About Marjorie
Marjorie McCown has spent her entire professional life in the story-telling business, though she started out on the visual side of the craft. A Midwesterner by birth, she earned a BA in Theater from the University of Virginia and an AAS in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where she began her career designing costumes for theater and opera. She made her reputation designing for opera and theater companies all over the country, including the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center, before she moved to Los Angeles to work on feature films.
Marjorie spent 25 years working as a key member of the costume design teams for a string of successful movies that includes Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, A Bronx Tale, The Firm, Wag the Dog, The Aviator, Hairspray, Angels and Demons, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and X-Men Days of Future Past. She brings that wealth of experience to her writing, giving readers a look at Hollywood that’s different from what they’re accustomed to seeing on the red carpet: her mysteries are set behind-the-scenes in the everyday working world of a movie in production.
Books have been a mainstay for Marjorie throughout her life and being part of the mystery writing community is a dream come true for her. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.
In the Press
“My Meandering Path from Costume Designer to Mystery Writer” — CrimeReads
“The inspiration for FINAL CUT, my murder mystery set behind-the-scenes of a Hollywood movie shoot that’s plagued by a string of disasters, came from my 27 years working as a costume designer and key costumer in the film industry — and realizing all the things that can go horribly wrong on a movie set, especially one that’s run without proper safety oversight…”
“Interview With an Author: Marjorie McCown” — Los Angeles Public Library Blog
Marjorie answers insightful questions from Daryl Maxwell, head librarian at the West Valley Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, about her novel FINAL CUT and her years working in film that inspired the book.
“Review/Giveaway/Interview” — Kings River Life Magazine
Marjorie talks about her background designing costumes for theater and film along with her experiences on the way to publication as a mystery writer.
“Welcome Guest Marjorie McCown” — Wicked Authors
Marjorie shares how she learned the hard way to “Write What You Know.”
“FINAL CUT by Marjorie McCown” — Jungle Red Writers Blog
Marjorie writes about making the transition from film costume designer to mystery author.
“Q+A: Marjorie McCown” — Tap the Line
Marjorie answers questions about her film career and her novel FINAL CUT.
