Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brian Fitzpatrick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I’m proud of the Universe I’m creating. I began with my nanotechnology science fiction action story, MECHCRAFT. This IP now has a novel trilogy, a screenplay of the first tale, a short story, and in 2024 will get its own tabletop role-playing game! I also plan for a comic book release and another trilogy of books in the series. Existing within this Universe is my science fiction horror screenplay, THE DARK BELOW. While not directly connected, the two stories share a common origin that I plan to explore deeper in other tales.
Also tied to this Universe is my cyberpunk horror short story, DEUS EX SYNTHETICA, published in the Blood Fiction v2 anthology released in May of 2023.
My own material took a backseat in 2022 and 2023 as I was taking on paid writing assignments for clients. I’m very happy with the end result of the scifi feature I co-wrote, THE SIMIAN TRIALS (currently in post production), the intense scifi pilot I co-wrote, FINCH & SKULL, and the Dungeons & Dragons novel I’m currently working on for Storytellers Forge publishing.
And in 2024, I have a few surprises up my sleeve. A zombie apocalypse horror feature, a vampire horror comedy, a novel version of THE DARK BELOW, and much more. Stay tuned!

Brian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Sure. Thank you for having me back on Canvas Rebel. My name is Brian Fitzpatrick. I’m a screenwriter and novelist. I began my writing journey at the tender age of 7 after accidentally watching the horror classic, “Night of the Living Dead.” We lived in a dark canyon near Laguna Beach, California. Mom had dozed off as we were watching TV. Then the zombie classic came on. I was completely terrified but riveted. I couldn’t look away. Well after about a week of nightmare-fueled sleepless nights, mom suggested I write a story of my own. As I considered this, I became fascinated with the idea that I could be so scared yet be perfectly safe. I came up with a story and put pen to paper. I fell in love with the process and soon started writing short stories about vampires, monsters, and aliens. And I’ve been telling tales of horror and wonder ever since.
When I decided to try and make a living as a writer, I knew going in this would be near-impossible. The chances of becoming a successful writer, earning my income solely from the craft, are slim to none. But once this dream got into my head, it would not let go.
I’ve encountered all manner of setbacks: rejections, scammers, creative draughts, you name it. But early on I had a conversation with myself. I asked myself what I was prepared to do to make this dream come true. The answer was “whatever it takes.” I cannot give up. I can never quit this dream.
I’m still on the journey and not yet where I want to be, I have made large strides toward the goal. I’m a bestselling author with a science fiction trilogy published as well as a handful of short stories. I’ve transitioned from writing screenplays solely on spec to now being paid for assignment work as I write my own scripts on the side. And my latest work in progress is a commission to write a fantasy novel set in an upcoming Dungeons & Dragons game campaign.
Soon I’ll be pivoting. While still fostering my writing career, I feel the need to give back. I want to help new writers on their journey and assist them in avoiding some of the mistakes I made when first starting out. In that spirit I plan to create a video series of sessions tackling areas such as story completion, writer marketing, branding, etc. Look for this later in 2024.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Here’s the dream. Everything I do is focused on this goal: to earn my living solely from writing. This could take the form of screenplay writing assignments, being staffed on TV shows, selling spec scripts, or increasing the sales of my scifi novel series. I’m open to any path that will lead to the dream.

How did you build your audience on social media?

One of the most vital aspects to success as a creative is your audience. Whether you’re a writer, an artist, a musician… our audience is everything. And in this age of Likes and Subscribes, social media is the one place where creatives have an element of control on building that audience. To that end, I cannot emphasize enough for creatives to dive into social media. Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, and many more all have a place in your arsenal of outreach.
How did I build my social media audience? Organically. It’s the only way to generate a true following and connection with people. Never “buy” followers.
I recommend choosing one or two platforms and focus solely on them, posting engaging content suited to the medium and interact with others in your field on the platform. For example- Instagram is a visual platform. Post videos and pictures. Like and follow other creatives in your field. Interact. Engage.
I began with zero followers, but grew into a respectable audience level. I’ve never gone viral, but my audience is always interesting and interested.
And it takes very little time to generate a robust page full of content. 20 minutes per day should be more than enough to create, post, and interact. It takes time to learn the ropes, but it is so worth it.
Remember: what are you willing to do to make your creativity a success?
Never give up!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brianfitzpatrickwriter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrianfitzpatrick/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBrianFitzpatrick
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfitzauthor/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWritingFitz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd2A9OYaNQiBgMBDuZfHsEA
• Other: HUSSLUP, entertainment industry social media app: https://husslup.com/Profile/3390