We were lucky to catch up with Corinne Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Corinne, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned to be a writer by reading. For two years I attended an aspiring writer’s class once a month on a Sunday afternoon, but that only gave me a safe space to try my wings. I didn’t learn much there except that you have to try and you have to write. I also founded a book club 30 years ago (still going strong) and our group meets ten months a year to read and discuss good literature, fiction and non-fiction. Not just understanding the story, but why was it written and how it is successful on many levels. Craft is something you learn by understanding how others got it right. Reading and analyzing and appreciating a great work takes time. Developing your own voice and style are something you cultivate on your own. Then, entering competitions gets you some valuable feedback. I was lucky; many winning entries encouraged me to continue. Writing conferences and critique groups are helpful too. The biggest obstacles are procrastination and time.

Knowing what I know now, would I have gone about it differently?
No. I don’t think you can learn to be a good writer by going to school. You can learn grammar and punctuation and structure, but a great story comes from within. Life is the greatest teacher. Observation is the most essential skill any day, and learning how to write believable dialogue, particular to your characters, the setting and the times, is critical. Understanding how conflict, internal and external, moves a story is essential.

The biggest obstacle to realizing the goal of being a published writer is the sheer physical challenge of time and effort. Writing is a solitary discipline that requires re-reading editing, revision and feedback. A writer’s group is often helpful. But then it all comes back to finding the time to sit down and get the work done. Plus, leaning how to say no to many distractions. It’s not for the faint of heart. Without the support of patient family members, many writers fail.

Corinne, 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?

I am a writer, a freelancer and a publisher. As a fiction writer, I explore many themes that resonate among many people–identity, adaptation, faith, security, love and acceptance. My books have been read by many book clubs and won awards – they include biographies, Middle Grade fiction, and historical fiction, as well as non-fiction. I am currently completing a trilogy that was started 20 years ago, my tenth book, by my publisher’s request. At the same time, I love the print media world and publish a 50 page magazine twice a year for an academic organization, engaging other writers from around the world. I am the editor as well, and work with a fabulous graphic designer. This process makes me more sensitive to what I do for other magazines all year round, writing about the arts, architecture and design and Western culture. For 30 years I was involved in interior design with my own practice and in many ways still am, thanks to our home furnishings business (ZOLI Contemporary Living), founded almost 50 years ago. Therefore, I feel comfortable writing about commercial and residential architecture, their designers and residents.

I love when all my worlds collide or overlap, writing about design in the West, or influencers who are shaping our region. I have been honored to assist with writing two biographies of important people who live in Denver and are leaving an important legacy. My work as a writer has been a portal to many worlds including film. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

For many years we maintained a home furnishings store in Cherry Creek, catering to its exclusive clientele. As rents and traffic increased, and parking became more difficult, we decided to build our own building in the suburbs. It was risky and exciting and costly. But we did it in exactly the right time, in the year 2000. Then 9/11 occurred and the whole country froze. We literally started over in many ways. Back then we were also part of a worldwide franchise, and after a decade of change and growth, decided the time had come to move on. We changed our brand and started over again. But this time we owned the building. The shift was easier. To stay in business for almost 50 years is no easy feat but our goal has always been to offer the best products available and not give up.

I have the same attitude about my writing career. It takes commitment. As long as I have something to say that I think is relevant and meaningful, I’ll stay with it. Even when I couldn’t find a publisher for my work, I went on to self-publish. The last time I did that my book won the new Mexico/Arizona book award for historical fiction, among five other distinctions.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I think we were late to enter the world of social media and television network advertising. It took time to find the right platform, the right station, and the right producers to help us make our advertising campaign successful. In today’s world, you have to use the resources your audience relies on. I write a blog for our website to keep our ISO current more than anything. On a personal level, I’ve started a newsletter and maintain a website for my own readers. Fans want to know what you’re up to and your next release. Marketing is everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: corinnejoybrown.com
• Instagram: Corinne Joy Brown
• Facebook: Corinne Joy Brown
• Linkedin: Corinne Joy Brown