Welcome to this episode of Behind the Author Brand! In this conversation, I chat with author and international river guide Bridget Crocker for a true behind-the-scenes look at her journey to publication. In this information-packed hour we discuss what it took to write this book as well as how she prepared for success and the launch of her acclaimed debut memoir, The River’s Daughter (Spiegel & Grau, June 2025). Join us for the kind of conversation that not only informs but inspires.
We discuss the emotional impact of finally holding the book after 22 years of working on it (!), the importance of building relationships in the publishing industry, how to be tenacious in ways only you can, and of course, navigating the challenges of today’s publishing process.
Bridget shares her insights on defying expectations, cultivating confidence, and the significance of community and support in the writing journey. We also touch on the themes of healing, personal growth, and the importance of staying true to oneself throughout the process, as well as making intuition-based decisions, including her Whole-Body ‘Yes’ experience.
About Bridget Crocker - Explorer. Storyteller. Guide.
A leading whitewater explorer and river guide, Bridget Crocker writes adventure memoir for life travelers forging new directions in their relationships and lives. Crocker’s writing transports readers to far-flung locations filled with flawed characters overcoming incredible adversity. A trauma survivor, Crocker explores themes of recovery and overcoming multi-generational cycles as well as sexism and racism in the outdoor industry. In her work as an author, speaker and leader of women’s empowerment river workshops, Crocker helps others strengthen their connection with the natural world and find the courage to navigate harrowing obstacles both on and off the river.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Bridget’s website: BridgetCrocker.com
Bridget’s river retreats for women
BONUS: If you enjoy this episode, follow it up with Bridget’s Case Study video (that I mention at the beginning of this episode)(recorded in Feb. 2024), where we discuss how she prepared her author brand in anticipation of pitching and submission for this same book!
About the Book: The River’s Daughter
Recalling memoirs like Wild and Educated, an internationally renowned whitewater rafting guide offers a gripping and inspiring memoir about overcoming hardship and coming into her own through her relationship with the rivers she has known…keep reading.
00:00 The Journey to Publication
02:58 Bridget’s Unique Connection to Rivers
05:56 The Long Process of Writing
08:56 Navigating Timing and Opportunities in Publishing
12:03 Defying Expectations and Cultivating Confidence
14:46 Building Relationships in the Writing Community
17:31 The Importance of Intuition
20:34 Protecting Your Vision During Publishing
23:25 The Book Launch Experience
29:29 Nurturing Relationships Post-Launch
35:33 Building Authentic Relationships in Publishing
41:43 The Book Launch Journey: Preparation and Execution
50:05 Navigating Success and Setbacks in Writing
59:52 “An Act of Devotion to Her Younger Self”
01:05:21 Empowering Women Through Adventure Retreats
The Long Journey to Publication:
Bridget talks about how she spent 22 years writing and refining her memoir, The River’s Daughter, and what it took to succeed.
Importance of Relationships:
Bridget emphasizes the value of building and maintaining relationships, which played a crucial role in her book’s success and her career as a travel writer, author, and river guide.
Authenticity in Author Branding:
Bridget’s commitment to her author brand’s integrity is evident in her insistence on accurate representation in her book’s cover design, messaging, website, and all the work she did before she even had an agent to curate and preserve her brand.
Navigating the Publishing Process:
The often-overlooked period between securing a book deal and publication, including managing professional edits, cover design negotiations, and maintaining authorial vision.
Resilience and Adaptability:
Bridget shares her experiences of overcoming setbacks and rejections, viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning.
The Whole-Body ‘Yes’:
Bridget talks about making decisions based on intuition and paying attention to when your whole-body says “yes!” to something.
Faith in the Ability to Connect with Others:
Bridget’s belief in her ability to build strong relationships has been a cornerstone of her success, providing support and opportunities throughout her career.
Women’s Adventure and Wellness Retreats:
Bridget organizes retreats to help women reconnect with themselves and nature, fostering community and personal growth.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life During Book Launch:
Bridget discusses the challenges of balancing her personal life with the demands of a book launch and tour.
Celebrating Survival, Growth, and Writing:
Bridget’s memoir serves as an act of devotion to her younger self, celebrating survival, growth, and staying true to her adventurous spirit.
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