Today we’d like to introduce you to Audreyanna Garrett.
Hi Audreyanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am originally from Houston, Texas, but currently reside in the DFW area. In addition to my full time job, I identify as a poet, writer, and author published for over 13 years with work in genres of self-help, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. And I have been operating under the penname AudriWrites, for over ten years.
I began writing poetry as a little girl (adolescent), always keeping a diary, however, the more I wrote, I sought greater challenges in writing over the years. In college, I published my first poetry collaged titled “Poetically Speaking”, thus I regard myself always as a poet first.
Over the years, I developed a total of 4 separate blogs, Poetically Speaking, Writer’s Block, AudriWrites (Tumblr) and AudriWrites/AudriDom (TruthSpeak), all of which primarily used to post creative and poetic expressions detailing the importance of love and its role in life, with hope to cultivate interest in establishing relationships between love, consciousness, self-development, self-empowerment, and psychology. Today, I regard my insight as “Audridom” which are essentially personal learned life lessons.
At present, I focus on contributing solely to my blog, AudriWrites.com, which aligns my love and passion for psychology, while encouraging spirits of self-acceptance and forgiveness through enhanced understanding.
Academically, I received a Bachelor of Fine Art from Sam Houston State University in 2007, an MBA, concentration in Global Management in 2011, and a second Master’s in Psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2014. After spending a semester abroad studying at the University of London (in International Business), I took some time off from school before re-enrolling in a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program.
At present, I maintain the title of poet, published author, ghostwriter, and writer. After self-publishing my first literary work in poetry, Poetically Speaking (a collage) in 2006, I published Diary in Reverse, a poetry collage (2009), Writer’s Block (poetry), released in the latter part of that very same year, Poetically Speaking, was revised and re-released (2011). The fiction novel Southern Belles (2011), The Love Trials a self-help book (2013), Shades of Red-A poetic love story (2019), and memoir, I Don’t Respect Your Politics (2020).
I have also created a YouTube Channel to supplement my blog content to promote an increase in content awareness, titled Life Advice w/AudriWrites (2021).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Continuing to pursue my passion for writing is HARD, especially in the face of a lack of acceptance. I have been rejected by more publishing companies than I care to comment on. I have been turned down by literary agents because either my poetry or memoirs were perceived as not marketable, thus, I quickly came to understand that these days without a social media following, finding someone who actually takes an interest in your work is a great challenge. There seems to be a disconnect between promoting good work and promoting work that will yield a hefty return. So again, although I am extremely passionate about my God-given talent, I am realistic about the inability to succeed in the writing world without someone who believes in your work and/or a large social media presence (following or celebrity support). At this point, like so many others, I am just patiently waiting on organic support…
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a writer, I specialize at present in non-fiction (memoir) and self-help. I like to share my personal journey to help others. Thus, I am incorporating my love for and education in psychology into my work to encourage others to better themselves and get more out of life.
I will always be true to myself, honest, and vulnerable in my work. That’s what makes it the most relatable. I also have a natural ability to explain the complexity of psychological terms and the need for understanding psychology in common conversation to support greater understanding.
I am extremely proud of the progress I have made as a writer over the years, communicating and sharing truth in my own way. And with every kudos, positive comment and/or message of encouragement I receive from my readers pushes me even further.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Would I consider myself a risk-taker, sure. I think that some of the greatest risks I have taken have been on myself and for my personal and professional advancement. I think that if you don’t take risks to either expand your knowledge base, experiences, etc. no one else will understand how great your investment is in yourself. Nor will they gain a good understanding of how much you value your talent.
Contact Info:
- Email: audriwritesinfo@gmail.com
- Website: audriwrites.com
- Instagram: @audriwrites
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Audriwrites/
- Twitter: @audriwrites
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTefMiTazTOwu7_6GSsXTg
- Other: https://audriwrites.tumblr.com
Image Credits
Southern Belles Cover Art-Kenal Louis The Love Trials Cover Art- Nikki Broussard Photo outside of Barnes & Noble, photographed by C’na Roberts Photography
