About Me

Since childhood, I've had a passion for creating stories. Living with ADHD meant I couldn't follow just one path, so I explored various forms of storytelling: from acting to dancing, and now to writing.

Regardless of the medium I choose, I'm always driven by my passion, curiosity, and imagination!

Interviews

http://www.gabrielatorres.pt/p/entrevista-maria-j-lima.html

https://www.themarketingnomad.co/podcast-21

Once Upon A Time…

Born in Porto, Portugal, with a passion for the performing arts and a dream to tell stories, I was the 'weird kid' who could perform any scene from a Disney or Spielberg movie.

In 2004, I enrolled in Drama School and pursued studies in Contemporary Theater until my graduation in 2007.

Following that, I embarked on a career in theatre and dance, traveling across the country to perform live shows and appear on TV, all while teaching in my own studio located in the heart of Porto.

Still, I felt that there was a bigger adventure waiting for me. So, without a plan, I decided to turn my one-week holiday in London into a permanent stay. However, it didn't start in the best way - I was mugged right after I landed, leaving me with no money.

In less than a month, I found myself alone, with no friends or family, and working in a coffee shop, cleaning its kitchen. My dream seemed hidden, but it was never forgotten.

As the years passed, I began to rebuild myself. I made friends who believed in me, people who didn't doubt my ability to pursue my passions. In 2015, I achieved a milestone: I published my first comic book and attended numerous conventions and book launches.

However, my comic experienced commercial failure, leading me to halt my writing altogether. I lost my focus and motivation entirely.

Subsequently, I transitioned into working as a freelance movie journalist for Cinema Planet. For over three years, I covered film festivals in London, conducted interviews with directors and actors, and penned more than sixty articles.


https://cinemaplanet.pt/author/maria-joao-lima/

In 2018, I visited one of my favorite witchy stores for a tarot reading. The tarot reader likened me to a square peg trying to fit into a round shape and suggested that I explore self-employment in a creative field. Initially, I dismissed her words, fearing change and feeling uncertain about my options.

By the end of 2019, I made the bold decision to leave my jobs in retail and journalism, once again without a backup plan.

Shortly after, I found employment as a Social Media Manager. Within a year, I earned a promotion to Marketing Lead.

Continuing my education in business and marketing, I ventured into freelancing, offering my services to small businesses and fellow creatives.

Yet, amidst these endeavors, a dormant dream lingered - my passion for writing.

At the beginning of 2022, I made the pivotal decision to turn my passion for writing into my career. This transformation was sparked by an invitation from a dear friend and artist to collaborate on a children’s book.

Now, I am fully immersed in my role as a full-time writer and have recently launched my first children’s book.

Reflecting on my journey, I've come to realize that embracing change and following your passions can lead to magical outcomes. It seems the tarot reader was right all along.