Marilyn Wright Dayton Inspires Readers With Timeless Stories And Unwavering Dedication To Writing
PHOTO: Award-winning author Marilyn Wright Dayton, whose six decades of storytelling continue to inspire readers with creativity, wisdom, and unforgettable characters.
Celebrating A Lifetime Of Creativity And Storytelling Excellence
Marilyn Wright Dayton shares her six-decade writing journey, from journalism to award-winning novels, offering wisdom on creativity, character development, and the importance of storytelling across multiple genres with inspiring authenticity.
Marilyn Wright Dayton stands as an extraordinary force in the literary world, her career a testament to a lifelong dedication to the art of storytelling. With over six decades of experience spanning newspaper reporting, advertising, radio, and television, Marilyn has consistently demonstrated remarkable versatility. Now recognised as an award-winning author, she continues to delight readers with gripping mysteries featuring memorable characters such as Weezie Hightower and Guy Davis.
“There comes a time in life when the thought of ‘now what?’ leads us to search for more.” – Marilyn Wright Dayton
A Rich and Varied Body of Work
Marilyn’s writing showcases a remarkable range, moving seamlessly between fiction and non-fiction. From murder mysteries and short stories to memoirs, genealogy, and trivia, her work reflects deep creativity and an innate ability to weave life’s experiences into compelling narratives. Her forthcoming video series, Creative Writing Made Easy, further demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers.
Characters That Resonate
Through characters like Weezie Hightower and Guy Davis, Marilyn brings authenticity and depth to her mysteries. Weezie and her elderly friends prove that age is no barrier to solving mysteries, while Guy Davis, a former NYC detective, adds balance and intrigue, even earning his own spin-off series. These characters reflect her keen observation of people and her ability to transform real-life impressions into unforgettable fiction.
Embracing Multiple Genres
Marilyn has embraced challenges across multiple genres, from complex murder mysteries to heartfelt memoirs and family lineage explorations. Her ability to write across such diverse forms highlights her adaptability and enduring curiosity. As she notes, every writer must find their voice and test their creativity through different forms, allowing stories to grow naturally while staying true to one’s vision.
A Storyteller’s Process
Describing herself as a “plantser”, Marilyn balances planning with spontaneity. She allows characters to guide the direction of her plots, often surprising even herself with the twists and turns they take. She enriches her mysteries with life’s many facets—comedy, compassion, and surprise—ensuring that readers remain engaged and delighted.
The Influence of Life Experience
Marilyn credits her years in journalism, marketing, and broadcasting with shaping her storytelling style. These experiences helped her develop a voice that is both engaging and authentic. For her, writing is an extension of her lifelong passion for storytelling, and she often imagines her characters responding to situations as if they were real people guiding her narratives.
Inspiring Aspiring Writers
To aspiring authors, particularly those beginning their journey later in life, Marilyn offers heartfelt advice: believe in yourself, push your limits, and never let others deter you from your dreams. She encourages writers to research, read widely, and most importantly, write with conviction.
Words of Wisdom
For Marilyn, inspiration is everywhere—in people, in the news, in nature. She urges writers to stay true to themselves, capture fleeting ideas, and embrace their role as storytellers. Her guiding message is simple yet powerful: “Think like a writer. Act like a writer. Be a writer.”
Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.
