Episode 5: How To Write A Book

from Going Forth Hosted by Center for Careers, Life, and Service at Grinnell College

Before Ali Benjamin '92 was a bestselling author, she was a Grinnellian unsure of what to do with her life. On today's episode, Ali tells us how she wove her way through marketing, public health, and even unemployment, before setting out to write her first novel. Since then, Ali's books (among them, "Positive," "The Thing About Jellyfish," and "The Smash-Up") have garnered global attention. They have been translated into over twenty-five languages, shortlisted for the National Book Award, and praised by top critics at The New York Times, Kirkus Reviews, Vanity Fair, and more. Today, Ali discusses late-blooming, seeking inspiration, what makes "good writing," and why we shouldn't care whether our writing is good. Take it from someone who knows her well (hint: you've heard her on the podcast before) — this is an episode you don't want to miss. As always, we invite you to connect with us by emailing [goingforth] or reaching out via our instagram: @goingforthpodcast or twitter: @goingforthpod. This episode features music by Ketsa (entitled "7AM") and Shane Ivers (entitled "Walk Happy") available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.

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Episode 5: How To Write A Book

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How long is this episode of Going Forth?

This episode is 26 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 23, 2022.

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