From Healthcare to Published Author – MJ Foley’s Journey to Embracing Her Creative Side

Introduction

MJ Foley’s story is a testament to the power of following your passions, even when life takes unexpected turns. From working in healthcare during the pandemic to becoming a published author, MJ Foley shows us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. In this blog post, we dive into her journey, exploring how she balances a demanding career with her creative passion for writing and what inspired her debut novel, The Foreboding.

Following Your Passion Through Life’s Transitions

MJ Foley’s career path is both impressive and diverse. After earning a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science and science writing, followed by a master’s in healthcare systems engineering, MJ carved out a leadership role in the healthcare industry. She worked in operations and project management for UnitedHealthcare, a role that she continues to this day. However, it was her time in the emergency department during the pandemic that reignited her passion for writing. This challenging experience put things into perspective, reminding MJ that life is short and passions shouldn’t be put on hold.

For MJ, writing was a childhood dream. She always loved books and storytelling, but like many, she put those dreams on the back burner. The pandemic, however, gave her the motivation to rediscover that creative outlet. MJ reminds us that we don’t have to limit ourselves to one identity—whether it’s as a healthcare professional, writer, or anything else. It’s about making room for your passions and ensuring that they remain a part of your life.

The Inspiration Behind The Foreboding

The idea for MJ Foley’s debut novel, The Foreboding, came from an unexpected place—a vivid dream. She explains that the storyline stemmed from this dream, which she quickly jotted down before life got too busy. Over time, this simple idea blossomed into a fully developed story. Encouraged by her husband, who gifted her a writing class for her birthday, MJ began writing in earnest in early 2022.

Despite juggling a full-time career and other commitments, MJ made the time for writing. By dedicating consistent time each week to her manuscript, she gradually turned that initial idea into a complete novel. She acknowledges that the journey wasn’t easy and often required sacrifices, but her commitment and love for the craft kept her motivated.

The Creative Process: How MJ Writes

MJ’s creative process is an interesting mix of planning and spontaneity. Despite her Type A personality, MJ found that strict outlining didn’t work for her when writing fiction. Instead, she embraced a “fly by the seat of your pants” approach, letting the story unfold organically. While some writers may thrive on detailed outlines, MJ found that allowing herself the freedom to explore the story without rigid constraints helped her maintain her creativity.

Working with a developmental editor helped MJ refine her manuscript and ensure the story flowed smoothly. Having someone read and provide feedback throughout the writing process gave MJ the accountability she needed to stay on track and push through the more challenging parts of the process. For anyone considering writing a book, MJ’s advice is clear: don’t get hung up on doing things “the right way.” Find a process that works for you and stick with it.

Publishing The Foreboding: A Hybrid Approach

When it came time to publish The Foreboding, MJ chose the hybrid publishing route. Unlike traditional publishing, where an author must query agents and go through a lengthy approval process, or self-publishing, where authors manage every aspect themselves, hybrid publishing offers a middle ground. MJ had the freedom to retain full control over her work while also receiving professional support for editing, cover design, and distribution.

The hybrid publishing model worked well for MJ because it allowed her to keep ownership of her book while still benefiting from the expertise of industry professionals. Now that the book is published, she’s focused on marketing and getting her name out there as a new author. For MJ, it’s important to find what works best for you—whether that’s traditional, self, or hybrid publishing.

Overcoming Perfectionism and Fear of Failure

One of the biggest challenges MJ faced was overcoming her own perfectionism. Like many creatives, she struggled with knowing when her book was “done.” She describes the difficulty of letting go and accepting that her book didn’t have to be perfect—it just had to be something she was proud of. Having gone through multiple rounds of edits and revisions, MJ came to a point where she had to trust the process and release her work into the world.

Releasing The Foreboding also meant opening herself up to potential criticism. As someone who used to be hesitant to share her writing, MJ admits that the idea of negative reviews was daunting. However, she received overwhelmingly positive feedback from readers and book reviewers, which helped validate her work. MJ’s story is a reminder that fear of failure or judgment is a natural part of any creative process, but it shouldn’t hold you back from sharing your work.

Balancing Writing with a Full-Time Career

Like many aspiring authors, MJ had to balance writing her book with a demanding full-time career. She credits her ability to manage time effectively as one of the key factors in her success. By treating her writing as part of her regular schedule and dedicating specific time slots to it each week, she was able to make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

MJ’s experience proves that you don’t need to quit your job to pursue your creative passions. Instead, it’s about making time for what matters to you and creating a routine that works. By integrating writing into her life, MJ was able to achieve her dream of becoming a published author without sacrificing her career or personal life.

What’s Next for MJ Foley?

Although MJ is currently focused on promoting The Foreboding, she’s already thinking about the possibility of writing another book. However, she’s not rushing the process. Right now, she’s taking the time to enjoy the success of her debut novel while continuing to grow her presence as an author.

In the long term, MJ hopes to explore other creative projects, whether that’s writing another novel or expanding The Foreboding into new formats like audiobooks. As a self-described perfectionist, MJ is learning to embrace the journey and take things one step at a time, knowing that there’s no rush to move on to the next project.

Conclusion

MJ Foley’s journey from healthcare professional to published author is an inspiring example of what can happen when you follow your passions. Through her dedication, discipline, and willingness to step outside of her comfort zone, MJ has achieved a lifelong dream of publishing a novel. Her story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your creative goals, and that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Whether you’re an aspiring author or simply someone looking for inspiration, MJ’s journey shows that you don’t have to fit into one box. You can be a healthcare professional, a writer, an entrepreneur, or whatever else you choose to be. The key is to make time for the things that matter to you and pursue them with passion.

You can also purchase the book on Bookshop.org here: The Foreboding by MJ Foley

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