In this episode of the BackStory podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray. They discuss Ayana's childhood creativity, her journey to becoming an author, and the influential books that shaped her. Ayana shares her experiences with writing, the challenges of pursuing a writing career, and the balance between confidence and humility in the literary world.

This conversation explores the journey of Ayana Gray, an aspiring author who navigated the challenges of becoming a published writer. It highlights her early passion for storytelling, the obstacles she faced, and the pivotal moment when she leveraged social media to connect with literary agents, ultimately leading to her debut novel's success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and believing in one's dreams.

Chapters

00:00 The Aspiring Author's Journey
03:05 The Power of Community and Connection
05:24 The Breakthrough Moment
06:53 Believing in Your Dreams

In this podcast recap, #1 NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer A. Nielsen reflects on the success of the first two seasons, highlighting the contributions of her team and the insights gained from interviews with notable authors. She expresses gratitude for the support received and shares excitement for the upcoming season three, promising even more engaging guests and discussions.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Season One and Two Achievements
02:22 Lessons from Inspiring Guests
04:42 Insights from Jeff Kinney and Future Guests