I want people to know that no matter how dark life gets, there’s always a way forward. It’s not easy, and it takes time, but you can rebuild. You can heal. My story is proof that even in the hardest moments, you can find strength, purpose, and ultimately, hope.

Mary L Devine – 9 May 2025

The Back Flap

For true-crime fans, a gripping memoir of a domestic violence survivor who becomes a police detective in the domestic violence unit and is forced to face her demons when her first major case mirrors her own violent assault.

Standing Up invites you on an exhilarating journey with a woman who refuses to be defined by her scars. A pulse-pounding chronicle of survival against all odds, this memoir takes readers along on a plunge into the chilling depths of abusive relationships.

At the tender age of twenty-three, Mary Sweeney-Devine unwittingly stumbled into the clutches of her abuser, igniting anguish and despair. With each heart-wrenching trial, including a hospital visit, she unearthed a reservoir of resilience she didn’t know she possessed. But just when she thought she had weathered the storm, a second marriage to a recovering alcoholic unleashed a tempest of secrets and unforeseen challenges.

Yet Devine emerged from the darkness, fueled by an unyielding determination and a fierce spirit. With the help of unexpected allies, determination, and a sprinkling of humor, she navigated the treacherous terrain of her past—and reclaimed her life with courage. Offering hope to those ensnared in the vicious cycle of abuse, Standing Up is a riveting testament to Devine’s indomitable spirit and a gripping saga that will leave you breathlessly rooting for the victory of the human heart over adversity.

About the book

What is the book about?

My story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. I’ve faced challenges that I never imagined I could overcome—an abusive marriage and the devastating loss of a baby to violence. Those experiences were some of the darkest moments of my life, but instead of letting them define me, I chose to take control of my future and rebuild my life.

At 36, I went back to school and earned a degree in criminal justice. That decision set me on a path I never thought I’d take. I entered in the police academy, and though it was physically and mentally demanding, I pushed through and earned my place in the New Castle County Police Department.

Working as a domestic violence detective was deeply personal for me. Every case I handled reflected pieces of my own past. But instead of letting it weigh me down, I found strength in helping others. It gave me purpose and even a sense of closure, knowing I was making a difference for people who needed someone to truly understand what they were going through.

My career continued to grow, and I eventually earned a promotion to Sergeant, where I led a patrol squad. Later, I landed my dream role as commander of the mounted patrol. That was such a rewarding chapter—I’ve always loved horses, and being able to combine that with my work was incredible.

But my journey wasn’t just about my career; it was also about reclaiming myself. I found unexpected strength through martial arts. It helped me rebuild not just my physical strength but also my confidence and mental resilience. I’ve come to see that every step of my journey—from enduring abuse to finding my purpose—has been about rediscovering my identity.

I want people to know that no matter how dark life gets, there’s always a way forward. It’s not easy, and it takes time, but you can rebuild. You can heal. My story is proof that even in the hardest moments, you can find strength, purpose, and ultimately, hope.

When did you start writing the book?

My mother had a stroke in 2015, and I retired shortly after, in March 2016, to take care of her full-time. Being used to a life of constant activity, I found myself searching for ways to stay engaged. I joined a few Facebook groups, and one of them really resonated with me. The group’s leader happened to be an author, and as we got to know each other, she encouraged me to write a book about my experiences. She took me under her wing, mentoring me through the process, and I discovered that I really enjoyed writing. I believe I started writing sometime in 2017.

How long did it take you to write it?

That depends on how you look at it. I submitted my manuscript to She Writes Press in 2024. I had a lot of stops and starts along the way, so I would say if I had simply written without hesitation, it would have taken about eighteen months. I like to say that it took eighteen months to write and five and a half years to heal.

Where did you get the idea from?

My personal experience.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes, the abuse is still crystal clear in my mind, but writing about it was incredibly difficult. I made plenty of rookie mistakes because I was so ashamed. I tried watering it down, leaving parts out, and even minimizing what my husband did to me.

There were so many times I put the manuscript on the shelf, convinced I might never finish it. I even bargained with myself, thinking I’d just write it for me and never publish it. But eventually, I realized I wouldn’t be satisfied until I told the whole truth—accurately and honestly—no matter how it made me look.

My hope was that someone would read my book, see themselves in its pages, and feel encouraged—or even empowered—to change their own circumstances.

What came easily?

The second half of the book begins when I entered the police academy and my life became lighter, funny, happier and I found my tribe with my police family. I found purpose and meaning in my work, and loved my life. I was transferred into the Domestic Violence Unit as a detective and demons crept in when I investigated a case that mirrored my own assault experience, but I was able to shake it off and prepare the case.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

My characters are all real people, many with fictitious names. My police family mostly are called by name, but my husband’s (there are two in this book) names were changed.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

My mentor, Tama Kieves, has written five books in the self-help genre, but my favorite is Inspired and Unstoppable. She has a wonderful sense of humor and delivers her messages in such an enjoyable way. Her style inspired me to sprinkle humor throughout my own book as well.

James Frey’s A Million Little Pieces was another powerful influence for me. Its raw, unfiltered honesty was exactly what I needed to read. Whenever I felt vulnerable while writing, I reminded myself of how inspired I was by his bold, naked style.

I also enjoy detective novels by authors like James Patterson and David Baldacci. In fact, I’m looking forward to Baldacci’s new book, Strangers in Time, coming out in April.

Do you have a target reader?

I believe Standing Up will resonate with a wide range of audiences. It will appeal to anyone who has experienced trauma, such as domestic violence, as well as to police officers, social workers, and both adult and teen readers. It’s a story for those who enjoy memoirs or are drawn to inspiring underdog stories.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I am back to working a full-time job, and my time is limited. I had no writing process. In fact, I complained that when I had time to write, I didn’t feel inspired and when I felt inspired, I didn’t have time to write.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I did not outline, but followed a chronological time line of the events.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edited willy-nilly.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No, I find myself distracted with music.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I never considered seeking an agent or submitting to one of the Big Five publishers since it was my first book. I stumbled across She Writes Press (SWP) by accident and started reading about them on their website. Brooke Warner’s story really resonated with me, and since my book was one, I believed would appeal to women, I decided to submit to SWP.

Of course, I had no idea if they would accept my submission, as they don’t take every manuscript. When I didn’t hear back after several months, I began exploring another publisher that a friend had recommended. Imagine my delight when I finally received an email from SWP saying they’d love to publish my book!

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

The cover is part of the package with SWP

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I hired a publicist – Crystal Patriarche from Spark point Studio.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small suburban town near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Where do you live now?

Middletown, Delaware

What would you like readers to know about you?

By the time they read Standing Up, I will have no secrets, but I am divorced and living in a beautiful home I never dreamed I could own. I have learned to be grateful for what I have and who I am with all my faults and gifts.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on marketing for Standing Up for its launch on May 6, 2025. I already have plans for my second book which will pick up where this one ends.

End of Interview:

For more from Mary Devine, check out her website.

Get your copy of Standing Up from Amazon US.