An Appalachian Gothic fiction writer for adults and teens, her works reflect a love of literature and music flavored by the darkness and magic residing in the Appalachian foothills. She lived four years in the black heart of Harlan County, a place mired in coal, ash, and blood, a land of coal seams and rhythmic discord that breed amity and illusion, all of which birthed the Harlan Vampire stories. Mari is known to dance with fairies and ghosts beneath full moons and wade barefoot in creeks and wild rivers. Midnight, her first novel, was published by Apex Book Company in May 2014.