We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Britt Nichole. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Britt below.

Hi Britt, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’ve been a creative my entire life, having written my first stories as young as 5 (it’s true – ask my grandma!). It is something that has always come naturally to me. Being a disabled artist means that, while I may not be able to do long, strenuous activities that may come easier to my non-disabled peers, I have the rare opportunity to actually be able to PURSUE my craft, which is such a blessing.

I’m not just “happiest” as a writer and photographer, they both have literally saved my life. I stopped writing for a very, very long time, pretty much entirely between the ages of 18-24. Picking up my first camera in July 2023 has not only blossomed as its own passion, but it has also helped WONDERS when it comes to being able to write again. I’m now proud to say that, as of February 2026, I am officially published, “Gracie” by Britt Nichole now being LIVE on Amazon. This has literally been a dream of mine since I was 5 years old, and now, having completed that literal LIFETIME ASPIRATION, it’s just so surreal. My life is now officially split into “Before” Publishing and “After” Publishing, and I just can’t believe I’ve finally done it!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Britt Nichole, and I’m a 20-something author (I can FINALLY SAY THAT!), photographer, and disability advocate! I’ve been featured before in similar articles with my photography, which I share under the name Learn To Fly Photography – you may find me on FB, IG, and other platforms – but this is the first feature in which I can officially say that I am a photographer AND an author!

I was also born disabled, which is something that I’m not shy about sharing. Physically, I have a brain condition called hydrocephalus, which also caused right-sided cerebral palsy and septo-optic dysplasia in my left eye. Growing up, I never really had proper disability representation as a child – the closest piece of accurate representation I can think of is the character Nemo in Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.” And, as much as I LOVE Nemo and hold that movie close to my heart – he’s a fish! Disabled people deserve accurate, human representation.

Not only am I now published as an author, but I was recently able to upgrade my camera, going from a beginner-level 2008 Canon Rebel to a much more advanced 2024 Fujifilm X-T50. The camera upgrade has been SUCH a gamechanger, especially when it comes to photographing live music acts and candids! I love live music and candid/street photography both, and I am absolutely delighted to be able to pursue both niches further with my Fuji.

I have met some of the COOLEST people through both writing and photography, and I could not be more grateful. Art is connection. I am most active in the Dayton and (sometimes) Cincy areas, but both my novel and my photo prints are also available online. If you’d like to connect, whether virtually or in-person, PLEASE reach out! I have found art to be the easiest way to connect with people.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

…Spite?

No, I’m joking! But, within my joke does lie a small pebble of truth. When you grow up physically disabled, you’re basically told about all the things that you “can’t” or “aren’t allowed” to do. Even as an adult. ESPECIALLY as an adult, and it very frustrating. Disabled people deserve the same opportunities, resources (INCLUDING our own transportation), and support that those who aren’t disabled oftentimes receive without much question.

“You can’t do this–” “You’re too disabled for that–”

I can do it, and I AM doing it, and nobody can tell me how to live my disabled experience. Disabled people know disability best, and we know what we deserve. As much as the answer “spite” may seem like a joke or like some petty response to some, I have lived my entire life being told about the things I can’t or shouldn’t be allowed to do. Hell, at 27 years old I am STILL fighting for my own transportation reliability, which is something that so many folks who aren’t disabled take for granted. You can’t say that having your own transportation isn’t a necessity and then build a country that is 100% dependent upon having your own car. I’ve literally been fighting this fight since I was 17. I don’t know any non-disabled person who has had to jump through nearly as many hoops and hurdles as I have – and am STILL jumping through.

Disabled people are the most resilient people I know.

Not only do disabled people exist – no matter how hard society tries to sweep us under the rug – but we LIVE and we THRIVE and we have passions and aspirations and hobbies just the same as anybody else. Disabled people know disability best, and we will not be spoken over.

I suppose that’s my mission. Every day is a fight in and of itself to end the stigma against disability. MUCH easier said than done… but that’s where the spite kicking in can be helpful. :)

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Of course, this may not be the case for EVERY individual creative. But, in my case, a lot of my creativity – in fact, MOST of it, I think – stems from trauma.

Alongside my physical disabilities, I am diagnosed with (C-)PTSD, as well as anxiety and depression. I’m actively in therapy right now, have been for a couple years, and I love my therapist so much. But that’s where so much of the creativity stems from. It’s an outlet.

There are several traumas that have come out of my adult life, I won’t get into those here, but, for me, my trauma literally started when I was born. I had my first brain surgery at 3 days old. I HAVEN’T had a major surgery since I was 7, which is incredible – my functioning shunt turned 20 in December 2025 – but that medical trauma sticks with you. The trauma in general sticks with you, I think. I’ve always been told that I have a really, really good memory, and I can remember things from SUPER far back – my earliest memory is from when I was 3 – but that’s not always a good thing!! Certain medical appointments can be extremely difficult when everything in my being is trying very hard not to fight/resist the doctors. Having a very vivid memory AND being somebody who is self-aware almost to a fault can be A Lot sometimes.

Am I grateful for the creative outlet? Of course. I don’t think I’d be here if I DIDN’T have that outlet, frankly. But that doesn’t mean I have to appreciate the Spicy Mental Health. All I can say is, thank God for the creativity. I don’t know what my life would be like without it. But, being an artist isn’t all peaches and cream, sunshine and rainbows – I think that’s the main point I’m trying to make here. It can be dark, even if the pictures themselves look happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brittnicholeauthor.com/ & https://learntoflyphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: @authorbrittnichole & @learntoflyphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittnicholeauthor & https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553286001488
• Other: BlueSky: @brittnicholex

  Email: brittnbarker98@gmail.com

  Photo Prints: https://learntoflyphotography.darkroom.com/

Image Credits

“Member Spotlight” graphic courtesy of Not Yo Mama’s Book Club on FB/IG!

The picture of me in the green dress was taken by my dear friend, and fellow author, Aliya DalRae. She writes paranormal romance, go check out her books!