I believe in stories that are just a little off-center. Whether I’m drafting contemporary fiction or deconstructing the technical ‘magic’ of a bestseller, my work is driven by a deep curiosity about narrative structure and the human heart.
Weekly Stories & Essays on Substack
My Substack, aptly called Spinning Yarn, is where my writing lives and breathes. Every week, I share new work with my community of readers, ranging from short stories to serialized fiction to personal essays and reviews.
- Short Stories: Flexing my creative muscles, trying different genres and devices
- Serialized Fiction: Sometimes I have the feeling that my stories just aren’t over yet, so what better way to keep them going than serialized fiction?
- The Editor’s Lens: Essays on books I’ve read recently, books I’ve loved, movies and TV shows, genre trends, and the psychology of storytelling.
Notable Projects & Accolades
Fiction Highlights
- Bardsy First Chapter Anthology Finalist: Honored as a finalist in Bardsy’s semi-annual anthology competition, showcasing my focus on high-stakes narrative “hooks” and atmospheric world-building.
- NYC Midnight’s Short Story Competition: I am currently participating in NYC Midnight’s Short Story Competition. My first assignment was a 2,000 word Sci-Fi story about a hired hand on a dangerous mission. Wish me luck!
- Current Work-in-Progress: I am currently working on my debut novel, It was Emma, set against the backdrop of a suspicious collegiate environment, the story explores harrowing themes of captivity and institutional control with a splash of ancient rituals. Drawing inspiration from the psychological depth of dark academia and modern gothic suspense, I working to peel back the layers of “safe” institutions to reveal the darkness beneath.
Nonfiction & Analysis
- Scientific American: Transforming 170 years of scientific archives into engaging, playful newsletters and campaigns.
- Barnes & Noble: Leading deep-dive literary discussions and “Poured Over” podcast interviews with contemporary bestsellers.
- Ghostwriting: Currently research-driven parenting book on family dynamics and psychological safety
My creative work is the engine behind my editorial eye. Because I am in the trenches of writing every day, I understand exactly what it takes to move a story from a messy draft to a retailer-ready manuscript.
Marie Cummings Hendry 