HARLEM, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 1, 2022 / Mary Longley, an African American author based in New York, just released her debut novel, Butterflies. The novel was released on October 13th, 2022, just one month after the social justice blogger and writer launched her business.
Butterflies is the coming-of-age story of three, seventeen-year-old, African American best friends in 1960s Harlem, as they grow into womanhood and attempt to navigate the racial and political unrest that was rampant in the nation.
Mary Longley was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, drawing inspiration for her writing from her own life, as well as her author's imagination. Now, a mother, grandmother, and advocate for social justice, Mary wants to share her stories on behalf of women of all ethnicities and ages.
"Butterflies is a heartwarming story of love, family, friendship, and resilience," Mary explains. Her writing focuses on the real-life issues that face everyday people. Her debut novel touches on themes that transcend the time period they were written in, allowing modern readers the ability to maintain a connection to the story.
"I am a brutally honest writer, pulling no punches. I tug at hearts and create fires knowing that from scorched earth, flowers bloom lush.," Mary says. "I write with hopes of improving the human condition."
While her novels, both upcoming as well as released, are a large focus of Longley's website, the author is also the founder and CEO of Butterfly Network USA, which was launched in September 2022. The business focuses on shining a light on stories of women like herself. The goal of Butterfly Network USA is to build partnerships with communities and social justice organizations, in order to assist those in need.
Longley maintains a blog, launched in September 2022 alongside her business. The blog can be found on her website, where she shares personal thoughts and stories that she releases each Monday. Her upcoming article will Spotlight Harlem United, a community organization based in Harlem, New York that provides healthcare, housing, and other social services.
The busy author has a second novel following closely at the heels of Butterflies. Her second book, titled Cult's Prey, is based on a series of true events that centers around three friends unwittingly ensnared by a religious cult. The novel is currently in its publishing phase, to be released in early 2023.
One of the most prominent inspirations for Mary's writing is her own life- events that she would in turn, work into her stories. The themes of womanhood, experiences as a woman of color, and social justice are prominent parts of everything that Mary produces, from her novels to her blog posts.
"My upcoming book Cult's Prey is based on the harassment I endured from racist, sexist, religious factions seeking to indoctrinate me into their way of life," Longley explains. "Though Cult Prey's subject matter is serious, the story is also filled with love and humor-illustrating the human spirit during the most difficult of times."
Information about the release of Cult's Prey, as well as details about Mary's debut novel, Butterflies, can be found on the BOOKS tab of her website.
Mary is continuing to write, even after the publication of her first two novels. There is a sequel in the works for Mary's debut album, Butterflies, which is titled Butterflies II. This second book in the set does not have a release date at this time.
As Cult's Prey readies for publication, Mary also has two follow-up novels in the works, turning her second book into a trilogy. Prey's Deception, and Prey's Revenge will be the second and third novels in the series. These do not have a timeline for release currently, although the former is currently in the process of being written. New information that would detail any updates to this author's writing process will be found on her website.
Mary Longley releases blog posts every Monday. She continues to partner with local community resources to highlight their stories. Keep an eye on her business's Instagram @butterflynetworkusa and Facebook. For more information about Longley and her business, see her website.
Mary Longley
Butterfly Network USA LLC
butterflynetworkusa.com
[email protected]
SOURCE: Butterfly Network USA