Meet Alexandria Nolan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Nolan.

Alexandria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2008, I graduated from the University of Michigan and moved to Austin. I briefly taught school in Round Rock before accepting a job in Houston. In 2013, I quit teaching to focus on travel writing. I have traveled around Central America and Europe, writing about the cities, culture and my experiences. I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, other tourists, locals, and through those meetings have spawned more adventures and unique relationships.

In 2014, I published my first book and have published about once a year since then.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Traveling is never completely smooth, and that’s part of the ride. You learn what airports to never layover in, what to pack, what to leave at home. You learn what neighborhoods are safest and which to avoid if you want to keep your valuables. You make bosom friends on your journeys, only to lose touch a few years later, or perhaps someone you meet in a foreign country becomes the godmother to your child (which happened for me!) and maybe that child is a wonderful traveler– but he still upsets your carefully curated packing system and plans for avoiding jet lag. Travel and life are always filled with unexpected bumps, you prepare as best you can and then hope like hell.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a travel writer and novelist. I’m known in some circles for my humorous — self-deprecating — travel articles, and other people are more familiar with my historical fiction novels.

I’m most proud of my novels because they represent many hours of work, imagination and a piece of myself. I began writing because there were stories I wanted to read but couldn’t find, so I decided to write them myself.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advice for networking is to simply start talking. Reach out to people or companies you admire, start the conversation — without expectation. You never know where it might lead!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alexandrianolan.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/alexandrianolan
• Facebook: Facebook.com/alexandriavnolan
• Other: amazon.com/author/alexandrianolan