Mayci Neeley, a prominent member of the popular series ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’, has opened up about her experiences since the release of her memoir, ‘Told You So’. This revealing book documents her upbringing within the Mormon faith, the tragic loss of her child’s father in a car accident, and her journey as a mother, highlighting her success within the thriving MomTok community. As anticipation builds for the fourth season of the series, which is set to debut on Hulu on 12 March, Neeley reflects on her literary venture and the feedback it has garnered.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, the 31-year-old author addressed the criticism that has arisen from her memoir. Some readers have dismissed her writing as “poorly written” or “elementary”, a notion that Neeley finds troubling. She defends her style, stating that it was intentionally crafted to resemble a diary, conveying her authentic voice rather than conforming to a traditional literary format. “I’m not writing super eloquently,” she explained. “I’m just writing down my thoughts in that moment. So I think some people maybe didn’t understand that.”
The decision to publish her memoir came shortly after the birth of her third child in July 2022. Despite the mixed reviews, Neeley has found solace in the positive impact her book has had on readers. “The best part [of releasing the book] is seeing how many women have DMed me and how many people it’s impacted,” she shared. This connection with her audience has provided her with a sense of purpose and validation, making the challenge of facing criticism somewhat easier to bear.
However, the backlash has still stung. Neeley admitted that it has been difficult to confront unfavourable comments regarding her writing. “I put it all out there, and then I get a lot of criticism for the writing style,” she said. Despite these challenges, she remains focused on the broader message of her memoir, emphasizing that its overall impact outweighs the negative feedback.
As the launch of the new season approaches, ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ promises an intriguing narrative, particularly regarding cast member Taylor Frankie Paul, who is set to navigate her own journey in search of love on her upcoming series of ‘The Bachelorette’. Neeley expressed her concerns about Paul’s readiness for this significant milestone, stating, “I don’t think she’s ready. I think she’s nervous, and also we’re nervous for her.”
While some of her fellow cast members share her apprehension, they hold a more optimistic view of the upcoming series. Mikayla Matthews, another cast member, expressed her belief that Paul’s journey will result in entertaining television and is excited about the prospect. “If I were her, I would be nervous, but I think it’s gonna be great TV,” Matthews commented.
Whitney Leavitt, another participant in the series, noted that Paul’s willingness to candidly share all aspects of her life, including both triumphs and tribulations, would serve her well. “I think something that’s so great about Taylor is that she’s willing to put her whole life out there — the good, the bad, the scandals, the dirty, the ugly, she’ll put everything out there,” Leavitt said, expressing confidence in Paul’s authenticity throughout the series.
As Neeley prepares for the upcoming season, she continues to reflect on her own journey and the messages her memoir conveys. Emphasising the importance of vulnerability and honesty, she looks forward to connecting with her audience in new ways, both through her book and her work on television. With so many themes of resilience and personal growth in her narrative, Neeley’s story is one that resonates with many, inspiring hope and encouragement.
With the debut of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Season 4 on the horizon, fans can expect to explore not only the lives of the cast members but also the challenges they face as they navigate their identities and relationships within and beyond their faith. As for Mayci Neeley, her journey continues, marked by both trials and triumphs, shaping her narrative and impacting those who encounter her story.