Interview With Author Bree West
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always loved reading since I was a kid. I even remember my mother telling me to write a book during a summer vacation, but it felt like a ridiculous task for a child. Now I’m happy to say that I’ve written two books, and she was right to plant the seed in my mind.
Three years ago, I had a corporate engineering job in Houston, Texas, but I wasn’t fulfilled. Feeling teased by my yearly two weeks of vacation, I decided to quit and travel the world for six months. Six months quickly turned into a year, then two years, then to me moving abroad to France.
My travels were meant to be a break from alarm clocks and deadlines, but it turned out to be a hero’s journey of me evolving into a new version of myself. I used to follow other people’s expectations and hide when things got uncomfortable, but I learned how to overcome my social anxiety, build confidence, and express the parts of me I was keeping from the world. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave my job to travel and ultimately move abroad (with my love I met while traveling!), but I’m glad I did it.
The hard lessons that I learned along the way are what inspired my personal development books: Find Your Fiancé and How to Save Money & Build Confidence to Travel Solo. I’ve realized that when my time ends, I hope that I’ve left behind the tools for other people to live a fulfilling life and turn their dreams into reality.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
How to Save Money & Build Confidence to Travel Solo was inspired by the lack of diversity I saw while traveling the world. It took a lot of courage as a Black woman to decide to travel the world solo, and I understand why. Up until recently, we didn’t see many examples of minorities, especially women, doing it. On top of that, statistically Americans from different demographics don’t have the same familial or financial support to be able to travel.
That’s why two years into traveling the world, I compiled my advice and resources so that minorities could feel empowered to travel as well. If I had the resources and mindset tools to build up savings, confidence, and courage like I do now, I could’ve started traveling sooner. I hope that every reader feels empowered to travel, whether it’s three hours away or on a different continent, because getting out of your comfort zone and seeing how other people experience the world is life changing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As much as I love traveling, I also love partying. I’ve written so many sections of my books and blog posts in my notes app while on the dance floor or sitting in a corner of the club. There’s something about the music and movement from dancing that gets ideas flowing. Sometimes there are so many ideas that they take away from being present in the moment, but I always take time to write down the ideas because by the time I get home, I’ll lose it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influences have come from travel memoirs or self-help books I’ve read in the last few years. My favorites are You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay and Living in the Light by Shakti Gawain. Also, Real Magic by Dean Radin opened me up to the world of manifestation which plays a big part in how I live my life today.
What are you working on now?
Now I’m writing a series of books to help people party responsibly while taking substances. Raving is becoming trendier, but without proper education, people are suffering from misuse of mind-altering substances. My books will be like a big sister giving advice on how to handle what you’re taking and how to deal with the thoughts that may come up. The books will also discuss how to be more in tune with your body and be comfortable being sober in the partying scene. Since I’m writing this series while living in France, each book will have an English and French version.
In addition to the books, I also share a blog post twice a month on Substack. I love sharing crazy travel stories and what life is like since moving abroad, and one day I will compile the stories into a memoir.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books on social media while ranting or raving about my current travels. I love talking in my Instagram stories or on TikTok, and soon I will be sharing vlogs on YouTube at Free_the_Bree.
I also promote my books with fliers around the city and giving out stickers on the dance floor. They’re decorated with flowers and have a link that people can scan with their phone.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It may seem daunting to write a book and get it to the final product, but the time will pass anyway so you might as well write the book. Things will take longer than you expect, and that’s okay. If you’re like me and it’s easy to get overwhelmed to the point of inaction, I’d suggest setting a timer for thirty minutes or an hour. Work on your book daily, even if it’s for a little bit, and watch how much more manageable it will feel. I’d also advise that writing the book is the easy part but learning to talk about the book, so people know it exists and want to buy it is just as important.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Control your controllables. Stop worrying about what’s outside of your control and focus on what you can do to reach your goals and feel relaxed while doing it. For example, instead of worrying about how many people buy your book, think about what you’ve done so that people can find the book and want to buy it. Once you’ve done everything that you can, there will be no room for regret.
What are you reading now?
I recently finished the intense memoir Don’t Fall Off the Mountain by Shirley MacLaine, and I’m taking a break to recalibrate before diving into another Hanya Yanagihara novel.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I’m learning French and adjusting to my new home, next I’ll be writing books in English with a French translation so I can reach more people. I’ll also be broadening my reach by guesting on podcasts related to travel and personal development.
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 would only bring fiction books because I think I would need a distraction from being alone on a deserted island. I can’t think of any specific books so I would pick four books from the list of 50+ books saved in my phone that I want to read one day.
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