Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Marinelli
Bethany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been writing seriously since 2011 when I started my blog, Journey to My Father’s Kingdom at bethanymarinelli.com. I got a job writing for a non-profit organization in 2012 and that’s when my writing started really improving and my passion was ignited. When I left the non-profit to work for my husband, Andrew’s, auto repair shop in 2016, Marinelli Auto Service, I knew I needed to do a blog for the shop to help people navigate auto repair, car buying, and how to talk to a repair shop among other things. Hearing people’s positive responses to the shop blog showed me that I could writing on any topic and do it well. I knew I needed to take my writing to another level, but I wasn’t quite sure how.
In 2020 I joined the writing group, Word Weavers International in Orlando. I started getting a lot of advise about the world of writing and grew exponentially as a writer in critique groups. I highly recommend this organization to anyone interested in writing!
I started writing my first book in 2020 after joining Word Weavers. Between writing, editing, rewriting, and talking to publishers and literary agents, writing this book has been quite the journey. In late 2024 I finally signed a contract with a literary agent. I am now one step closer to being published!
My book manuscript has won first place for the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference Sonshine Award and the Florida Tapestry Contest Award.
My vision for my writing career has always involved speaking as well. I believe that writing and speaking go hand-in-hand. In 2021 I went to the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference where I took a week-long intensive on public speaking. In 2024 when it looked like my book was actually on the way to being published, the fire came under me to seriously begin my speaking career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey in writing and speaking has absolutely not been a smooth road. I don’t think anything in life worth pursuing will be smooth. Not all of my blog posts get the amount of views I’d prefer. The first time an editor read through my manuscript I was discouraged. I’ve had to reorganize and rewrite my book a couple of times. I’ve received a good number of rejections on my manuscript before I finally received a contract.
Starting my speaking ministry hasn’t been much easier. I get 3 rejections for ever 4 queries I send out. I’m just not known yet, so I know it’s going to take time to build my resume.
Good things take hard work. So far, where one door closes, another one opens.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My writing and speaking mainly centers around a message of overcoming trials. I’ve been through many difficult things. I almost died after my son, Arthur, was born. I lived undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with a mental illness most of my life. In 2019 I finally had such a severe mental breakdown, I was finally properly diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Because of my bipolar disorder, friendships have been really hard for me. My husband and I were sued by a large local organization for questioning their business practices. But God has helped me overcome these trials. More importantly, He has shown me the beauty in the trial. God has allowed me to embrace my trials and use them to help others. My message is centered around how the gospel of Jesus Christ transforms hearts and lives.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the variety of opportunities in Orlando. This city has such a rich culture that should be embraced. However, to be completely honest, I’m a country girl. I grew up in rural Northern Michigan, and country life is in my blood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bethanymarinelli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethany.marinelli_author/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethanyMarinelliWriter
- Other: https://marinelliautoservice.com
Image Credits
Headshot: Landen Conner
Family Photos: Yurianna Morris
