Writing your first novel is a rollercoaster—exciting, overwhelming, and, let's be honest, a little terrifying. But when you finally reach that finish line? It’s incredible.

In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m joined by debut author Alexandria Faulkenbury. Her debut novel, Somewhere Past the End, will be released in May 2025. 

Alexandria generously shares the highs, the lows, and all the messy moments in between on her journey from childhood storytelling dreams to becoming a published author.

We dive into:

• Alexandria’s personal path—from early passion, to academic detours, to rediscovering writing amidst life's busy chaos.
  
  
  
• Her experience navigating the notoriously challenging query trenches (the struggle is real!).
  
  
  
• What it’s like working with a small press—and why that path can be rewarding.
  
  
  
• How she handled the complexity (and occasional panic!) of writing dual POVs.
  
  
  
• Practical advice on balancing writing with real-life responsibilities (spoiler alert: it’s tough, but doable!).
  
  
  
• Why it’s crucial to celebrate every small win along the way.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, deep in the query trenches, or just dreaming about writing someday, Alexandria’s story will inspire you and remind you that every step matters.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – A quick personal epiphany (because those happen!)
  
  
  
• 00:25 – Welcome back to Write It Scared!
  
  
  
• 01:28 – Meet Alexandria Faulkenbury
  
  
  
• 02:53 – Alexandria’s writing journey: twists, turns, and surprises
  
  
  
• 05:01 – Inside the story of Somewhere Past the End
  
  
  
• 09:38 – Real talk: navigating the query process
  
  
  
• 15:10 – What it’s really like to work with a small press
  
  
  
• 17:40 – The very real struggles of writing (it’s okay—we all have them!)
  
  
  
• 26:16 – Balancing writing with the chaos of everyday life
  
  
  
• 30:30 – Alexandria’s final words of wisdom and encouragement

Guest info:

Alexandria Faulkenbury holds an M.A. in multicultural and transnational literature and lives in South Carolina with her family. She is a part of the 2025 debutante ball, a collective that celebrates the journey of women writers as they publish their first book. Her work has been featured in The Maine Review and MER Literary, among others. 

Find her at alexandriafau

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