Mariah Friend
@mariahfriend.bsky.social
Writer, poet, new mama
Currently self-publishing "The Pattern Shop" 🦋
What if the patterns you inherit are the clues you need to create new ones?
About: dreams vs. fantasy, generational trauma, heart maps, healing
Vibe: fragile hope
Currently self-publishing "The Pattern Shop" 🦋
What if the patterns you inherit are the clues you need to create new ones?
About: dreams vs. fantasy, generational trauma, heart maps, healing
Vibe: fragile hope
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
For readers who love the Before Sunset trilogy, I bring you THE PATTERN SHOP—a story about longing, breaking free from inherited patterns, and building a home inside your own bones that’s strong enough for even the hardest goodbyes.
Coming soon! 🦋
#writersky #comps #indieauthor #booksky
Coming soon! 🦋
#writersky #comps #indieauthor #booksky
October 29, 2025 at 6:27 PM
For readers who love the Before Sunset trilogy, I bring you THE PATTERN SHOP—a story about longing, breaking free from inherited patterns, and building a home inside your own bones that’s strong enough for even the hardest goodbyes.
Coming soon! 🦋
#writersky #comps #indieauthor #booksky
Coming soon! 🦋
#writersky #comps #indieauthor #booksky
Just finished writing my Acknowledgements for THE PATTERN SHOP and I'm terrified I'm missing someone! Authors, who did you include, from the obvious to the overlooked?
Ten years of writing this book and only two pages to thank everyone isn't enough! 🦋
#writersky #selfpub #indieauthor
Ten years of writing this book and only two pages to thank everyone isn't enough! 🦋
#writersky #selfpub #indieauthor
October 29, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Just finished writing my Acknowledgements for THE PATTERN SHOP and I'm terrified I'm missing someone! Authors, who did you include, from the obvious to the overlooked?
Ten years of writing this book and only two pages to thank everyone isn't enough! 🦋
#writersky #selfpub #indieauthor
Ten years of writing this book and only two pages to thank everyone isn't enough! 🦋
#writersky #selfpub #indieauthor
What I should be doing? Setting up a Shopify account for THE PATTERN SHOP.
What I did instead? Made a mood board.
You're welcome. 🦋
www.pinterest.com/TheBarefootB...
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpub #literaryfiction #comingofage
What I did instead? Made a mood board.
You're welcome. 🦋
www.pinterest.com/TheBarefootB...
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpub #literaryfiction #comingofage
October 27, 2025 at 4:59 PM
What I should be doing? Setting up a Shopify account for THE PATTERN SHOP.
What I did instead? Made a mood board.
You're welcome. 🦋
www.pinterest.com/TheBarefootB...
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpub #literaryfiction #comingofage
What I did instead? Made a mood board.
You're welcome. 🦋
www.pinterest.com/TheBarefootB...
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpub #literaryfiction #comingofage
One of the best ways we can help other artists & creatives is by being transparent about our process, not just the finished product.
My latest self-pub updates share total costs and what I'm learning the hard way! 🦋
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/dopamine-d...
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpup
My latest self-pub updates share total costs and what I'm learning the hard way! 🦋
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/dopamine-d...
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpup
October 24, 2025 at 5:24 PM
One of the best ways we can help other artists & creatives is by being transparent about our process, not just the finished product.
My latest self-pub updates share total costs and what I'm learning the hard way! 🦋
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/dopamine-d...
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpup
My latest self-pub updates share total costs and what I'm learning the hard way! 🦋
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/dopamine-d...
#writersky #indieauthor #selfpup
Share with a friend who’s self-publishing for honest cost breakdowns, vulnerable moments, and a sneak peek of THE PATTERN SHOP’S vibe, with playlists to go with each chapter! 🦋
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/dopamine-d...
#writersky #indieauthors #selfpub #literaryfiction
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/dopamine-d...
#writersky #indieauthors #selfpub #literaryfiction
Dopamine distractions and talking about my book in the WILD
Self-publishing updates, including project costs 💸
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Share with a friend who’s self-publishing for honest cost breakdowns, vulnerable moments, and a sneak peek of THE PATTERN SHOP’S vibe, with playlists to go with each chapter! 🦋
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/dopamine-d...
#writersky #indieauthors #selfpub #literaryfiction
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/dopamine-d...
#writersky #indieauthors #selfpub #literaryfiction
POV: You’ve been working with an editor for weeks and finally turned in the fully revised MS and now you feel like a total jelly-fish. 🪼
I can't wait to hold THE PATTERN SHOP in my hands and share it with you (coming soon)!
#selfpub #indieauthor #writersky #literaryfiction
I can't wait to hold THE PATTERN SHOP in my hands and share it with you (coming soon)!
#selfpub #indieauthor #writersky #literaryfiction
October 22, 2025 at 3:16 PM
POV: You’ve been working with an editor for weeks and finally turned in the fully revised MS and now you feel like a total jelly-fish. 🪼
I can't wait to hold THE PATTERN SHOP in my hands and share it with you (coming soon)!
#selfpub #indieauthor #writersky #literaryfiction
I can't wait to hold THE PATTERN SHOP in my hands and share it with you (coming soon)!
#selfpub #indieauthor #writersky #literaryfiction
When your heart wants something you're not ready for...yet. 🦋
#WIPsnips #ThePatternShop #indieauthor #debut
#WIPsnips #ThePatternShop #indieauthor #debut
October 21, 2025 at 1:48 PM
When your heart wants something you're not ready for...yet. 🦋
#WIPsnips #ThePatternShop #indieauthor #debut
#WIPsnips #ThePatternShop #indieauthor #debut
For all the creatives who've been told "consistency is the only thing that matters" only to realize it's actually harming their work.
#writersky #writingcommunity #creative #selfcare
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/why-consis...
#writersky #writingcommunity #creative #selfcare
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/why-consis...
Why consistency doesn't work for me
What a week of pink eye + solo parenting taught me about creativity
thebarefootbeat.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:41 PM
For all the creatives who've been told "consistency is the only thing that matters" only to realize it's actually harming their work.
#writersky #writingcommunity #creative #selfcare
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/why-consis...
#writersky #writingcommunity #creative #selfcare
thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/why-consis...
How can you make your writing 3D?
Some ideas:
1. Create a playlist to go with your story
2. Make a “mood-board” to capture the vibe visually
3. Print out some of the pages into a mini zine
Have you ever tried this? I’d love to hear what resonates with you!
#writersky #indieauthors #creativity
Some ideas:
1. Create a playlist to go with your story
2. Make a “mood-board” to capture the vibe visually
3. Print out some of the pages into a mini zine
Have you ever tried this? I’d love to hear what resonates with you!
#writersky #indieauthors #creativity
October 20, 2025 at 4:10 PM
How can you make your writing 3D?
Some ideas:
1. Create a playlist to go with your story
2. Make a “mood-board” to capture the vibe visually
3. Print out some of the pages into a mini zine
Have you ever tried this? I’d love to hear what resonates with you!
#writersky #indieauthors #creativity
Some ideas:
1. Create a playlist to go with your story
2. Make a “mood-board” to capture the vibe visually
3. Print out some of the pages into a mini zine
Have you ever tried this? I’d love to hear what resonates with you!
#writersky #indieauthors #creativity