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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mary Strand

I never dreamed of being a writer as a kid. Nope. I had bigger plans—like joining the Harlem Globetrotters, skating with the Ice Follies, or becoming a U.S. Senator. While other little girls fantasized about being princesses, I wanted to be king.

Life had other ideas. I became a lawyer. And for a long time, I genuinely loved it—mergers, acquisitions, tax-free reorganizations, securities law—the kind of stuff that makes most people’s eyes glaze over lit me up. But then I discovered writing. And that lit me up even more.

My first manuscript eventually became my debut novel, Cooper’s Folly, and it won Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award. That was all the encouragement I needed—I kept writing.

Then came music. I picked up a guitar, grabbed a mic, joined some rock bands, and started writing songs. Naturally, that led to recording them. It’s been a bit of a creative snowball effect ever since. I’m basically the human version of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

These days, I live on a lake in Minneapolis with my husband, guest rooms for two amazing kids now off adulting in the wild, and a stuffed monkey named Philip. When I’m not writing novels or songs, I’m likely playing guitar, going to live shows, traveling, sipping fruity cocktails (responsibly, mostly), or throwing myself into sports and adventures that usually involve some risk of injury.

My alleged vices? Rock bands, dancing, triple-berry scones, my zippy little convertible, far too many visits to Five Guys and Punch Pizza, and a perfectly reasonable admiration for Chris Hemsworth (purely fitness-related, of course). And I’m hopelessly addicted to Paris—because Nutella-banana crêpes are proof the universe wants us to be happy.

Oh, and when I grow up? I still wanna be a rock star. Or king. Whichever comes first.

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Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

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