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Writing a Book

Artistic Endeavors

Move Slow & Make Things Preorder Print Bonus

In case you didn’t hear, my new book, Move Slow & Make Things, comes out September 1, 2026!  We’re getting into the final weeks before the launch, so I’ll be releasing more preorder bonuses, running giveaways, and sharing more about it in the lead-up to the release date.  Of course, I’m sharing the book because that’s part of my job as an author, but I’m also sharing it because I am so proud of this book.  I loved writing it, and I hope it will be a great encouragement to those who read it.   If you weren’t aware of the ins and outs of the book world, preorders have become a key part of a book’s success.  Of course, you have sneak-up, surprise bestsellers, but booksellers rely heavily on preorder numbers to decide which books to put on their shelves and feature online.  Strong preorder sales get a book

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Art

Move Slow & Make Things Book Bonuses Available!

I am so excited to share that the preorder bonuses for Move Slow & Make Things: Pursuing the Delightfully Fulfilling Creative Life are now available!  If you’ve already ordered the book, thank you!  You can enter your order information on THIS to claim your bonuses. If you haven’t preordered the book yet, you can do that HERE.  I will be released September 1, 2026, so you still have plenty of time, but I learned through the release of Feels Like Home that preorders have become an important part of a book’s success in the current market. Preordering is one of the best ways you can support an author and champion their work.  It tells booksellers how much interest there is in a book, helping them determine how many to order for their physical and online stores.    It can also put books on bestseller lists once they are released. So,

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Artistic Endeavors

My new book | Cover & Title Reveal

I am so excited to finally reveal the title and cover for my new book – Move Slow & Make Things: Pursuing the Delightfully Fulfilling Creative Life. This book was born out of hundreds of conversations I’ve had with people over the years, in person, in small groups, and online, about creativity and what it means to be an artist.  Sometimes, the conversation starts with a question from someone seeking to make more room for creativity in their own life: How did you start painting?  How do you grow as an artist?  When did you consider yourself a writer or an artist?  How do I make time in my life for creative endeavors? Sometimes, the conversation starts with a remark that often stems from the assumption that certain artistic abilities are an elusive gift bestowed on only a few: I wish I could paint.  I’ve always wanted to do fill-in-the-blank.

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Marian Parsons Miss Mustard Seed
Artistic Endeavors

my next big project(s)

After working as a creative entrepreneur since 2008, I have learned that projects come in seasons.  Sometimes those seasons last for years and sometimes they are brief, fleeting.  Some seasons I repeat, in new ways, over and over again because I enjoy them so thoroughly and feel called back to them.  Some seasons are experienced and then come to an end.  I’ve written and published two books, both in their seasons.  Both were a part of my growth, my story, and my body of work.  While both were about home, they were not a part of a series or a pair.  They were standalone books, chronicling my two previous homes, my work on them, and how they built into me. After the first book, Inspired You, I thought that might be it.  I wasn’t only an author/writer.  I did many other things and wasn’t sure how writing another book would

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All Things Home

Feels Like Home | three year anniversary giveaway

This giveaway is closed.  The winners are Naomi B, Gail J, and Judi Y.  Congrats, and thanks to all who entered and celebrated this book birthday with me!  Feels Like Home is still $11.99 on Amazon if you want some extra inspiration for making your house feel more like your home. Can you believe Feels Like Home turns three this week?  It was released on October 12, 2021, and we can’t let this book birthday pass without a little celebration.  (There’s a giveaway at the bottom of this post, so don’t miss that!)  This book is honestly one of the creative projects I’m proudest of.  Typically, when I’m in the thick of a project, I hit difficult and slow-going patches.  I question if it’s even a good idea any longer or if I’ve exhausted the energy I can give to it.  I used to be discouraged when I hit that

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Decorating

recording an audiobook for a decorating book

When I first saw the mention of the word “audiobook” in my book contract, I was a little skeptical.  I mean, this is going to be a photo-heavy decorating book.  A book that relies heavily on visual examples and, in most cases, is a book that looked at more than read.  I do read some of my decorating books, but I usually look at the pictures and take away what I want from them.  Sometimes I read them if there is a compelling story or if I’m eager to hear the design process and creative ideas behind a space.  But, I confess that I have never bought an audiobook for a decorating book. But, as I was writing the Feels Like Home, I had all of this in mind.  (Affiliate link.)  I wanted to make sure that what I wrote was something worth reading and offered more depth and encouragement

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Writing a Book

the feels like home book launch

Today is the day!!  It’s the official book launch day for Feels Like Home! This book is over two years in the making, so it’s so exciting that it’s finally out into the world.  I’m also thrilled to share that the is now available to listen to a preview and download.  I’ll share more about the process of recording an and why we made one for a decorating book in a future post. I had a little fun with some confetti to celebrate the launch of Feels LIke Home, a project that I am so proud of.  I’ve shared before that I think this book is some of the best work I’ve ever done.  (And, I feel like I can say that because I don’t always say that.)  Sometimes the work I do is good.  Sometimes it’s just done.  And sometimes it’s special.  The process of creating this book felt

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a slice of life

the feels like home giveaway

I am so excited to share that my new book, , launches in just four days!  And this is the final giveaway to celebrate the book launch.  This giveaway is appropriately named “The Feels Like Home Giveaway.”  In this package of goodies are all things you can use to make your house feel a little more like home.  They are all things that are comfortable, beautiful, and work together to create a homey ambiance.  You’ll see what I mean as you look through this amazing collection of items… Of course, for the Feels Like Home giveaway, I have to include a signed copy of … I’m also tucking in a couple of things I crocheted – a dishcloth and a little scrubby… I haven’t made patterns for these specific pieces, but you can find other crochet patterns HERE. A beautiful handmade quilt made from fabric I designed by Marilla Melcher

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I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

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Move Slow & Make Things

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