A Creative Return: Erin Wood’s Inspiring Publishing Journey

A Creative Path Sparked by Personal Loss

Erin Wood never intended to become a publisher. But after the passing of her father, she reevaluated her life and career, ultimately returning to Arkansas to pursue work driven by creativity and purpose.

Rooted in Arkansas’ Literary Community

Originally from Hot Springs and now based in Little Rock, Wood has crafted a career centered on storytelling, editing, and helping writers amplify their voices.

“I’m a creative nonfiction writer,” she said. “I am the author of Women Make Arkansas: Conversations with 50 Creatives. This book was the winner. Best Nonfiction South, Independent Publisher Book Awards. And I served as both editor and contributor to Scarss: An Anthology.”

Her writing has appeared in The Sun, HuffPost Personal, The Rumpus, and the Article Club podcast. Her essays have been recognized in The Best American Essays and nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Leading Et Alia Press

Wood owns and operates Et Alia Press, a small press dedicated to “big voices,” publishing nonfiction and children’s books by Arkansas authors. She also provides freelance editing services for essays, manuscripts, and children’s literature, as well as mentoring writers through the publishing process.

A Shift from Law to Literature

Before entering the literary world, Wood earned degrees from Duke University and Georgia State University College of Law. She practiced law in Atlanta until her father’s early passing prompted a major shift.

“That loss caused some existential reflection,” she said. “I’d always loved writing and editing, so I knew it was time to return home.”

Discovering UA Little Rock’s Writing Program

Back in Arkansas, Wood found the professional and technical writing program at UA Little Rock, which blended creativity with practical skill-building.

Building a Diverse Career After Graduation

Soon after completing her master’s degree, Wood pieced together multiple roles—grant writing, editing, teaching composition, and serving as managing editor for Literature and Medicine, an academic journal published by Johns Hopkins University Press.

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Faculty Mentorship That Opened Doors

Wood credits UA Little Rock faculty for shaping her professional path. Mentor Chuck Anderson introduced her to the Literature and Medicine journal through his Writing and Healing course. She also worked with him on Quills and Pixels, the university’s literary magazine.

Former department head George Jensen invited her to co-found Et Alia Press in 2010—a press she has now solely led for the past eight years.

Growing Through Community & Connections

Wood said much of her career was developed through relationships and word-of-mouth referrals. Her network helped her build a writing community, maintain steady work, and stay connected long after graduating.

A Transformative Academic Experience

Wood credits UA Little Rock with grounding her career shift and giving her confidence in her new direction.

One influential course was Writing for Adolescents and Families, taught by Toran Isom. The experience now guides Wood as she publishes children’s books, especially those addressing mental health and other meaningful topics.

Recognition as a 2025 Catalyze Fellow

Wood was recently honored as a 2025 Catalyze Fellow and received a $10,000 artist grant.

Her Description of UA Little Rock

When asked for two words to describe UA Little Rock, she chose “practical” and “formative,” highlighting how the program prepared her for an entrepreneurial and creative career in publishing.

Impact on Arkansas’ Literary Landscape

UA Little Rock professor Barb L’Eplattenier praised Wood’s contributions, noting that she has built “an incredible and vibrant independent press” that celebrates Arkansas’s culture, people, and creativity while serving as a mentor to emerging authors.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Wood encourages students to build relationships with professors and actively participate in campus opportunities.

“Connect with your professors—they’re experts and can teach you so much beyond class,” she said. “Get involved in program-related activities like Quills and Pixels because that hands-on experience is invaluable in real publishing work.”

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