Fiction that speaks to women in later life—who crave connection, meaning, and answers to the question, ‘What’s next?’
Before I get started, i want to lay my cards on the table. All of my content, stories and posts are Free.
Why I’m Opening It All Up
At this stage of my life, I want what I create to feel open. No locked doors. Fiction, reflections, behind-the-scenes posts—all free.
Not because it isn’t worth paying for, but because real connection matters more to me now.
If what I write speaks to you, there’s always an option to support. But the heart of it stays open.
Welcome to Women, Fiction and Life’s Threads
I’m so glad you’re here. With so many places you could spend your time online, it means a lot that you’ve chosen to stop by.
Three types of fiction - All Free on Substack
Same characters throughout - women, in later life seeking their purpose, friendships and perhaps, a legacy
Like us, they’re navigating change, loss, purpose, and unexpected friendship. They find strength in each other—and the land around them. The series begins with Whispers of Echo Canyon, a novel that I’ve written here on Substack.
📕 Chapters from the Women of the Canyon series, a continuing story about five strong, complex women from their 50s to 70s. Published weekly when I’m actively writing the books. I won’t be writing new chapters when I’m editing a book for publication.
🗓️ Daily Dose of Fiction - short daily stories centered on a weekly theme of friendship, connections and purpose. Featuring the same characters from my novels.
💫 Life’s Threads - Another short story taken from the weekly Daily Dose theme, along with a few journal prompts to help you explore the stories more deeply. And link them to your own.
I appreciate you. Come along for the ride - Subscribe today. It’s all free.
I’ve been where you are.
I’ve felt the quiet ache when a friendship disappeared without explanation.
I know how it feels when the purpose that once fueled you is gone—and you’re left staring into the emptiness, wondering what you’re supposed to do now.
We moved to Hawai’i and I left a career that had defined me. I felt lost, unsure where I belonged or who I was going to be.
So, I started writing. And surprisingly landed in fiction. Rather than just stories, my characters became women like us, experiencing the same issues we have in this new phase of life.
Unexpectedly, my readers began pointing out that these women were inspiring them to look at their life, their friendships and reflect on their next chapter.
And because I believe stories can offer something sacred:
They let you feel seen without needing to explain yourself.
They hold space for your truth without rushing you to fix anything.
They offer insight—not instruction. A moment of quiet understanding.
Through fiction, I create space for women like you to reconnect with what matters.
Not by telling you what to do—but by showing you what’s still possible, even now.
I’m Marylee
I’ve always been a builder—of businesses, gardens, and now, stories.
After 25 years in the nonprofit sector and two decades running an award-winning gardening business, I turned toward a new passion: fiction rooted in real emotion.
My books on desert container gardening have reached thousands of readers, and I still share that love through teaching and a thriving community of over 5,000 desert gardeners.
I self-published two nonfiction books on desert container gardening: Getting Potted in the Desert and the creative nonfiction story Riley’s Garden Oasis. These works reflect my desire to leave a legacy of specific techniques for struggling desert gardeners.
I had long believed the gardening business would be my forever, but life had other plans. I sold the company 15 years later as new doors and opportunities opened. With 25 years in the nonprofit sector and over 20 years of building and running a business, I channeled my passion to coach entrepreneurs to launch and operate their ventures.
With no rigid schedules and driven solely by the desire to create, I am embracing this new chapter of my life.
I’m blending live experiences with imagination—exploring the joy, freedom, and deep challenge of starting over at any age.
I live in Tucson with my partner of over 30 years.❤️
When I’m not writing, you’ll find me traveling, golfing, swimming, puzzling, or reading good stories with a strong cup of coffee close at hand.
You’re not alone. And you’re not done.
Be part of something meaningful—fiction that touches your heart and a community that speaks to your life.
It’s a place for honest conversation, shared experiences, and support that only comes when women gather with intention.
If You’d Like to Support This Space
Everything here is free, on purpose. But if at some point it feels worth supporting—whether because the stories speak to you, or you just want to keep it going—you can become a paid subscriber.
Your support helps me keep writing, keep sharing, and keep this space alive. It’s never required, but always appreciated.
