iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

It is not embarrassing to try. So you didn’t fill the room, get that promotion, have the baby, win the prize. It took courage to go for it. It took guts to try. And you know what? I’m proud of you. 💗 thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/its-not-em... #writersky #indieauthors #selfpub #substackessays

thebarefootbeat.substack.com

It's not embarrassing to try

On risking an empty room for something I believe in

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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

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

Yes! I have to remind myself that every day. As a recovering perfectionist that took 10 years to write my first book, I'm hoping to finish the first draft within 1 year and then revise, revise, revise! 😊

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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 · 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

P.S. Use the discount code BIRTHDAY39 for 39% off during July! 🥳

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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

Yes, that's the move for now! I offer signed copies on my website and I've worked with several local indie bookstores (who won't accept books simultaneously on Amazon, anyway). My hope is that the right readers with similar values will discover and love The Pattern Shop! 🦋

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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

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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 · 28/05/2026

Thank you! It's something I'm really proud of, inspired by a lot of my lived experiences--good and bad!

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Mariah Friend @mariahfriend.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Hi! I published my debut novel, THE PATTERN SHOP about a nurse who trades her stethoscope for a mustard-colored backpack and a one-way ticket to see if she can still save herself. 🦋 #literaryfiction #comingofage #travelstories www.mariahfriend.com

A photograph of the cover of The Pattern Shop with a colorful, zoomed in butterfly wing. Text reads: For the ones who are brave enough to fly, despite the risk. A novel by Mariah Friend.

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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 · 21/05/2026

THANK YOU to everyone who writes reviews. As an #indieauthor, you have no idea what a big difference it makes. 💗

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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

That's so lovely, thank you! I can't take credit for the cover, I worked with an amazing cover designer who nailed it! 🦋

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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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