Author Interview "L. Marie Williams"
Please tell our readers a little about yourself.
I am a business woman and entrepreneur. I enjoy traveling the world, learning new things and studying different cultures.
Could you tell us a bit about your book and why it is a must-read?
My book is a memoir of my life up until I was nearly 17 years old and it discusses several issues such as child abuse and neglect, foster care, juvenile incarceration, bed-wetting and being diagnosed with bi-polar disorder at an early age. This book is evokes emotion and explains what I went through, my struggle to survive it all and the after effects that it had on my life.
What inspired you to write your book?
I think young girls could benefit from knowing that there is someone who can relate to these issues and she was able to find a way, not only to survive, but to thrive in life.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?
Writing this story was extremely challenging because it is so personal. I wanted it to come across as raw and emotional, however I didn't want anyone in my family to be hurt by exposing my truth to the world. It is a very fine line that required delicacy.
Do you have any unique or quirky writing habits?
I don't know if my writing habits are unique but while I'm writing, I like to listen to soft music playing in the background. Somehow, it calms me and allows me to zone in on thoughts or memories.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I came up with the title for my book by recalling a conversation that I had with a family member about sweeping issues under the rug and that is how "Under The Rug" was born.
Is there a message you want your readers to take away from your book?
If there is anything I want my readers to take from this book it would be that you can go through horrible things in life but those circumstances do not have to define you. You can heal, move on and make your dreams come true.
Do you have any advice for the yet-to-be-published writers reading this?
My advice is to learn when to step away for a moment. There is so much more that goes into publishing a book then actually writing it. After it is written, there is formatting and editing. You have to check, check and re-check your work and mistakes can happen. You may need to take a step back and come back to it with fresh eyes or give it to someone else to read and edit.
What are you working on now?
I am taking a writing break at the moment to celebrate my book release and plan to jump back into work immediately after to catch up on the things that I've had to put on hold in order to make this book a reality.
What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, etc.) and link(s)?
Readers can follow me on facebook at www.facebook.com/authorlmariewilliams, instagram at lmariewilliams.author, or subscribe to my website to stay up-to-date with my latest news at www.lmariewilliams.com.
Under The Rug: The Unforgettable Forgotten is a memoir chronicling the unforgettable childhood & adolescence of L. Marie Williams. She illustrates her unconventional upbringing in this heart-rendering story of neglect, abuse and loss. L. Marie Williams captures the essence of a lost childhood in this recount of her youth. Physically and sexually abused at a young age, she was passed through her family and the foster care system, neglected and lost. She met Tony and despite their age difference, he showed her an unconditional love and loyalty that she had never experienced before. When he ended up in prison, Marie found herself homeless and a victim of the Juvenile Justice System. This is a story of the trials she experienced, her journey of survival and the lasting effects it has had on her in her life.
The book is available at Amazon.com
About the author:
L. Marie Williams is the author of Under the Rug: The Unforgettable Forgotten. She was born near Cleveland, Ohio in 1987 and has lived in several places all over the United States over the years. When she isn’t writing, she is tirelessly working as a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling the world and spending quality time with her close friends and family.