Helping me kick of a new week is writer Marilyn Howard and we’re chatting about her memoir, The Writing on the Wall.
Marilyn is touring with Wow! Women on Writing, so feel free to visit her other tours stops too! Details below the interview.
Bio:
Marilyn Howard broke through a glass ceiling of seventy men to become the first woman art director at Grey Advertising of New York before launching an innovative startup in 1970 at the age of twenty-seven. Creative Freelancers. Inc. was the first agency to connect businesses with freelance artists and writers. It operated for over 25 years in the center of Manhattan. She was picked by ADWEEK Magazine of New York for their feature, “The Dynamic Dozen,” those women under forty they identified as most likely to succeed. In 1997, her company became the first agency on the Internet. The author holds a B.F.A. from Syracuse University.
Welcome, Marilyn. Please tell us about your current release.
I am thrilled with the reception my book is getting by the WOW blog reviewers and others. My lucky break came when Kirkus Reviews supplied the credential needed: “36 Great Indie Books Worth Discovering.” I knew it was an astonishing story when I wrote it, but climbing the ladder of many outstanding books can feel overwhelming. I got thrown off track by Covid delays soon after publication, but came out trying again. Hit the jackpot when it became discovered by Kirkus! Knowing that others found inspiration and enjoyment in my story inspired me to create a trailer, fourteen dramatic ads and eight teaser videos. The wonderful reception from this blog tour infuses more energy into my desire to bring entertainment and insights to as many people as possible.
What inspired you to write this book?
I was determined to escape the chauvinism of my youth and live life to its fullest. I succeeded in more ways than I could imagine. Later in life, I realized my life story had the makings of an astonishing book. After breaking through a glass ceiling of 70 men and travelling for a year, my innovative startup began in 1970, two years before MS Magazine. The 60s and 70s were exciting years with weekends attending posh parties in Long Island and a rollercoaster of business experiences. Everything became more of a juggling act when I added a husband and family. I learned many things the hard way and knew my many relatable experiences could help other women.
What exciting story are you working on next?
How I Became a Bestselling Author. If that doesn’t happen in real life, the story will be partly fiction. I’m gathering information now about the massive task of promotion. It might weave into an interesting story.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve done business writing throughout my life, but didn’t consider myself an author until I finished my first draft of the book. In business, I reviewed portfolios of writers for advertising and publishing. I had good taste, but never expected to become a writer. The writing began when I had to tell about my life to a group of women. There was too much to put into a brief talk, so I kept writing about my life on weekends for about a year. My children were away at college. Writing filled many empty hours with excitement. Then I put it aside to read as memories in my older years. Ten years later, I picked it up and had the Eureka moment. It was an astonishing story that took place at a pivotal time in history. I knew there was a lot of work ahead, but felt I had come to this point for a reason and had to try.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I am semi-retired from business, but working harder than ever on my book. Now I am in the promotional phase, which is a different discipline from story writing. I had some experience as an art director at an advertising agency and have always enjoyed learning new things. Video editing on my computer was a deep dive into technology during Covid hibernation. Film writing and editing became useful for my new book trailer and short teaser videos.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I have an acute case of chair glue. My Alexa is indispensable. It has to remind me of meals, calls, pills, exercise and more. I suspect this is the case for many writers. A life inside the story and self-appointed deadlines take hold.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Almost anything except a housewife. There weren’t many options for a girl in the 50s, but times began changing in the 60s and I wanted to be part of it. I wanted adventures. That led to breaking through a glass ceiling, travelling for a year, beginning a startup, and adding a family. The startup thrived over twenty-five years in the center of Manhattan. There were mountains to climb and frustrating disappointments, but it was all worth it. The story has come to life in an entertaining and insightful book for others.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
View my trailer on YouTube for the plot.
Links:
Website | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Facebook | Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.
Blog Tour Calendar
October 9th @ The Muffin
Join WOW’s blog at The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Marilyn Howard’s memoir The Writing on the Wall. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book. https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
October 11th @ Stranded in Chaos
Join Sara for her review of The Writing on the Wall. http://www.strandedinchaos.com/
October 13th @ World of My Imagination
Join Nicole for her review of The Writing on the Wall by Marilyn Howard. https://worldofmyimagination.com
October 15th @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie’s blog for her interview with author Marilyn Howard about her book The Writing on the Wall. https://chapterbreak.net/
October 18th @ Bring on Lemons
Join Crystal for her review of The Writing on the Wall by Marilyn Howard. https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
October 19th @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy’s blog for her review of The Writing on the Wall by Marilyn Howard. http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
October 20th @ A Storybook World
Join Deirdra as she features a spotlight of The Writing on the Wall by Marilyn Howard. https://www.astorybookworld.com/
October 21st @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy’s blog for a guest post by Marilyn Howard about life skills and how not to trip and fall on the small stuff. https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
October 23rd HERE!
October 24th @ School Librarian in Action
Join Zarah as she reviews The Writing on the Wall by Marilyn Howard. https://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/
October 25th @ Choices
Visit Madeline’s blog for a guest post by author Marilyn Howard about palm reading and the science behind it. http://www.madelinesharples.com/
October 27th @ The Faerie Review
Join Lily as she reviews The Writing on the Wall by Marilyn Howard. https://www.thefaeriereview.com
November 1st @ Pick a Good Book
Join Debbie as she reviews The Writing on the Wall on her Instagram page. You’ll also have a chance to win a copy of the book, too! https://instagram.com/pickagoodbook
November 2nd @ Katherine Itacy’s blog
Join Katherine for her review of The Writing on the Wall by Marilyn Howard. https://katherineitacy.com/
November 3rd @ StoreyBook Reviews
Visit Leslie’s blog for a guest post by Marilyn Howard about daydreams and keeping your eyes open to opportunities. https://www.storeybookreviews.com/
November 5th @ Pick a Good Book
Debbie shares a guest post by Marilyn Howard over at her blog today that talks about some good news regarding childhood disabilities. https://pickagoodbook.com/
November 8th @ The Mommies Reviews
Visit Glenda’s blog for her review of The Writing on the Wall by Marilyn Howard. http://www.themommiesreviews.com/