In many ways, my story is run-of-the-mill. I studied English as an undergraduate (at the University of Virginia) and received an MFA in creative writing (from American University). Throughout my twenties I worked in the nonprofit sector, as an assistant to other writers, and on the editorial staff of The American Scholar. I published my first book, a collection of poetry.
Then the story gets a bit more unusual. A Poets & Writers Exchange Award opened the door to signing with an agent. I sold a book proposal. And I made the big leap, quitting my job to pursue writing full-time. You know; that thing wise people will tell you to never, ever do.
What has followed has been a crazy few years--a hodgepodge of touring, freelancing, and meeting the deadline on my first memoir, which came out earlier this year. Sometimes this life is stressful, but it is always exciting. Though I am not on faculty anywhere, I love meeting students (high school, college, and graduate) and encouraging them to aim high with their professional dreams. You want to be a writer? Write. Publish. Hustle. Make it happen.
For more information, please check out www.sandrabeasley.com