Picture an American storyteller who spins tales of love, loss, and self-discovery with poetic grace—meet Shuly Xóchitl Cawood! This award-winning author captures hearts with her memoirs, poetry, and advice books, weaving personal experiences into stories that resonate universally. From her reflective memoir The Going and Goodbye to her wisdom-packed 52 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself When I Was 17, Cawood’s work invites readers to explore the beauty and complexity of the human condition.
With a knack for finding meaning in everyday moments, Cawood’s writing feels like a warm conversation with a wise friend. Her journey from Ohio to Tennessee, and her passion for teaching writing workshops, make her a unique voice in contemporary literature. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this captivating wordsmith!
The Making of Shuly Xóchitl Cawood
Born in Ohio, Shuly Xóchitl Cawood grew up tapping out stories on her father’s blue Selectric typewriter, a hint of the creative spark that would define her career. She honed her craft with an MA in journalism from The Ohio State University and an MFA in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte. These academic roots grounded her ability to blend vivid storytelling with emotional depth. Early on, Cawood’s love for narrative took her from small-town Ohio to the American South and even Mexico, experiences that would later infuse her work with rich, evocative settings.
Her career began to flourish with publications in prestigious outlets like The New York Times, The Sun, and Brevity. These early successes paved the way for her to become an author who not only writes but also inspires others through her teaching and workshops, encouraging aspiring writers to find their own voices.
Shuly Xóchitl Cawood’s Unforgettable Stories
Cawood’s bibliography is a treasure trove of diverse genres, each work shimmering with her signature lyrical prose. Her memoir, The Going and Goodbye (2017), is a poignant exploration of a marriage’s end, weaving themes of loss, faith, and resilience across settings from Ohio to Mexico. Critics praise its evocative style, with the Dayton Daily News calling it a “treasure” for its moving narrative.
In 52 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself When I Was 17 (2018), Cawood offers heartfelt advice drawn from her own life, tackling topics like love, health, and self-acceptance. This little book resonates with readers of all ages, earning accolades for its wisdom and accessibility. Her poetry collection, Trouble Can Be So Beautiful at the Beginning (2021), won the Adrienne Bond Award for Poetry, showcasing her ability to capture life’s joys and sorrows with vivid imagery. Meanwhile, her short story collection, A Small Thing to Want (2020), earned the 2021 Independent Publisher Bronze Medal for Short Fiction, delving into characters’ desires and the consequences of their choices.
Cawood’s style is marked by its emotional honesty and poetic rhythm, often turning ordinary moments into profound reflections. Her themes of love, yearning, and transformation speak to readers seeking both solace and inspiration, making her work a bridge between personal and universal experiences.
Why Shuly Xóchitl Cawood Matters
Shuly Xóchitl Cawood’s impact extends beyond her books. As a creative nonfiction editor for Prime Number Magazine and a leader of writing workshops, she empowers others to tell their stories. Her online sessions, like the popular “Let’s Write Together!” at Press 53’s High Road Fest, foster a sense of community among writers. Cawood’s ability to connect with readers and students alike lies in her authenticity—she writes from the heart, inviting others to do the same.
Her work resonates in contemporary literature for its exploration of the human condition, offering a lens on love and loss that feels both timeless and timely. By sharing her journey, Cawood inspires readers to reflect on their own lives, making her a vital voice in memoir and poetry.
- Born: Ohio, USA
- Key Works: The Going and Goodbye, 52 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself When I Was 17, Trouble Can Be So Beautiful at the Beginning, A Small Thing to Want
- Awards: Adrienne Bond Award for Poetry, 2021 Independent Publisher Bronze Medal for Short Fiction
- Fun Fact: She raises poodles and orchids in Tennessee!
Snag The Going and Goodbye or 52 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself When I Was 17 and dive into Shuly Xóchitl Cawood’s lyrical world of memoir and wisdom!