend.com
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
It might seem like a small thing, but I just ordered my first checkbook for my writing business, The Pocket Lamp Press! I also changed over all my payment platforms to this checking account so that from now on, all transactions stay in one place. We’re moving on up, folks! 😊 #writersky
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Last day for the free Ebook! 🦋 #booksky #literaryfiction #comingofage #bookclub www.mariahfriend.com
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Travel lovers, looking for a coming-of-age novel that will transport you from the hospital hallways of Chicago to the thick jungle of Ecuador and beyond, all while making you remember what it’s like to discover parts of yourself for the first time? #solofemaletravel #travelstories #booksky
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
If you’re a NEVER Blippi, ALWAYS Raffi kind of mom, we might be friends. 😂 P.S. You might also like my debut novel, which isn’t about children’s music at all but DOES feature a curated playlist for each chapter. 🦋 www.mariahfriend.com/thepatternshop #booksky #literaryfiction #bookclub #momlife
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
I'm currently going through thousands of my old travel photos. Here are some takeaways: I was never as fat as I imagined (still true). I was (am) a bad ass. The look of joy/awe/enthusiasm for life is unmistakable. I need to travel again, soon. #solofemaletravel #wanderlust #adventure
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Happy New Moon in Cancer! 🌚🦀 If you’d like a beautifully illustrated journal with original artwork, guided new and full moon prompts, and lots of space to dream and reflect, I’ve got you! shop.mariahfriend.com/products/dig... #astrology #astrojournal #cancerbaby #digitaljournal
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
If you're obsessed with chocolat au pain, the delicious chocolate French pastries, you might like my book, THE PATTERN SHOP, which has nothing to do with pastries but does have a deceptively charming French character in it, and may or may not be based on my real life. 😂🥐 #booksky #travelstories
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Hello! It's my birthday tomorrow and I'm celebrating with you! 🥳🥳🥳 All July my book The Pattern Shop is 39% off, as well as a guided Rhythms and Rituals journal, and my upcoming self-publishing course. Check it out! www.mariahfriend.com #writersky #booksky #writingcommunity #litfic #selfpub
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Reposted by Mariah Friend
Taco Bell Quarterly @tacobellquarterly.org · 02/07/2026
Just never get into sports betting, gas station heroin, or creative writing, and you'll be fine
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Hi! It’s my birthday this week and I’m offering a special 39% discount for my entire shop! Including: 🦋 My debut novel, The Pattern Shop ☀️The Rhythms and Rituals guided journal 📖 My upcoming, self-publishing course, “A book of your own!” All the details 👇🎈 substack.com/home/post/p-... #writersky
substack.com
A birthday grab bag 🥳
I turn 39 this week!
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Sharing a simple, free Summer Solstice ritual I can do with my four year-old. A way to mark the shift in seasons with presence and a little bit of delight. ☀️ shop.mariahfriend.com/products/dig... #giveaway #summersolstice #momlife #creativerituals #freebie
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Hi! My name is Mariah and I'm an indie author choosing NOT to sell my book on Amazon. Share or like this post if you agree! 🦋 #writersky #indieauthor #humanmade #writingcommunity #booksky #literaryfiction
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
What to say the next time someone says, "Artists don't make any money." 🙃 thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/no-hes-not... #creatives #writersky #indieauthor #writingcommunity #artmatters
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Hi! I’m an indie author building a creative career from scratch. If you’re building something you love and making it up as you go, let’s connect! Even better if you’re a mom, navigating chronic illness, and tired of being told our work isn’t valuable. thebarefootbeat.substack.com?utm_campaign...
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Reposted by Mariah Friend
PEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
STARTS TONIGHT! PEN America’s You Are A Writer — a #free online workshop series for early career writers — returns June 8. This year’s class is dedicated to fiction writing, from early research to publishing strategies. Learn more and sign up now at: pen.org/you-are-a-wr... #writing #writingworkshop
A desk with an open laptop displaying the message "You are a writer" in red text. The desk also has a pen, notebook, red mug, and desk plant. A brochure titled "A Career & Craft Workshop Series" is nearby. Text below reads: "YOU ARE A WRITER. Free online workshops for early career writers. June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, 8 PM ET | Online." The PEN America logo is in the corner.
