Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Tucker

Hi Brittany, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I started writing at seven years old when I started making PowerPuff Girls fan fiction, illustrated and all! I’ve always had full, detailed stories swirling around in my mind, and I continued to tinker with writing fun short stories just for myself. As I got older, I tried many different outlets to try and bring the worlds in my head to life. I have no musical talent. Drawing and painting didn’t have enough movement. When I was nineteen, I had a story that wouldn’t leave me, and I decided it was time to shoot my shot at writing a full-length novel. I had the first draft done in six months. I was addicted after that. I didn’t know any of the “rules” of writing. I just did it because I loved it.

Then, I decided to dive into the publishing world, and I had SO much to learn.

I ended up being accepted into a mentorship program with a story analyst who worked for Paramount Pictures, and studying under him changed the game for me. I learned old Hollywood story craft. How to give up what I WANT for the story, and do what the story NEEDS.

After that, I spent quite a bit of time in traditional publishing, learning the market. I got an agent and went on submission. Despite all that, it never felt right. It wasn’t until I made the terrifying leap into independent publishing that I found where I belonged. Being an independent author is being a small business owner. You are your own agent and marketing team. I fell in love with the process and the indie community, and I haven’t looked back!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Oh my goodness, when is the road ever smooth? If it’s too easy, it just means you’re not working hard enough. Finances can be a huge struggle when starting an indie publishing career. Publishing is EXPENSIVE; it takes years before you’ll see steady income pouring in from your work. I think many authors find that fact intimidating, or they don’t have the financial means to get started. I would tell those authors, don’t let the money stop you. There are ALWAYS other authors that will help you every step of the way, and teach you ways to make the process more affordable. Not only that, but there is a wealth of incredible information online that you can learn to use to complete many of the processes (editing, formatting, etc.) yourself. Don’t give up!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

As an author, fantasy will always be my genre! I’ve written in several others, but nothing gives the awe and wonder of diving into a completely new world and culture. To craft an entire universe to be exactly what you want it, no matter how outlandish and whimsical.

Over the years, I’ve become known for being a little zany, I think. For being a little “out there” and weird. I’m very much okay with that.

As my writing career has grown, along with my readership, I’m most proud of the impact my stories have made on my readers. I’m a huge advocate for mental health representation and creating characters that readers can heal and grow alongside. The greatest thing in the world to me is when I have readers contact me and tell me how big an impact my stories have made on their healing journeys.

If anything, I think that’s what sets me apart. I don’t try to intellectualize what a panic attack or other kinds of trauma look like on a page. Readers don’t need a speech about WHY they should overcome their fears. I just write about what I’ve experienced personally, conveying it through the lens of my characters. Just the feeling of being seen can do more for a heart than being told how to fix it.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

I live on Camano Island, in Washington state, which is snuggled up beside the town of Stanwood. It’s such a tight-knit, artistic community! Most of all, I love my church, the Camano Chapel. It is my second home. I work in Youth Ministry, and besides being a wife and mother, it is one of the biggest joys of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brittanytuckeryaauthor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrittanytucker/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BTuckerAuthor
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrittanytucker?lang=en