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Celebrating Alumni Alex Poppe's Memoir and a Starred Review from Booklist
by Writing Workshops Staff
A month ago
When Alex Poppe first enrolled in Courtney Kocak's platform-building workshops at WritingWorkshops.com, she had a powerful story to tell: one born from nearly a decade of teaching and humanitarian work in northern Iraq. Today, we're celebrating the publication of her memoir, Breakfast Wine: A Memoir of Chasing an Unconventional Life and Finding a Way Home, which debuted on June 10, 2025, and has already earned a starred review from Booklist.
Building More Than Just a Platform
Alex took two of Courtney's workshops: How to Build a 'Platform' for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought and Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network and Business. What she discovered went beyond traditional marketing advice. "I worked hard to build my platform before my book launch, and many of Courtney's tips worked," Alex shares. "I stayed motivated because I hear a character's voice in my head, and it needs to come out. That happens on the page."
For Alex, the most valuable lesson wasn't just about building an author platform: it was about understanding how to authentically connect her powerful stories with readers who needed to hear them.
As someone who has worked in conflict zones across Iraq, the West Bank, and Ukraine, Alex writes about fierce women rebuilding their lives after violence, themes that resonate deeply in our current world.
The Power of Practical Knowledge
What sets WritingWorkshops.com apart, according to Alex, is the depth of knowledge available even in single sessions. "There is so much knowledge to be gained, even from the one-off workshops," she reflects. This practical approach helped Alex navigate the complex world of author platform building while staying true to her authentic voice as a storyteller.
Currently, Alex is channeling her workshop learnings into her ongoing projects. She's writing essays that reflect our current world and working on another literary fiction novel about grief and chosen family. Her influences span across good writing in all forms—essays, poetry, and fiction—much like the diverse, comprehensive approach she found in her workshops with Courtney.
A Legacy of Storytelling
Alex's memoir Breakfast Wine chronicles her immersive decade in Kurdistan, where she served as an English-language instructor and humanitarian aid worker during a period marked by earthquakes both physical and political. As she puts it, the region was rocked by ongoing civil war trauma, regime challenges, and the loss of beloved rulers. The memoir captures her experience navigating life as a woman in a traditionally patriarchal culture while helping students stay focused, engaged, and simply survive.
Three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Kathy Kelly has praised Alex's writing, saying: "Care about these characters and you might help build a warmer world, a less predatory world. The stories seem to unfold effortlessly, but at a deeper level, Alex takes truths that everybody knows and makes them into truths no one can ignore."
With four published works of literary fiction already under her belt—including Duende, Jinwar and Other Stories, Moxie, and Girl, World—Alex has built an impressive portfolio of award-winning literature. Her work has earned recognition from the American Legacy Book Awards, International Book Awards, Readers' Choice Book Awards, and many others.
Follow Alex's Continuing Journey
Want to stay connected with Alex's evolving work and witness how a successful platform continues to grow? Follow her ongoing writing journey as she explores essays reflecting our current world and develops her next literary fiction novel about grief and chosen family. Visit Alex's author website to discover her full catalog of award-winning work, read excerpts from Breakfast Wine, and stay updated on her latest projects and appearances.
Your Platform-Building Journey Starts Here
Alex's success story demonstrates the transformative power of combining authentic storytelling with strategic platform building. Her journey from workshop student to published author with a starred review shows what's possible when writers embrace both their creative voice and the practical skills needed to reach their audience.
Ready to build your own author platform and connect with readers who need your stories? Join the community of writers who are turning their creative dreams into a publishing reality. Explore our upcoming workshops and start building the foundation for your writing success at WritingWorkshops.com.
