Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Barbara, a born and raised Pittsburgher, and I spent my growing-up years with my nose in a book. To date, I’ve only one book, Teal Paisley Tights, that will be available on November 15, 2018.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Teal Paisley Tights was inspired by a number of things. On one hand, it was inspired by my sister because she’s a people pleaser. On the other hand, my then-college roommates and I were trying to figure out how we fit into the big, wide world. And it was just fun to brainstorm the oddest collections of events.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Would I even know if I had an unusual writing habit? I don’t often sit down with other writers to analyzing my writing habits. My roommate just informed me that I drink gallons of tea and start writing at 5:30 in the morning. I hope that qualifies!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My goodness, I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the sky (why yes, I did just quote Ever After).
Sandra Byrd, author of the Ladies in Waiting series, definitely influenced me as a reader and a writer. I specifically love her French Twist series. She’s a wonderful novel writing coach.
I also enjoy losing myself in novels written by Pepper Basham and Katherine Reay. I’d happily spend days just reading their books.
What are you working on now?
My current writing project is a romance set in Vienna at Christmas time. I absolutely adore that city, and I had the chance to live there for more than a year. And yes, I got to experience a Vienna Christmas. I’m so excited to see the story come together.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a newbie author, I’m still finding my way around book marketing. But, I must admit that I enjoy using Instagram most of all. I think it’s such a fun way to interact (hello, filters).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself, I’d like you all to tell me your advice! I’ve grumped that I don’t know what to ask because I don’t know what I don’t know. But, it’s been so helpful to be a part of Facebook groups of authors where different topics about book publishing have been discussed. I glean so much helpful information from them.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Basically, work smarter, not harder.
As a child, I always found the hardest way to do a thing, and I was set on doing it my way. When I finally broke down and asked for help, it was almost always so much easier. So, try to learn from others along the way.
What are you reading now?
I like to have a few books going at a time. I just finished Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. But I’m still currently reading Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis and The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep writing, just keep writing, writing, writing. To paraphrase Dori from Finding Nemo.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’m not a re-reader. I really just don’t like to reread books so this poses an interesting difficulty for me. So I’ll choose based upon books that have stayed with me.
1. The Bible. Stay with me. This book has so many challenging stories in it, and I’d finally be able to dig into it…because I’m guessing that other than survival, I’d have plenty of time on my hands.
2. A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. Now, here’s a love story. I think I’d actually reread that one.
3. The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan. This book was everything delightful, including giggles, subtlety, and wit.
Author Websites and Profiles
Barbara Brutt Website
Barbara Brutt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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