Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Nashville-based singer/songwriter and as of a few months ago, a #1 best-selling author! I’m a wordsmith and love to connect with people, because I believe we all learn from each others experiences. I also love to make pottery and am almost always up for an adventure. Currently, I’ve written 1 book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is: “Let Me Be Weak: What People in Pain Wish They Could Tell You.” In April 2016, I released a new single, “Let Me Be Weak,” a song which eventually became the framework for her book. (Each lyric is a chapter title.) I often joke with my friends that I am “the crisis hotline,” because so many people call me to talk about their problems and/or ask for advice. I started writing the song to address some important issues I’ve learned about how people grieve. But then I realized I had a lot more to say about the subject than I could fit into a 3 minute song and so, I started writing the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Generally, I write at my kitchen table or at a coffee shop near my house. However, I’ve also written from bizarre locations, such as a lounge chair at the public pool! I never want to feel like writing is a punishment and I was starting to feel that way over the summer, because I was inside so much. I love the sunshine and especially love the pool, so I decided I’d bring my work along. It probably wouldn’t work for everyone, but it made me feel happy and relaxed and then I enjoyed the process much more.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list, that’s for sure.
Among my favorite authors are (in no particular order): Brene Brown, Donald Miller, Brennan Manning, Beth Moore, Malcolm Gladwell, and Anne Lamott.
What are you working on now?
I am currently promoting my book, making my rounds as a guest on various podcasts, and writing songs for my next album.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I recommend creating a “launch team” to help promote books. I had a lot of fun interacting with people who joined my team and appreciated their help spreading the word when I finally released the book to the public. It was a lot more fun because it was a collective experience and I would definitely do it again for future projects.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t try to do it alone. Join an online or in-person writing group (I became a student at Self-Publishing School; you can find more information about their program in the back pages of my book). It helps to have feedback, guidance and emotional support from other authors who have already written books, and it’s nice to have a “peer group” of other writers who are working on their books at the same time as you. It helps to keep you on track and accountable for doing the daily work and is inspiring to watch others make progress as well.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You have to be willing to give up your ordinary life if you want to have an extraordinary one. So many of us want to stay in our comfort zones, even if we are not happy. We like the stability of routine and it can be hard to give that up and be willing to try something new…without knowing what the outcome will be. But if we never challenge ourselves, we’ll never grow. I think we have a tendency to miss out on opportunities simply because we are afraid of failing or because we will look silly. But we get to experience things other people don’t when we are willing to say “yes.”
What are you reading now?
Experiencing God by Henry Blackabee.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am a writer of books and songs. I’m currently writing songs for my next album and I’m also writing several articles for to publish as guest posts for blogs.
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?
This is simply an impossible question. But off the top of my head:
The Bible
To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
The Artist’s Way (Julia Cameron)
A Million Miles in A Thousand Years (Donald Miller)
Author Websites and Profiles
Brittany Barbera Website
Brittany Barbera Amazon Profile
Brittany Barbera’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account