Interview with Adriene Caldwell, Author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines – NewInBooks

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines was born from a deeply personal journey of navigating life beyond expectations—both my own and those placed on me by the world. I was inspired by the moments that tested me, the ones that forced me to question who I was supposed to be and, more importantly, who I truly wanted to become. This book is a reflection of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to live authentically, even when that means stepping outside the lines others have drawn.

I wanted to tell a story that feels honest and raw—one that reminds readers they are not alone in their struggles and that there is strength in embracing the parts of ourselves that don’t fit neatly into a box. Ultimately, I wrote this book as both a release and an offering: a way to process my own experiences and to hopefully inspire others to reclaim their voice, their path, and their sense of self.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

The theme song from Rocky, starring Sylvester Stallone, would definitely be mine. There’s that iconic moment where Rocky shouts, “Yo, Adrienne!”—and I’ve always believed that’s exactly where my name came from. The movie came out in 1977, and I was born in 1979, so the timing lines up perfectly.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I’ve always been drawn to memoirs and true-life stories. I love reading about real people, real struggles, and real growth—it reminds me how much strength we all carry, even when we don’t realize it.

That’s exactly what I love to write as well. My writing comes from lived experience, so it naturally falls into that same space. For me, the line between what I read and what I write is pretty seamless—they both come from a place of honesty and a desire to connect.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR pile is constantly evolving—it’s a mix of memoirs, inspirational reads, and a few novels I’ve been meaning to get to. I’m always drawn to books that tell real, honest stories or offer a new perspective on life and growth.

Honestly, I probably add books faster than I can read them, but I love having a stack that I can reach for depending on what I need in that moment.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Writing about my one-year foreign exchange experience in Germany was my favorite part of the book. That time in my life was filled with so many firsts—new culture, new language, and a completely different way of seeing the world.

It was a period of growth, discomfort, and discovery all at once. Being far from everything familiar forced me to become more independent and to really understand who I was outside of my comfort zone. Writing those scenes brought back the excitement, the challenges, and the small moments that ended up shaping me in ways I didn’t fully realize at the time.

That chapter of my life holds a special place in my heart, and putting it into words felt like reliving a turning point that truly changed me.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I’m not tied to one specific writing setup—I tend to write wherever inspiration finds me. I’ve written on the beach in Cancun, beside the pool, and even in the bathtub. For me, it’s less about the “perfect” environment and more about capturing the moment when the words come.

Those unconventional spaces actually help me feel more relaxed and open, which makes the writing flow more naturally.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Hope for the best.
Expect the worst.
Accept what comes.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If readers remember one thing, I want it to be this: you don’t have to stay where you were placed.
You can walk away. You can start over. You can choose yourself—even when it’s hard, even when it’s uncertain. Being “Unbroken” isn’t about avoiding the struggle—it’s about refusing to let it define you.

You are allowed to rewrite your story.