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
I don't normally write about tech or the billionaires that profit off creative work. 💸 But two things are happening in the news that absolutely matter and affect all of us. Read more here: thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/no-hes-not... #writingcommunity #writersky #indieauthors #AI #humanmade
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
@sanders.senate.gov is introducing legislation this week to put the money AI companies stole from us back in our hands. Meanwhile, #SpaceX is set to go public at a record breaking valuation next week. Here's why that matters, not just for creatives. #humanmade #writersky #writingcommunity #art
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
No, he's not wearing any clothes
On the perceived value of SpaceX and the REAL value of the Arts
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Some juicy bits from ODESSA chapter 3 this week and how I can't stop picturing one of my characters as "Mal" from Shadow and Bone...🫢 thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/chaos-gard... #writersky #processinpublic #writingcommunity #historicalfiction
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Chaos gardening and building an author career from scratch...Think they have nothing in common? Think again! 🐛🍄😅 #creativelife #entrepreneur #writersky #indieauthor substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Chaos gardening and growing an author career: Results may vary 🍄
Writing Odessa Week 9 📖
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
My #WIPsnips for today from ODESSA. Follow along as I write my second novel, about two women facing the same impossible choice: stay, or leave? thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/write-a-bo... #amwriting #historicalfiction #novelinprogress #writersky
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
I have 60 songs in my novel's themed playlist...and I've only written 43 pages. What does that say about me? 🫢😅 Oh well, if you'd like a listen, here it is! P.S. What do you listen to while writing? open.spotify.com/playlist/6jO... #amwriting #literaryfiction #ODESSA #writersky #indieauthor
open.spotify.com
Odessa
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
In 2013 I worked my last nightshift as a nurse in the ICU. THE PATTERN SHOP is the story of how I got there and everything that happened when I finally decided to leave. Join me for a book club with the author for #nurses (and the ones who carry too much). 🦋 luma.com/394x0j9k #bookclub #booksky
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Not me procrastinating on Pinterest when I should be writing...🫢 #ThePatternShop #LiteraryFiction #TravelInspo #Booksky #ComingofAge #BookClubRecs
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
This is stunning.
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Anyone else's parents ask them when they're getting a 'real' job after pursuing a creative career? 🤦‍♀️ substack.com/home/post/p-... #indieauthor #creativecourage #creativity #writersky #writingcommunity #womenwriters
substack.com
"My mom still asks me when I’m getting a ‘real’ job."
"Artists out here, doing the things" Vol. 3: Mariah Friend
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Still in shock over this amazing review for THE PATTERN SHOP that came in on Goodreads. 🫢 #literaryfiction #booksky #comingofage #travelstories
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Reposted by Mariah Friend
Women Writers Network @womenwritersnet.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Today is the day for our monthly #womenwriters #skychat. We are talking Writing Events: Festivals and Readings at 6pm BST. Follow #WomenWritersNet to get involved in a really 'eventful' conversation with some friendly and knowledgable writers. #writingcommunity
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
When you’re feeling cute and your fit matches your book. 😎 If you love pie but also believe it has nothing to do with equal rights but think equal rights are human rights…you’ll probably like my debut novel, THE PATTERN SHOP. Available now, matching outfit not included.🦋 #literaryfiction #booksky
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
On what it looks like to navigate doubt on the creative path and what helps me on my worst days. #amwriting #creativelife #writersky #keepgoing
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
For anyone who’s ever been told to “push through” the writer’s block, the health condition, the difficult season of life. That never worked for me. Here’s what has. 💗 thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/am-i-doing... #writersblock #writersky #writingcommunity #amwriting #creativity
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
Am I doing this right? 🤷‍♀️
Writing Odessa Week 7 📖
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Any other creatives relate to this feeling when something doesn’t work out quite like you planned? What helps you move through the self-doubt woes? thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/am-i-doing... #amwriting #writersky #writingcommunity #indieauthors
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
✨I'm giving away a special signed copy of The Pattern Shop with a signed print from a local artist for #NursesWeek! ✨ Subscribe to my newsletter Heartbeats by May 15th to enter 😊 thebarefootbeat.substack.com #literaryfiction #nurseprotagonist #booksky #nurses
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Reposted by Mariah Friend
Taco Bell Quarterly @tacobellquarterly.org · 12/05/2026
My hyper focuses include toy collecting, creative writing and Taco Bell and I'm calling the odd shape that resulted my platform
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
If this is you: ❤️‍🩹 www.mariahfriend.com/thepatternshop #booksky #literaryfiction #comingofage #nursesweek
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Let yourself have “off” days. That’s the whole point of being a writer and having autonomy over our time, right? I’m having one right now. It doesn’t mean I’m failing. It means I’m human. So are you. 💗 #writersky #communitycare #indieauthors #writingcommunity
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
A manifesto about the cost of caregiving and how the systems we hold up are the very ones letting us down. thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/you-look-s... #nursesweek #healthcareheroes #writingcommunity
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Women make up 80% of healthcare workers. And 80% of auto-immune diseases affect women. That's not a coincidence. We have to stop pretending this is okay. #nursesweek #womenshealthcare #healthcareheroes thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/you-look-s...
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
"You Look Sicker Than Some of Our Patients"
On being a nurse, becoming a patient, and learning the system was failing both
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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
An excerpt from ODESSA--a historical novel about what remains in the aftermath of grief, loss, and the choice we're sometimes forced to make: stay, or leave? #WIPsnips #writersky #historicalfiction #friendship
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