Have you ever thought about writing a book? If you have, you’re not alone. There are a lot of people at MATC with interesting stories to tell.
The MATC Times reached out to two people who have published books to find out what it takes to write one. Marianna (Mari) Darrington and David Gray. We asked them a series of questions because inquiring minds “wanna know.”
Darrington is a freshman pursuing an associate degree in music occupation. She wrote Unhidden Faith Identity And Becoming Me.
Mari, why’d you decide to write a book?
I decided to write a book because I felt like I had something real to say. A lot of people go through things but don’t talk about it, and writing helped me express my thoughts and experiences. I also wanted to show that anyone can turn their story into something meaningful.
What was the process to get your book published?
First, I wrote the book and edited it until I felt good about it. After that, I used Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to publish it. I had to format the book, design or upload a cover, write a description, choose the price, and then upload everything to Amazon. Once it was approved, it became available for people to buy.
How much did it cost?
Publishing through Amazon KDP is free if you have KDP unlimited. The only possible costs would be things like editing, cover design, or marketing, but you can also do those things yourself if you’re trying to save money.
How long has your book been out?
My book has been out since February 10, 2026 so it’s been a month now, and I’m still working on promoting it and getting more people to discover it.
How are people finding out about the book?
People mostly find out about the book through social media, word of mouth, and Amazon searches. Promoting it online and telling people about it helps get more eyes on the book.
How are sales?
Sales are still growing. When you first release a book, it can take time for people to discover it. The more you promote it, the more people start checking it out.
Where can someone purchase it?
The book is available on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing.There are three ways to purchase it: a paperback on Amazon for $20, an e-book on the Kindle app for $10.25, or read it for free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
Was it worth it? Would you do it again?
Yes, it was definitely worth it. Writing and publishing a book taught me a lot about discipline, creativity, and the publishing process. I would absolutely do it again and plan to write more in the future.
What advice would you give other students who want to write a book?
My advice would be to just start writing. Don’t worry about making it perfect at first just get your ideas down. Stay consistent, believe in your story, and don’t be afraid to share it with the world.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Writing a book showed me that age doesn’t matter when it comes to chasing your goals. If you have a story, an idea, or a message, you should go for it. Someone out there might really need to hear what you have to say.
David Gray, who used to be a student at MATC, released a book called Why Do Black Men Like Big White Women? He got the idea from how well Steve Harvey’s book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, did. Gray wanted to look into the male psyche and offer an honest take on interracial dating dynamics.
We talked with him about the inspiration, the tricky parts of the publishing industry, and what’s next.
The Inspiration
Gray felt a duty to inform women about the different motives men carry. “I wanted to get the information out because a lot of guys treat women wrong and operate with bad motives,” Gray said. “I wanted to put a spotlight on the corrupt guys so women can look out for them, but also show that some Black guys genuinely just like big white women—that’s just their cup of tea.” Beyond dating, Gray emphasizes that all women, no matter who they are, need to focus on loving themselves.
Lessons in Publishing
Gray worked with Kendrick Watkins, an MATC and UWM alumnus who runs the publishing company So You Can Write. While the process was quick, Gray warns aspiring authors to read the fine print. “I didn’t read the fine print, so now my royalties go to the book company instead of directly to me,” Gray admits. To maximize profits, he now buys physical copies for $3 and sells them personally for $15–$20. He also manages his own digital sales through Kindle and Google Audio.
Looking Ahead
Gray is currently working on his next book, Pillow Talk, which explores the honest conversations men have behind closed doors. For his next project, he plans to skip the traditional publishing route and utilize AI tools like ChatGPT for editing and formatting.
His advice to fellow students?
“Do your own research. I jumped out there and signed a deal I wouldn’t agree to now. Write it on your own, use the tools available, and protect your royalties.”
