Sweet Tea, Stories and Staying the Course: How Author Jan Marry Turned a Lifelong Dream Into a Published Cozy Mystery

In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp sits down with Jan Marry, former Virginia Librarian of the Year turned cozy mystery author. Jan's debut novel, Sweet Tea and ANZAC Biscuits, is charming readers with its warmth, humor, and small-town Southern–New Zealand flair, but the journey to publication was anything but simple. From stapling together homemade stories as a child… to pursuing a master's degree in science writing… to receiving 37 agent rejections… to finally holding her first printed book in her hands… Jan's story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the magic of finishing what you start. If you've ever dreamed of writing a book—or wondered what it really takes to become an author—this episode is packed with honest insights, heartfelt moments, and practical encouragement. Key Discussion Points (with time stamps): (01:53) When Jan first knew she wanted to be a writer (02:00–03:20) Childhood roots: stapled books, drawings, and giving stories to her grandmother (03:38) Transition from science writing to discovering her love for memoir and narrative nature writing (05:22) The moment the idea for Sweet Tea and ANZAC Biscuits struck—thanks to a real bear in the library (06:49) How long it took to write the book: three years from start to publication (07:42) How writing changed her life—and why becoming "a writer" still feels surreal (08:49) Key milestones: first finished draft, agent feedback, meeting her publisher, seeing the cover (10:44) Her self-talk during the writing years and her "4,000 words per week" method (12:32) Experiences that helped most: lifelong reading, book clubs, and lessons from her science writing program (13:41) When she finally believed, "I can do this"—thanks to honest beta-reader praise (14:39) The hardest obstacle: navigating a difficult and changing publishing industry (16:38) The emotional moment she learned her book would be published (17:10–17:35) Unboxing her first author copies—"Is this real?" (18:15–19:15) The people who supported her most: her husband, her sister, and writing groups (19:15–20:21) How being Librarian of the Year shaped her discipline, mindset, and commitment to serving others (21:17) Advice for young writers: keep writing, join critique groups, read widely (22:33) Her favorite quotes from Stephen King and Anne Lamott (23:13) How readers can meet her at book groups and local farmers markets (24:37) Sneak peek: Jan is already working on the sequel, Marmite on Hush Puppies (25:20) The audiobook is coming soon—voiced by a professional actor Notable Quotes: "I've wanted to write for as long as I can remember." "It was three years from starting to publication… and that's a commitment." "Being a writer changed my life—I did it." "Getting published is really hard. It's easy to give up." "I set a goal: 4,000 words a week. That's how I finished." "My husband said, 'Your book is better than these others.' That meant everything." "Holding my book for the first time… it felt like another dimension." "Libraries connect people in a way nothing else does." "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts." – Anne Lamott "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time or tools to write." – Stephen King Takeaways: Dreams often begin in childhood—and sometimes take decades to bloom. Writing a book requires dedication, consistency, and realistic weekly goals. Honest feedback (even when it stings!) is essential for growth. The publishing world is competitive, but small presses and indie publishing offer new opportunities. Holding a finished copy of your own book is a life-changing moment. Reading widely is one of the most important tools for becoming a stronger writer. You owe it to yourself to finish what you start. Connect with Guest: • Website: https://janmarrywriter.com/ • Email: [email protected] • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573595904900 Connect with Us: • Follow April on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher • Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ • Email: [email protected] Join the DreamHer Community: Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us with your favorite takeaways using #FanaticalDreamHer on social media!