I need to start this post with how much I love Freudian Stitch. She’s wonderful, supportive, and such a kind friend. She’s letting me barge into her space to talk about myself, and although she may regret it, here I am! So why am I here, you ask? Well, I wrote a book. Actually I’ve written a few books, but I wrote this book in particular and now I’ve decided to put it out into the world. I was nervous to share the news, not sure what others would think. But in the end I’m so glad I did, because when Freudian Stitch found out, she immediately took the time to ask how she could support me. She asked me to share about writing and my book, and I feel honored. Nervous as hell that I’ll drive all the traffic away from her blog, but honored nonetheless.

So who am I? And how have I gotten to this point, where writing meets stitching? Well, I’m Maria Ann Green. I’m an author, a stitcher, and lover of coffee and wine (which I swear seem mandatory for both writers and stitchers – so I guess both were meant to be). For those who follow stitching, I’m the one-woman-artist behind Winebroidery, and until recently you probably had no idea I was also a writer. So I’ll start with more about my writing. Then I’ll get into how writing and stitching meet.

*Nothing But Darkness by Maria Ann Green is available fore pre-order starting July 9, 2018 and is released July 27, 2018.*

I’ve been interested in writing for as long as I can remember. I wrote poetry and short stories when I was younger and even attended conferences for young writers. I got more serious about it in high school and college and tried my hand at writing full-length novels. I quickly realized I wanted a shot at being published. So I went the “traditional” route for several years, querying agents with finished manuscripts. After publishing a previous book of poetry and prose with a small publisher, I found that it was no longer the path for me. Despite being a great experience, it still left me wanting a bit more. Primarily, I wanted more control in the process and the decisions. The biggest problem for me was that it was never offered in print, which was something I couldn’t stop dreaming about. If I’m completely honest with myself, and with all of you, I just want to see copies of my own work on my bookshelf. Of course I’d love for others to read my books—and hopefully like them. It would be a dream come true to have someone list my name among their favorite authors. But those are lofty goals that are mostly out of my control. That’s when I realized it; what WAS in my control was the ability to self-publish. I could ensure a printed copy of my own book on my own shelf next to my favorite authors. So that’s what I decided, and that’s how we got here. And if, in the process, a few other wonderful people stack my book on their shelves too I’ll be over the moon.

My book, NOTHING BUT DARKNESS, officially comes out July 27th and is available for pre-order starting July 6th here. It’s a dark psychological thriller. I keep reminding those who want to read it just how dark it is; I don’t want anyone unpleasantly surprised. (If you’re interested in the full description, keep reading till the end!)

For those who are still wondering how stitching is related, I don’t blame you! The shorter version of the story is that I took a break from writing about two years ago. I wasn’t focusing or producing anything I felt was any good. So instead of pushing through and ending up feeling even worse, I decided to take a break from all things writing. During that break I was introduced to embroidery. It felt so right, right away. Just like writing had when I started all those years ago. I picked up some stitching supplies from the craft store one night, and honestly overnight, I fell in love with embroidery. Shortly after, Winebroidery was born. I made some tough decisions about a year into my stitching journey to stop selling my works, and to only stitch for myself. In doing this I feel that my work is better, as I only make items that I’m passionate about. Someday I may decide to sell again, but for now I create for myself. I see similarities with this decision, and my choice for my writing path – in going the route of self publishing, I am able to write exactly what I want, which results in better writing overall. I create for myself, but I’m also incredibly lucky that others seem to enjoy my creativity as well. I’m thankful, every day, for those who choose to follow my journey.

Now, I choose to combine my loves of writing and stitching together. On my social media pages I often combine writing or books along with my stitched works of art. I’ve created pieces to represent my book, and I plan to continue doing so for future projects. I think that visual representations of written words are uniquely creative, and although they can pose a challenge in putting your thoughts into action, they combine my two biggest creative loves. I think it helps that I’m equally passionate about both. I love to create in general, and when I can combine passions, that love for the process of creating really shines through to the work.

So that’s where I am now. I have limited time for creating – between the hours after my little one goes to bed and before I hit the hay myself, but I do my best to work on something every day. Some nights I write, others I stitch. Occasionally all I do is veg in front of the tv, but I try to make this the exception. I’m trying to find a balance where I get to work on everything that makes me happy, while still having time to sleep. It’s tough, but I’m working on it. And if any of you have figured out how to make their own time-turner for fitting more hours into the day, LET ME KNOW!

I try not to give advice too often, though I am always resharing tips I’ve learned from others. When speaking about creative passions, like writing or stitching, my biggest piece of advice I’m always willing to give is to do what makes you happy. If you love what you do there are others out there who will love it too. If you have more than one passion, but are nervous about sharing both, I say take the plunge. If you want to try something new but haven’t yet, make the time to try it. Do what makes YOU happy, because if you don’t who else will?

That’s about all I have to share today, but I hope it’s at least been an interesting read. If you want to know more about me, my stitching, or my writing please don’t hesitate in reaching out. I’m always happy to connect with others. And if you like dark reads, think about looking into NOTHING BUT DARKNESS this July.

The book:

Aidan Sheppard has always resisted his darker urges—only the violent ones, he’d never deny himself anything sexual—until one night when he goes too far. Way too far. It doesn’t matter that it was an accident; it still happened, and he can’t escape it. Now he must choose between what’s expected of him, morality, and what he truly wants, depraved release.

But as bloody fantasies flood his mind, Aidan struggles to find control. Desire taking over, he dives deeper into his darker side. His best friend and coworkers remain unaware of the calculating criminal he’s become in the hours between work and drunken escapades.

Aidan analyzes each step necessary to fuel the cruel fire inside him, logic and preparation only two of the many weapons at his disposal. His creativity grows as well, until he hits a dangerous snag that threatens to expose him and obliterate everything he’s built. Paranoia and stress chip away at his confidence, but he must stay in control long enough to cover his tracks, or he risks his freedom, as well as his life.

Find the author, Maria Ann Green: