A Lifetime of Stories, Written from the Heart 

“It’s what I do. I love writing. It’s in my blood.” — Marilyn Levinson

Born in Brooklyn and now calling Holbrook home for decades, Marilyn Levinson has lived a life rich with stories — both lived and imagined. At 86 years old, this beloved Long Island author shows no signs of slowing down. Widowed, with two sons and two grandchildren who affectionately call her Meema, Marilyn continues to inspire readers with her creativity, discipline, and deep love for the written word.

Before she became a full-time author, Marilyn taught Spanish, but her true calling was always storytelling. A graduate of Syracuse University, she began writing in 1985, publishing her first children’s book, And Don’t Bring Jeremy. But true success didn’t come overnight. It was only about a decade ago that Marilyn began receiving wider recognition — a reminder that perseverance pays off. As she puts it, “It’s important to persevere in an instant society.”

Under her own name, Marilyn has written children’s and young adult books, as well as mysteries and romantic suspense novels. But many readers know her better by her pen name, Allison Brook, the author of the popular Haunted Library Mysteries series. These cozy mysteries — complete with a small-town librarian sleuth and a friendly resident ghost — have earned her a devoted following across the country. Her newest release, Death on Dickens Island, takes place on an imaginary island between Long Island and Connecticut, blending local flavor with her signature touch of mystery and imagination.

All of Marilyn’s books are available on Amazon, making it easy for new readers to discover her timeless storytelling.

Marilyn’s writing process is as thoughtful as it is disciplined. She does plenty of research before each book, immersing herself in background material to ensure authenticity. She’s also an avid reader — a habit that keeps her mind sharp and her creativity flowing. When she isn’t writing, she relaxes with yoga classes, balancing the quiet solitude of her writing life with a sense of mindfulness and calm.

Still, Marilyn admits that “writing is a lonely job.” To stay connected, she’s an active member of several women’s and authors’ groups, where she finds community, validation, and encouragement. “We uplift each other,” she says, a testament to her belief that creativity thrives when shared.

For newly retired women who might be wondering what’s next, Marilyn offers heartfelt advice:
“Take the first step in what you find interesting. It might be scary at first but trust me — the first step is the hardest. It’s worth it.”

At 86, Marilyn Levinson, aka Allison Brook, is still doing what she loves most: writing stories that entertain, comfort, and connect people. “It’s what I do,” she says. “I love writing. It’s in my blood.”

Her story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passion and that, sometimes, the best chapters are written later in life — right here on Long Island.

You can learn more about her work at www.marilynlevinson.com or by following her on Facebook at facebook.com/marilyn.levinson.