inspiredby-header

We are so thrilled to chat with Marianne Lile, author of Stepmother: A Memoir. Here, Marianne shares a few facts about herself and reveals four authors that have inspired her writing!

What inspired your writing_The story initially started as a release – pure emotion and frustration, mixed with the continued sense that step moms were really misunderstood. It is a story that I looked for at bookstores in the beginning years as a stepmom and was unable to find on the book shelf. My hope was (is) to have written a book to describe an experience and emotions that echoed some of my own and resonate with those in the similar situations.

What is your favorite scene in your book-I’m not sure that I have a favorite scene…I enjoyed writing about the food we were eating as we navigated through the years. Cooking (literally) helped me bring my blended family to the table and is a constant thread of comfort in my life.

most challenging chapter to write

Honestly, they all contained some difficulty. But if I had to pick one, it would probably be Chapter 15 which is about the kids. Among other things, it touches on the fact that your step kids do not have to like you or acknowledge you. It describes an unflattering episode where I was at my lowest.

4-authors-that-inspire-you

 

 

  1. Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon…It’s a HUGE book – 700 plus pages – but it’s all about love and families dealing with incredibly challenging situations. I found the stories inspiring and humbling.
  2. Making Toast and Kayak Morning by Roger Rosenblatt…These two are smaller in scale but quietly reflect the raw grief of loss in a family. He writes with spaces between his thoughts. I relate to the overwhelming grief when you lose a family member and I understand the spaces that move between the reflections.
  3. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett…A collection of essays and short stories about messy family relationships, blended and otherwise, love and good intentions. All things I believe in.
  4. Poser: My life in twenty-three yoga poses by Claire Dederer… A memoir about parenting and family that again, doesn’t necessarily follow the traditional route but shares love and shows love. Her book inspired me to keep going, even though writing about family members that you care about can be awkward and sometimes selfish, but hopefully can also demonstrate the huge love that exists in that family unit.

 What book inspires you most? Tell us below!