Journeys to Authorship: How Wannabe Writers Can Realize Their Publishing Dreams

by Ann Narcisian Videan, Cheryl Cocroft (editor), Susan McNabb

If you need a light in the dark to become a published author, this indispensable book, Journeys to Authorship serves as your directional beacon in the fog of the publishing world. Fourteen established authors will take you on an enlightening expedition as they reveal personal odysseys to attain their individual wordsmithing dreams.

Via their collective experiences, you’ll learn what the authoring process involves and gather ideas to overcome the obstacles of time, inertia, and resources. You’ll also gain concrete advice on navigating the complex publishing world as you connect with successful fiction and nonfiction authors across a variety of genres. The authors’ journeys will make you laugh, wonder, and even cry at their creativity and perseverance, and the sheer gumption required to pursue their quests.

All of the authors who share their origin stories in this book are members of the Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors, & Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS), a Phoenix-based group founded in 2006. Read their stories, benefit from real-life experiences, and ignite your aspirations to actually reach your own publishing goals.

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Origin stories, alphabetically by
"From Zip to How My Ancestors’ Journeys Created an Author," Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski
"Writer by Habit," Laurie Fagen
"My Journey to Becoming an Author," Howard Gershkowitz
"Flirting with the Flames of Fame," Susan McNabb
"My Imaginary Friends and Me," Margaret C. Morse
"When You’re Ready to Sing Your Song," Pamela Pech
"How to Meet an Author," Srianthi Perera
"Realizing My Passion," Albert Monreal Quihuis
"The Accidental Author," Hayley Rose
"You Are Invited, the Mad Hatter Says So," Marie Shadden
"Time, Patience, and Too Many Oxford Commas," Jenn Shon
"Three’s a Pattern," Mallary Tytel
"Back to the Future and Other Moments of Serendipity," Ann Narcisian Videan
"An Unlikely Path from Farm Girl to Author," Charlotte Whitney

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2024

Reviews

[Charlotte Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything from the former girlfriend of a famous comedian to a financial advisor telling their story of how they became published authors. Each demonstrates their unique writing style as they show that everyday people - even those who don't think they are creative enough to write a novel - can reach this goal given enough hard work. Some are traditionally published, some are indie published, and some are both. All provide helpful advice for joining the ranks of published authors. What they all have in common is attending classes and workshops to learn the craft of novel writing (which is different than any other kind of writing), partnering with other authors to hone their craft and polish their manuscripts, putting themselves out to there via their published work, and studiously marketing themselves and their novels.

[Jenn Flynn-Shon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I sat down to read this book I figured I'd breeze through it, considering I'd already published multiple times. Wrong! Wow, the depth and breadth of the stories these other 13 authors shared inspired me. As a writer AND a publisher. Not to mention, I learned more about the industry, process, and the fact I'm exactly the same but nothing like all these talented authors. Bravo on bringing your real stories, in your true voices, of your OWN struggles with finding inspiration. You persevered to published, and this anthology will help anyone looking to do the same. I'm stoked and honored that I got to be a part of this book!

[Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What writer doesn't need inspiration? If you have that life long dream of publishing your book, the fourteen author contributors are your best guide. From all walks of life, their diverse backgrounds and paths to published books are as varied as the latest best selling works.

This book jumped to the top of Amazon's top sales lists and is a gem of valuable learning insight into how you can make your own dreams come true!

[Laurie Fagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so proud of this anthology and all the sincere and thoughtful insights shared by the other 13 writers. Even though I was first published more than 10 years ago, I was inspired by the words and stories in this book. It’s funny, serious, practical and was a joy to work on and a delight to read. I hope you will all feel the same!