This former journalism student has written a WOW! (“Women on the Way!”) memoir.

Title: Writer, author of the best-selling memoir, “Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship”

Hometown: Indianapolis

Now resides in: Denver

Degree: B.A in English, Louisiana Tech; M.A., creative writing, University of Colorado at Boulder (’93).

Tell us about the book and how you got 'in a place' to write it: This book was born from the loss of my best friend -- a friendship I never saw coming and which dramatically altered both of our lives. However, those who've read it say it's much more than a memoir "about friendship" -- that it is one of “triumph and the human condition and irrepressible hope” (a fan's words).

The book’s gotten a lot of attention: It’s the only memoir named a “Great Group Read” by the National Women’s Book Association, a multiple winner in the Denver Women’s Press Club, a Denver Post Books Bestseller, and a Finalist for 2010’s “Books for a Better Life Award.” Iris Dart, author of the movie “Beaches,” endorsed it; she wrote on the book’s cover, "A wonderfully poignant memoir that will remind every woman to call her best friend right away."

Your “professional route” to your present job: Baton twirling teacher, babysitter, house cleaner, secretary, cocktail waitress, journalist, short story writer, teacher, book author.

What I do now: Book publishing. An average day on the job involves book events, writing articles, hiding out in coffee shops and eating pounds of really expensive chocolate.

How did Tech help prepare you for this: The journalism school gave me my first real journalism opportunities -- faculty was extraordinarily supportive!

What would you tell an incoming freshman today to help him/her in college: Stay true to your soul. If your major isn't working for you, switch. Life is short. 

Some triumphs you are most proud of: Finishing with advanced college degrees, with honors, while raising children alone.

If I've learned one thing in life, it's…: The bulldog on a bone -- unflappable persistence -- is the thing most don't have. So have it!

A couple of favorite memories of Tech: I really liked the cool Tech shirts (baseball-style) sold at the bookstore, and the J-school folks.

What’s next: The next book is in the works. It’s great fun, set in the Midwest, along the lines of “A Confederacy of Dunces.” There’s more at cathiebeck.com and at facebook.com/cheapcabernet. I even Twitter, @cheapcabernet.