This week marks three years since the release of Miranda R. Carter's debut essay collection, "The World and My Body in It." Reflecting on the journey, Carter has faced questions about the emotions tied to completing her work and whether the experience satisfied her early aspirations of becoming a published author.
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Carter describes the initial feeling of seeing her book complete as an exhale, a tangible outcome of hard work. The collection, which draws from her formative experiences and the landscapes that shaped them, emerged from a year of dedicated writing inspired by a pivotal moment. Prior to its release, Carter published four essays in various publications, earned a journalism degree, and spent 17 years writing for personal fulfillment.
Her writing has traversed different environments, from beachside cafés to airports, often revising late at night or between classes. A crucial aspect of her journey was the support from her editor, who helped shape the collection into its final form. When she learned that her book had made Barnes and Noble’s Top 100 Bestsellers List, surpassing notable titles like"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara and other high-profile works, the magnitude of the achievement became clearer.
Carter notes a common emotional distance that can accompany such milestones, a mix of the familiar and the surreal. As a public relations educator, she admits to feeling shy about self-promotion, yet finds peace in the book’s journey, which has fostered beauty and community. Since its release, "The World and My Body in It" has sold out multiple times in her hometown and gained traction in book clubs, accumulating over 100,000 views on social media.
In the year following its release, Marquis Who's Who recognized Carter for her contributions to education and literature. She participated in events like Books and Brews and enjoyed celebrations with friends. Despite the book’s success, she acknowledges that its impact is a modest blip in the broader literary landscape, which she finds comforting.
Believing that creative works resonate with the right audience at the right time, Carter finds solace amidst the challenges of today’s literary world, including the rise of AI and marketing saturation. She reflects on how creating can help reveal forgotten memories and new narratives.
Now, as she embarks on a new project—a collection exploring themes of Americana set for release in 2027—Carter takes time to celebrate the journey of the book she brought to life three years ago. Miranda R. Carter is an essayist and assistant professor of journalism at Franklin College.