Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My Name is Brittany Earnest, and I’m a self-published author on Amazon. I’ve always been interested in writing, since I was very young. I would write short stories, or brainstorm different ideas, but I didn’t really do anything with them until recently when I published my first book Finding Hope. I started to write it, right after I came out as a lesbian to my family. I finally felt free to discuss things that I thought were important, which is why I choose to write an LGBT inspired book. I want to use my writing to discuss issues that are important to speak about to help create an understanding about things people go through, especially in the LGBT community. I want to help highlight issues so change can occur, or at least make people look at the issues differently.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Finding Hope is the first book that I’ve published. When I first started writing it, I didn’t have anything in mind for the book. I knew I wanted to write something that was LGBT related, but I didn’t really know how I was going to do it. Once I came up with the characters names, I started to think about what plot I wanted for the book. It took me a little while to figure it out because I started to write to see what I could come up with. As I wrote, I incorporated some of my experiences into the book, along with other things that I’ve heard about. I thought it would make the book more relatable if it had real life issues in it, which is what I wanted to do in the first place. I wanted to make something that was relevant, as well as, entertaining for the readers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prefer to be laying down when I write because I spend long hours writing. If I sit in a chair too long, it causes me to be uncomfortable, which affects my writing abilities.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was growing up, I used to love the Goosebump series by R. L. Stine. My parents would always read them to me as a child. I used to create short stories about monsters that were inspired by the books. I thought that I would someday write books similar to those, but after I got older, I decided to change my writing style after I started reading romance books. After I read a couple Addison Moore, J. S. Cooper, Saranna DeWylde and Tammy Falkner books, I decided to write compelling romance novels that help readers connect to characters that go through real issues. I want to help my readers feel less alone because there are other people that are going through the same things.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a new book that focuses on some of my own life experiences in a fictional way. It also has other issues in it, but it has two of the most difficult situations that I’ve personally been in, which makes it more personal to me than my first book. I wanted to write about the two situations to help readers understand what it’s like to be in the moment. It’s also LGBT inspired, which I hope helps others in similar situations.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I’m a first-time publisher, I’m still trying to figure out how to promote my book, so that readers will be interested in buying it. Right now, I’m using my social media accounts to promote my book. I also have a website on wordpress.com, where I post information about my book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to write about subjects that they’re passionate about, so that they can make good content that people will want to read. It’s important to write about subjects that you enjoy because you will have to spend a lot of time writing and talking about it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I ever heard was to be true to yourself and to always stand up for what you believe in. It took me a while to follow the advice, but it is very helpful.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently not reading anything because I’ve been spending all of my time writing on my new book, and promoting my book Finding Hope. I recently read the Jessica Brodie series by Willow Summers, which I enjoyed. The characters are well developed, and the plot keeps you invested in the story. I would recommend it to anyone who loves romance books.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on writing a lot more books that are LGBT related because I think it’s an important subject to be discussed, especially since there is still a lot of issues that LGBT people face. I hope that I can use my writing to give people a voice about what they may be feeling in different situations. I also want to connect with my readers, so I know if my work is helping them in any way. I want to try to make a difference with my writing, which is why I choose the genre that I have.
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 take the three books of the Jessica Brodie series by Willow Summers and The Last Boyfriend by J.S. Cooper. I’ve read each of the books more than once because I love them so much. They’re all very well written and compelling. I could read them over and over.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brittany Earnest Website
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