Exploring the Literary Journey of Barbara Gregorich: A Diverse Author's Impact

Meet Barbara Gregorich

Barbara Gregorich is a multifaceted writer renowned for her contributions across a variety of genres, including social justice fiction, science fiction, mysteries, and even baseball-themed narratives. With notable titles like Exit Velocity and The F Words, her work resonates with both adult and young adult audiences. Recognized for her impact in the literary world, she received the prestigious SABR Dorothy Seymour Mills Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 for her extensive research and writing on women in baseball.

A Groundbreaking Start

Gregorich’s literary journey began at a young age when she first had a poem published in a local newspaper at just eleven years old. By sixteen, she was already publishing essays. Her professional writing career took off more significantly with the release of her first adult novel, She’s on First, in 1987. This contemporary fiction piece garnered acclaim, being described as “the best book written on the idea of the first woman to play professional baseball,” and received a review from famous crime novelist Sara Paretsky in the Chicago Tribune sports section.

Contributions to Baseball Literature

Gregorich's most recognized work, Women at Play: The Story of Women in Baseball, published by Harcourt in 1993, achieved national recognition, being featured in the Sunday New York Times and winning the SABR-Macmillan Award for Best Baseball Research of the Year. This groundbreaking non-fiction book highlights the untold stories of women in baseball, reflecting Gregorich's passion for the sport and her desire to give voice to female athletes who have largely been overlooked throughout history.

Recent Works and Recognition

In 2021, Gregorich expanded her oeuvre to include young adult fiction with The F Words, released by City of Light Publishing. This engaging narrative drew praise from esteemed authors such as Jonathan Eig and Bruce Levine, who applauded its powerful message on social justice intertwined with a gripping storyline. Her latest novel, Exit Velocity, published by BookBaby in 2024, has quickly gained recognition, securing spots as a finalist for both the Society of Midland Authors 2025 Best Adult Fiction Award and the 2025 Next Generation Indie Award for Best Social Justice Book.

The Writing Craft and Process

Gregorich's writing process is grounded in discipline, as she dedicates approximately two to four hours daily to her craft, although this can intensify to six to eight hours when she's actively engaged in writing a new book. She identifies more with being a planner than a pantser, emphasizing the importance of structure in her storytelling. Despite the challenges of balancing writing with marketing roles, she finds joy in self-publishing, which she finds timely and liberating.

Adapting to Change in Publishing

Having a diverse publishing experience—ranging from traditional to independent and self-publishing—Gregorich often reflects on how self-publishing allows for a faster turnaround, a crucial factor as she navigates her writing in these later years. Her familiarity with the typesetting process, stemming from her previous role as a typesetter at prominent newspapers, informs her engagement and interest in the design aspects of her books, particularly cover art.

Life Events Shaping a Writer

Several pivotal life experiences have influenced Gregorich’s work. Growing up in a small town where girls played baseball alongside boys fostered an early interest in gender equity within sports. Furthermore, her involvement in the social and civil rights movements during the Vietnam War era left a lasting impression, embedding themes of social justice into her narratives. These personal experiences directly inspired her stories, particularly in The F Words and Exit Velocity, where working-class characters take center stage.

Challenges and Advice

With a robust writing career under her belt, Gregorich acknowledges that finding the time to write remains her biggest challenge. The ongoing necessity for ‘peace and quiet’ in the often chaotic noise of daily life complicates the creative process. Her advice to aspiring writers is straightforward: write about your passions and understand that publishing can take years. She stresses the importance of considering writing as a serious pursuit, emphasizing the need to study writing techniques diligently.

Current Reading Interests

Keeping up with her passion for storytelling, Gregorich enjoys reading a wide array of genres. Currently, she is immersed in science fiction, exploring the acclaimed Murderbot series by Martha Wells and The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey. Such diverse literary pursuits influence her own writing, showcasing her versatility as an author.

Connect with Barbara Gregorich

For those interested in exploring her work further, Barbara Gregorich maintains an engaging online presence. Her website offers comprehensive details about her books and achievements. Additionally, she actively participates in social media, primarily utilizing Facebook for its detailed discussions, but she also engages with audiences on X and Instagram.

To follow Barbara and discover more about her work, visit her website or check out her blog. She can also be found on Facebook, and her newsletter offers updates directly to her readers.

Final Thoughts

Barbara Gregorich’s literary journey is a rich tapestry of strong themes and societal reflections, making her an essential voice in contemporary literature. As she continues to create and share stories that advocate for equity and representation in various spheres, her work remains a source of inspiration for both readers and future writers.