[4] Marilyn majored in English at Emory University, going on to study a master's degree in library science at Emory and a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Chicago, with the thesis title "The nature of didacticism as related to romance and sexuality in young adult novels, 1965–1978".
[4] She began publishing her work in 1984 under the pen name Shannon Blair, and has since had much success, particularly with the internationally selling Replica series.
[6] "Replica" is a children's science fiction series about Amy Candler, a young teenager who discovers she is one of thirteen cloned girls who have been genetically modified to have superhuman abilities.
She was created in the government-funded Project Crescent, and was kidnapped and adopted by one of the scientists after a change of heart.
Throughout the series Amy struggles to live a normal life as the mysterious Organisation tries to use her and the other Project Crescent clones to create a master race and take over the world.
Amy also seeks to help the other clones in the project, and encounters a number of other children and teenagers with genetic modifications or supernatural powers.
She is shocked to discover that she is one of thirteen clones created in a government project which her "mother" was part of.
Perfect Girls: Amy thinks she has won the trip of a lifetime to New York, but she soon discovers this is a front to capture and test herself and seven other clones.
Secret Clique: When a group of popular girls appear to gain supernatural abilities, Amy begins to investigate, confusing her best friend Tasha and boyfriend Eric.
When someone dies in a freak accident, Andy claims he witnessed the murder and convinces Amy to run away with him.
However, Amy grows suspicious and discovers that Andy is another clone, designed to be her perfect other half.
The Best of the Best: When Eric is asked to show around a new student, obnoxious eight-year-old child genius Adrian Peele, Amy senses something is not right.
Lucky Thirteen: Amy meets Aly, another clone who was rejected by the project because of her lack of special abilities.
Amy suspects that the cruel new teacher at school, Ms Heartshorn, is there to kidnap her, but the truth is not what she expected.
The Beginning: A trip to Washington DC, home of Project Crescent, puts Amy on edge.
Meanwhile, Eric has begun High School and has little time for Amy any more, leading her to become fascinated with newcomer Chris.
Return of the Perfect Girls: Thinking she is headed on a romantic cruise with her new boyfriend Chris, Amy is kidnapped by the organisation and taken to a desert island.
Dreamcrusher: After being struck by lightning, Amy develops the unwanted ability to read minds and see the future.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Amanda finds herself trapped in Tracey's body, with her own place occupied by a clone.
Better Late Than Never: Jenna, who has begun to befriend Tracey, is shocked by the sudden reappearance of her "father", not realising that this man is a fraud who wants her ability to win at poker.
Soon, many of them are kidnapped and forced to rob a bank, but the remaining classmates work together to rescue them in time.
Meanwhile, Amanda possesses the body of a woman plotting to steal the boy's money, uncovering a conspiracy acting against the class.
Now You See Me: Tracey investigates her suspicion that there is a spy in the class, particularly after Jenna is framed for a crime she didn't commit and sent away.