Tips on Writing Dual Points of View from Author Alexandria Faulkenbury
Writing and publishing a novel isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s exhilarating, terrifying, exhausting, and rewarding—all wrapped up into one wild journey. I recently sat down with Alexandria Faulkenbury, whose debut novel, Somewhere Past the End, hits shelves in May 2025, and let me tell you—her story is as inspiring as it is relatable.
Embracing the Journey
Alexandria always had the writing bug. From childhood scribbles to her graduate studies in English, storytelling was a constant companion, even when life got busy and fiction writing took a back seat. It wasn’t until her daughter began preschool and Alexandria found herself with a bit more breathing room, that she felt the pull back toward fiction.
She joined a writing group and dove back into the creative process, initially focusing on short stories and flash fiction. The seed of her novel had been planted as a short story first, eventually growing into the full-length narrative we now know as Somewhere Past the End.
The Courage to Trust Her Vision
Somewhere Past the End is a gripping tale exploring belief, family dynamics, and self-discovery through a dual-timeline narrative. It follows Alice, a young woman who’s determined to escape the cult she was raised in, only to have her plans upended when many members of the group mysteriously disappear. Alexandria also weaves in the perspective of Alice’s mother, providing powerful insights into how the past shapes our present.
One of the most powerful moments in Alexandria’s journey was standing firm on her creative vision. Early in her querying process, a prominent editor expressed interest—but with a catch. They wanted her to change the ending of the book. After some soul-searching, Alexandria knew that changing the ending would mean sacrificing the heart of her story. So, with great courage, she said no.
What followed was a year of querying, doubts, and self-questioning. Yet, Alexandria stood by her decision, eventually finding a perfect match with Apprentice House, a small teaching press that fully supported her creative vision.
Working with a Small Press
One of Alexandria’s highlights was her experience with Apprentice House. The publishing house involves students from Loyola University Maryland in every stage of the process, which infused the publishing journey with youthful enthusiasm and energy. Alexandria noted how working with passionate students and seasoned professionals created a personal, supportive environment that helped her feel truly seen and valued.
Facing the Writing Struggles
Writing is not all smooth sailing, and Alexandria openly shared her struggles. Crafting a dual POV and dual timeline story was particularly challenging. Feedback from critique partners initially indicated the voices were too similar, which led Alexandria back to studying craft, experimenting with different approaches, and ultimately developing distinct and compelling voices for each character.
Another tough reality she faced was the intense emotional rollercoaster of querying. Like many of us, Alexandria struggled to work on new projects during this time. It wasn't until she found peace with the idea of writing for the joy and necessity of storytelling that she could start something new.
Alexandria’s Advice for Fellow Writers
Throughout our conversation, Alexandria emphasized the importance of celebrating small victories and finding joy in the creative process. She shared valuable insights:
Enjoy the little successes. Whether finishing a chapter, drafting a query, or receiving a good review, celebrate every step.
Take writing advice selectively. Use what resonates and works for you, and leave the rest.
Find and embrace joy. Remember why you write, even if nobody else ever reads your words.
Final Thoughts
Alexandria’s journey is a powerful reminder that writing is as much about personal growth as it is about storytelling. Her courage to stick to her vision and her persistence through the ups and downs of querying demonstrate the strength it takes to put your story into the world.
You can find Alexandria on Instagram and BlueSky @amfaulkenFaulkenbury, or visit her website at AlexandriaFaulkenbury.com. Pre-orders for Somewhere Past the End are available now wherever books are sold.
Happy writing, friends. Remember, you can be scared and still be unstoppable.
