Award-Winning Author Marcy Bialeschki Discusses Her Journey, Inspirations, And The Secrets Behind The Vengeance Series Storytelling

PHOTO: Award-winning author Marcy Bialeschki, bringing readers on unforgettable journeys filled with romance, suspense, and characters that leap off the page.

A Journey Of Passion And Persistence

Award-winning author Marcy Bialeschki discusses her creative process, the growth of her iconic characters, the triumphs of her writing career, and invaluable advice for aspiring writers in this engaging interview.

Marcy Bialeschki is an exceptional talent in the literary world, and it is our privilege here at Reader’s House to feature her in this issue. With an impressive ability to blend romance and suspense into deeply compelling narratives, Marcy has captivated readers with her 4-book romance-suspense masterpiece, The Vengeance Series. Her first instalment, Deception & Consequences, not only claimed the number one spot in its genre on Ingram merely eleven days after its release but also earned well-deserved acclaim by securing the Literary Titan Award, the Publisher’s Choice Award, and the International Impact Book Award for Books in a Series. Since then, Marcy has continued to carve her own path, painting vibrant characters and gripping storylines that have left her readers eagerly yearning for more.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Marcy’s influence extends far beyond her novels. She has stepped into the arena of public speaking, sharing her wisdom and experiences at events like the prestigious Women’s Thrive Summit, and she has also delved into entrepreneurial ventures through her online platform, Tastefully Sexy by MarcyB. With a career spanning 36 years in education, where her love for teaching writing and literature became an indelible part of her identity, Marcy’s sheer passion for storytelling permeates all her creative endeavours. Her upcoming standalone novel, Where No One Will Look, promises yet another whirlwind of suspense and emotion, and there is much more on the horizon with another title slated before the close of 2025.

In this exclusive interview, Marcy pulls back the curtain on her creative process, her journey as an author, and the extraordinary characters she has brought to life. From the serendipitous beginnings of The Vengeance Series to the challenges and triumphs of her publishing journey, she offers an inspiring glimpse into her world. It’s a conversation teeming with passion, authenticity, and invaluable wisdom for both her readers and aspiring authors. Marcy is, without a doubt, a force of nature in modern storytelling, and we are delighted to share her story with you.

What inspired you to start writing the Vengeance Series?

Honestly, I’m not sure that I decided to write a novel. I mean I always wanted to write one, but I didn’t actively say one day, “Hey, it’s time to write that book!” But I remember the idea for the plot coming into my head and dismissing it at first. When more and more ideas downloaded at rapid speed, I couldn’t ignore them anymore. I had to start getting it all on paper.

Can you share the creative process behind developing the characters of Mac and Aria?

I poured my heart and soul into creating Mac and Aria and developing their relationship. I wanted Aria to make a phenomenal transformation from beginning to end. She begins as a completely ordinary woman who gets thrown into a life-changing, dangerous situation and has to adjust; and not only adjust but also stay one step ahead of the bad guys. With every perilous situation, Aria must be stronger to survive, and she rises to the occasion. In the end, she’s a bad ass, and never looks back.

In the beginning, Mac is Aria’s guardian angel and protector. By the end, they are equal partners. Mac is every woman’s dream! Instead of feeling insecure and threatened by her new independence, Mac just loves her more. For Mac, Aria’s growth is the ultimate compliment. Where she needs Mac’s guidance and protection initially, she wants him in the end, and there’s a big difference. I have said from the beginning, “You’ll want a love like Aria and Mac.” And I still believe that 100%!

How did the decision to change the ending of Deception & Consequences impact the direction of the series?

Deception & Consequences was supposed to be a stand-alone novel, but I wasn’t ready to let go of my characters. Mac and Aria had an entire life together that I wanted to create. I was literally typing the last paragraphs of the book, and I had a thought. When I finished the new ending and reread it, I got chills. That’s when I knew I made the right decision.

The second and third books, Seduction and Revenge and Nightmares & Premonitions, continue telling the story. I wrote the last book, Secrets & Infidelity, to keep all the series details straight in my mind. I needed to go back in time before Aria and explain how the whole messy family feud began, so the series made sense in my mind. I knew that if I couldn’t connect all the dots, my readers couldn’t either. So, the interquel was a self-serving checklist. Besides, CiCi Halprin had become such a strong influence in the series, even I wanted more of her. And that’s what Secrets & Infidelity offers.

What challenges did you face when transitioning from self-publishing to collaborating with Words Matter Publishing?

I know very successful authors who self-publish, but it wasn’t my forte. For me, there were no challenges in the transition, only relief. I’m not a content formatter, a cover designer, or an editor. I don’t know the first thing about the business of selling books. I’m a writer, and I want to focus my attention on doing what I love and what I do best. When Words Matter Publishing picked up my series, my books got the professional attention and presentation they deserve. I am blessed.

How did you develop the suspenseful and romantic elements of your writing to keep readers engaged?

I spent 36 years teaching writing, and I still struggle explaining the process of pacing and creating suspense. So, instead, I’ll explain why my books are just one big disaster after another. I hate boring lulls in books. Keep me engaged. Keep me thinking. When I find myself writing aimlessly, creating that boring lull I hate so much, I stop writing. I want drama, danger, tension, and fear through the entire book. I’ll admit, I’m a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants with no definite outline, making up one tense moment after another. That approach isn’t for everyone, but it works for me. I love it when readers say they couldn’t put my book down. That’s when I know I did something right. I wish my process was more intellectual and captivating, but it is what it is.

What has been your most memorable moment as an author so far?

What comes to mind right away is the day Deception & Consequences went #1 on Ingram in the Romance-Suspense category. I had no idea this had happened, but my publisher texted me and asked me to meet her at a bar downtown. When she walked in, she had a giant poster of my book cover where she had added #1 Bestseller at the top. She just walked in and gave me this look like she was mad and said, “Marcy, Deception & Consequences has been out eleven days, and it became an Ingram romance-suspense bestseller.” I was blown away. But what she said next was hilarious. “All I have to say is—what took you so long?”

It was a great day, and she was very wise, presenting that honor to me at a little Irish pub because we celebrated!

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out in their writing journey?

Write about what lights you up, and don’t worry about everyone else. At one point, I was reading prolifically in my genre and comparing my work with other authors. Consequently, I changed my style to fit a mold, but it wasn’t working for me. I was miserable and unsatisfied, and my writing became work.

I met with my publisher, and she gave me the best advice ever: “You’ll never please everyone. Just be Marcy, and let your readers find you.”

That day I learned my biggest lesson, and I’ll share the wisdom: If you just be you, writing will always be your passion and never work. And that’s a good life to live. Trust me.