Adriene Caldwell
Adriene Caldwell is the author of the forthcoming memoir Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, a powerful and unflinching exploration of survival, identity, and resilience. Drawing from her lived experience, Adriene writes with raw honesty about family, love, and the lifelong search for belonging in a world that often refuses easy redemption. Her work centers on giving voice to stories that are frequently silenced, inviting readers into conversations about truth, healing, and human strength. Unbroken is a gripping first-hand account of the impacts of untreated mental illness, physical and sexual abuse, addiction, pedophilia, and the foster care system.
Through deeply personal storytelling, Adriene chronicles both devastation and discovery—revealing how darkness can shape a life, and how an innate light can persist even under unimaginable circumstances. Her writing is marked by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Based in Houston, Texas, Adriene is a mother, wife, survivor, and storyteller who believes that true strength is not found in never breaking, but in rising again and again. Educated at Texas State University, she uses her platform to connect with readers who are navigating their own paths through trauma and recovery. Through her work and public presence, Adriene Caldwell seeks to create impact—not through titles, but by offering hope, fostering understanding, and reminding others that healing and purpose remain possible.
• Texas State University
• Youth in Foster Care
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistently sharing my voice and expertise, including appearing on over 40 podcasts and authoring two books. I draw inspiration and balance from live music, the beach, and travel, which fuel my creativity and perspective. I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Anne Weiss and Mrs. Newton, my teachers and mentors, whose guidance and influence have played a pivotal role in shaping my growth and achievements.
Consistency over intensity: I kept showing up even when motivation wasn’t there.
Positive intent + relationship-building: I chose to assume positive intent and stayed collaborative.
Resilience: I didn’t quit when it got hard—I adapted and kept moving.
Clarity of purpose: I stayed anchored to my “why,” which helped me make better decisions.
Coachability: I asked for feedback, took it seriously, and improved fast.
Preparation: When opportunities came, I was ready because I’d already put in the work.
Courage: I took risks before I felt fully ready.
Support system: Mentors, family, friends, and community helped me stay grounded and accountable.
Boundaries: I protected my time, energy, and focus so I could sustain the work.
Faith and gratitude: I trusted the process and stayed thankful.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Always assume positive intent.” this is one of those principles that quietly upgrades everything: conflict gets calmer, feedback lands, better, and you build a reputation as someone steady and collaborative.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
“Let rejection be data, not destiny." A “no” is information about fit, timing, packaging, or market—not a verdict on your talent or your future.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
“Author moves” in 2026.
If you do only a few things, do those that compound regardless of trends:
- Own an email list (even if you also do social). - Substack
- Plan for audio early (rights, narrator strategy, budget). - PublishersWeekly.com
- Diversify distribution (retail + direct + libraries/events where possible). - Kindlepreneur
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For writing, these are the values I prioritize most:
- Truth: Make honest claims, don’t inflate, and don’t hide the hard parts behind pretty language.
- Clarity: The reader shouldn’t have to work to understand you—clean structure, specific details, strong verbs.
- Voice: Sound like you, not “a writer.” Keep the cadence, the boundaries, the lived texture.
- Emotional integrity: Earn emotion; don’t manipulate. Let feeling come from what’s true on the page.
- Craft + revision: First drafts are for discovery; revision is where meaning sharpens and the story lands.
- Respect for the reader: No rambling, no filler, no confusion you could’ve fixed—deliver what you promised.
- Courage with consent: Be brave, but also protect what needs protecting (privacy, safety, other people’s stories).
Locations
Unbroken
Houston, TX 77389
Houston, TX, USA
Houston, TX