How to Write Autobiographical Fiction, with Annie Dike

In this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, Rhonda is joined by Annie Dike, author of Clovis, her debut literary fiction novel. 

Annie’s writing life is anything but ordinary: she’s an attorney by profession, a long-time sailor, the author of several bestselling sailing books, and a travel writer whose work has grown out of years spent cruising the East Coast of the United States and the eastern Caribbean with her partner, Phillip, on their 46-foot sailboat.

But Clovis comes from somewhere much deeper.

Annie grew up in Clovis, New Mexico, and the novel is rooted in the memories, atmosphere, grit, and emotional truth of her childhood. In this conversation, she shares how her life as a sailor unexpectedly connects back to her upbringing as a cowgirl—both worlds requiring resourcefulness, problem-solving, toughness, and the willingness to fix whatever breaks.

Rhonda and Annie talk about what it means to write autobiographical fiction: how much truth to include, how much to fictionalize, and what it feels like to write honestly about real people you love. 

Annie opens up about the vulnerability of portraying her father and brother in the book, and how writing truthfully allowed her to connect more deeply with the story.

They also dig into the craft and business of writing. Annie shares how Clovis began as a huge 255,000-word manuscript, and how working with editors helped her see what needed to stay, what needed to go, and how revision ultimately made her a stronger writer. 

She also speaks candidly about querying agents, self-publishing, marketing, and the emotional resilience required to keep going when the book world feels discouraging.

Annie also gives us a glimpse into what’s next: Austin, the sequel to Clovis, and a third book, Roswell, which will go back in time to explore Callie’s mother’s story. Through it all, Annie’s fascination with mother-daughter relationships, memory, place, and identity shines through.

This is a beautiful conversation for any writer who has wondered whether their own life, family stories, or complicated past might become fiction—and how to write from truth without being trapped by it.