Students gathered at the Writing Center for a talk and Q&A with English professor David Armand about his recently published memoir, “The Roads We Travel.” The event offered insight into Armand’s writing journey, the publishing process and the inspiration behind his latest book.
Armand began writing professionally about 15 years ago and has published 11 books, with more to be released in the future. He described “The Roads We Travel” as a memoir about his life and development as a writer, including practical advice for aspiring authors.
“I call it a memoir in the craft of writing and living,” he said, describing the book as a mix of his own life and guidance for other writers.
Throughout the talk, Armand spoke on the different paths available to writers, including working with literary agents, pursuing traditional publishing routes and choosing to self-publish. He also read selected passages from the memoir that he said he thought would stand out to students.
Armand said the book was written for and dedicated to his students.
“You don’t always have to go down the same path. If you have a desire to write and you have a good story to tell, you can be a writer and a successful writer.”
He explained the memoir focuses on both writing and living, encouraging readers to pursue their goals regardless of obstacles.
Armand also reflected on how teaching creative writing influences his work. “I learn a lot through students and their perspectives and their stories,” he said, adding that the stories students share “emotionally impact me.”
Students in attendance said they appreciated the transparency of this talk. Ai’dhan Solmone, an English graduate student, said the event provided “inside information” about different publishing routes and he valued “the layer of honesty” Armand presented.
Sophomore English major Ethan Johansen said he “personally loved this talk.” As an aspiring writer, he found Armand provided “a nurturing element…[it helped] just hearing that you could start anywhere when writing a book.”
Following the event, students had the opportunity to purchase copies of “The Roads We Travel” and have them signed by the author. For more information, students can visit the Writing Center on the second floor of D Vickers Hall.
