Dr Zoë Marriott, a Grimsby-based author, is set to host a book signing for her debut novel aimed at adult readers, titled The Moonlit Maze. Scheduled for January 24, 2024, from 11:00 to 15:00 at Waterstones in Grimsby, this event marks a significant milestone in her literary career, transitioning from children’s fiction to adult literature.
Published by Headline Review in the summer, The Moonlit Maze quickly garnered attention, becoming a top five bestseller on Amazon in its genre and achieving bestseller status on the Apple Fiction Chart in Germany. Following a successful hardback release, the novel is now available in paperback, further expanding its reach.
Dr Marriott, who describes herself as a “working-class girl from a council estate,” has been publishing books since the age of 22. Despite her success, she has openly discussed struggling with feelings of imposter syndrome. “I am lucky enough to have an academic job now, and I am lucky enough to be published now. I think at a certain point I have to stop saying, ‘I don’t belong here,’” she stated.
A Story of Loss and Resilience
The Moonlit Maze is described by its author as a “historical mystery with a hint of a haunting.” The inspiration for the novel came after the death of Dr Marriott’s father, with the protagonist facing a similar devastating loss. Initially, she attempted to write the story as a young adult book, but after feedback from publishers, she shelved the idea for some time.
“I really wanted to write this book, and I tried to write it as a young adult book but the publisher was not that keen on the idea and it didn’t work as a young adult book anyway,” Dr Marriott explained. The story lingered in her mind, prompting her to take a break from writing young adult fiction.
Her journey took a pivotal turn when she was accepted into a master’s degree program in creative writing, despite not holding an undergraduate degree. This academic experience ignited her passion for writing. Eventually, she developed The Moonlit Maze as part of her doctoral thesis at the Open University. After three years of dedicated work, Dr Marriott emerged with her novel, a completed thesis, and a publishing deal.
Previous Works and Future Aspirations
Before The Moonlit Maze, Dr Marriott gained recognition for her young adult fiction, including titles such as The Swan Kingdom, Daughter of the Flames, Shadows on the Moon, and others. Her transition to adult literature marks a new chapter in her career, showcasing her versatility as an author.
Readers have praised The Moonlit Maze for its evocative storytelling, with many describing it as “gripping” and leaving them “spellbound.” The upcoming signing event at Waterstones presents an opportunity for fans and new readers to engage with Dr Marriott and explore her latest work.
As she prepares for this significant event, Dr Marriott reflects on her journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and following one’s passion in the pursuit of a writing career.
