We were lucky to catch up with Breanna Hicks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Breanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I have always loved reading since the moment I learned how and secretly dreamed of being an author some day. Sadly, I never believed I could because ‘only famous people were authors’ and I never cared for my English classes in school. Therefore, I never told anyone about this dream of mine and pushed it to the back of my mind. Although, I never forgot it. Around 8 or 9 years old, I wrote my own spin-off of a classic childhood book called Tacky the Penguin, except mine was about a horse named Ed. I still have them to this day.

Fast forward 15 years, I have graduated college with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Criminology and working in my career for 4 years when my boss asked me what I do in my free time. When I told him I love to read, he asked me if I ever thought about writing my own book and I couldn’t help but laugh. That was the day I finally spoke my childhood dream out loud.

He challenged me to research and start small, but start writing. So I created a blog, then published devotionals, and then a book of poetry. After seeing how I could publish my own work, I quickly wanted more.

And so, I sat down in front of a fresh journal and began listing out any word that came to mind. Within minutes, I had a thorough list that I then used to brainstorm One-Line Plots. With my background in psychology and criminology as well as my love of thriller novels, it was a no-brainer that my novel would be a crime thriller.

I wrote and published my first novel in 5 months. Quickly followed by my second 8 months later, and the third 4 months after that, completing my Crime Thriller Trilogy, The Colorado Killer.

After hearing such amazing feedback regarding the trilogy, I am working on my 4th novel with confidence, knowing my childhood dream is what I’ve been called to do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who haven’t heard, I am a Crime Thriller Author from the Kansas City Metropolitan area. I am also considered an Indie Author, meaning I self-publish instead of working with a publishing company. This means I have the freedom to write my novels exactly as I see them played out in my mind. But it also means I am not only the Author, I am also the Editor, Designer, Publisher, Marketing team, and Sales Director. And I love it!

I currently have three crime thriller novels published and am working on my fourth. Something I love about my work is the opportunity to incorporate my knowledge and fascination of psychology and criminology into my novels. When I am creating my characters, I put myself in their shoes and convey how they would think and feel in their situations. I also use psychology to create twists my readers don’t see coming.

Outside of writing and seeing my characters and story come to life, my favorite part of my job is meeting my readers. I love having booths at craft fairs and town festivals where I have been able to meet the sweetest people.

I grew up in a small farm town and I’m still that down-to-earth woman who thinks family and personal connections are the most important. I write my novels for my readers; therefore, I have made a promise to myself and to them that I will always take the time to respond. Whether it’s to a DM on social media, a booth at the fair, or a run-in at the store.

They put their support in me, the least I can do is continue writing jaw dropping thrillers and respond when they reach out.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are so many rewarding moments in being an Author. But there are two that rank higher than the others.

First and foremost, getting to inspire a younger generation. I have spoken at a Young Author Conference where I taught a small group of elementary students how I brainstorm an idea, outline the story, and create my characters. I have also been invited to speak in elementary and middle school English classes on specific aspects of writing. With those moments come the opportunity to see young students light up realizing they too can chase their dreams, as well as become their role model & inspiration!

Years later, if they see me at their school, they get so excited & holler my name to wave. Some have even brought me their own stories to read. Knowing that I have inspired young students to not only read but to write, and ultimately chase their dreams, is the most rewarding aspect of my career!

The second most rewarding is having the opportunity to meet my readers in person. One event in particular, I had a booth in our town’s county fair this past summer. One woman rushed into my booth, picked up my book and said “Oh my goodness, I’ve read this book. I loved it. Are you the author?” We then proceeded to chat about the book, what she loved and my process behind writing. Later that day, another woman came up and said she’s read my books and would love to get a photo with me.

The reward in that is knowing that my work, something I have spent so much time, effort, and maybe even a bit of tears on, has touched someone else. Growing up, books were an escape for me, and now I have the opportunity to create those moments for others.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I would say I have two major goals as an Author.

Professionally, I strive to write novels that will take my readers on a ride. I want them to experience all the emotions with all their senses. And at the end, I want to leave them in awe, not believing the plot twists that just happened. And selfishly, I would love to see my novels on the NYT Bestseller list. And even have one or two picked up by a film producer to be made into a movie.

A more personal goal that drives me, other than chasing my childhood dream, is to have my novels become a source of passive income, allowing me to be a stay-at-home mom. My number one priority in life is family and when God gives my husband & I children, I want to be able to stay at home with them, homeschool, and travel the country, creating memories together that they can cherish forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.breannahicks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsbreannahicks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreannaMcGinnisAuthor