Picture a storyteller who spun tales of fierce women overcoming life’s toughest challenges—meet Mary B. Morrison! A New York Times bestselling author, Morrison, also known as HoneyB, has captivated readers with her bold novels that dive into social and sexual issues, all while championing female empowerment. From self-publishing her debut to seeing her stories optioned for film, her journey is a testament to grit and authentic storytelling.
Born in Aurora, Illinois, and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Morrison’s vibrant narratives reflect her colorful life. With over 30 books to her name, she’s not just a writer but a literacy advocate, founding the non-profit Lift Every Voice and Write to inspire aspiring authors. Let’s explore how this trailblazing author carved her path!
The Making of Mary B. Morrison
Mary B. Morrison’s story is one of courage and reinvention. Growing up, she faced personal challenges, including surviving domestic violence, which later fueled her unapologetic voice. In 2000, she took a bold leap, quitting her near-six-figure government job to self-publish her debut novel, Soulmates Dissipate. This risky move paid off, launching her into the literary spotlight. Her determination to tell raw, empowering stories set her apart, earning her a loyal readership and critical acclaim.
Mary B. Morrison’s Unforgettable Stories
Morrison’s novels are a rollercoaster of drama, romance, and real talk. Writing for Kensington Publishing as Mary B. Morrison and Grand Central Publishing as HoneyB, she tackles taboo topics with a focus on strong, feminine women. Her Soulmates Dissipate series, starting with the 2000 bestseller, follows Jada Diamond Tanner, a fashion photographer navigating love and betrayal. The seven-book saga hooked readers with its steamy plots and relatable characters.
The If I Can’t Have You trilogy, including titles like I’d Rather Be With You, dives into scandalous bets and tangled relationships, earning praise for its juicy drama. Her Crystal series, featuring the fierce Crystal women, explores family secrets and seduction. Morrison’s style blends vivid dialogue, emotional depth, and fearless exploration of issues like STDs and double standards, making her books both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Her work extends beyond novels. Morrison produced a play based on her HoneyB novel Single Husbands and saw her Soulmates Dissipate series optioned for film by Codeblack Entertainment. Her ability to craft stories that resonate on page and stage underscores her storytelling prowess.
Why Mary B. Morrison Matters
Mary B. Morrison’s impact goes beyond bestseller lists. Her novels empower Black women, showcasing them as resilient and unapologetic. Through her non-profit, Lift Every Voice and Write, she mentors young writers, promoting literacy and creativity. Her sponsorship of Diverse Stories: From the Imaginations of Sixth Graders, an anthology by 33 students, highlights her commitment to nurturing new voices. Morrison’s raw honesty and advocacy have made her a trailblazer in urban fiction and romance.
Her influence also reaches philanthropy. Through Healing Her Hurt, Incorporated, she supports marginalized women and girls, providing tools for emotional and financial empowerment. Morrison’s legacy is one of breaking barriers and uplifting communities through storytelling.
- Born: Aurora, Illinois
- Key Works: Soulmates Dissipate, If I Can’t Have You, The Crystal Series
- Awards: AAMBC Francis Ray Trailblazer Award
- Pen Name: HoneyB
Snag Soulmates Dissipate and dive into Mary B. Morrison’s world of drama, empowerment, and unapologetic romance!