We were lucky to catch up with Janay Bridges recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My first novel. last Train Home, has been one of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on. Not only did it teach me the importance of discipline to bring a dream to life, it also showed how capable I was of making something from nothing. I had an idea, that’s it. I learned how to plot, develop characters, and how to self-publish a book. Apart from that, it was meaningful because it was written as a love letter to my younger self. The main character was inspired by the beliefs I held in my early college years and the characters were drawn from significant people who shaped my life in my formative years.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an Oklahoma native. I born in Tulsa and lived there for most of my life. I graduated from Claremore High School in 2013 and then moved to Oklahoma City for college and stayed there for 8 years before moving back to Tulsa. During Covid, I was furloughed at my job had an idea for a book. I had written for fun my whole life and did journalism in high school and college, but had kind of fell out the habit. So when I got the idea I started trying to write the book for fun, then I realized it could be something bigger. About halfway through, I learned about self-publishing and went down the rabbit hole. My first book is a contemporary romance/drama/early 20’s coming of age.

The only problem I’ve come to face as a young indie author is the cost of marketing and the challenge of making enough sales to profit from events. They say you have to spend money to make money and that statement is true as an indie author.

I think what sets my writing apart is my ability to transmute my own pain and trauma into characters that are resilient and plots that are impactful for the reader. I want my reader to relate to the moral on an emotional level. I think, so far, my stories have the same message: authenticity breeds happiness.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is connecting with readers in my community. I’ve done several signings at Barnes & Noble and a few at other local bookstores and I always leave with a smile on my face. It feels good to be supported by locals who just want to show their support for a Tulsa creative. It also feels good to connect with aspiring writers of all ages. I love to encourage all writers to keep honing their craft and also give them self-publishing tips. I always set the intention of being inspiring and impactful when I go to signings.

Secondly, the most rewarding thing is to have readers resonate and enjoy my work. I think to need or want validation that your art is “good” fosters an unhealthy relationship between the creative and their work. However, to hear what your work meant to a reader or what aspects they enjoyed is rewarding.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Yes, I think the business of self-publishing is not black and white. There is not a one-size-fits-all marketing plan to follow. Not for indie authors or traditionally published authors (although it may seem that way). Especially in an era of being hyper-online. There is this misconception that the only path to success is to be chronically online making “content”. I know for myself that isn’t true but I also know for a lot of others it’s successful. I have seen more sales in a singular signing at Barnes & Noble than I have in months of online sales. Being in the community and talking to people face to face has been more impactful for me and my sales than social media ever has.

There are a handful of contemporary authors who have wild success and little to no social media presence. I aim to be more like them and not give into the status quo, especially since I genuinely do not enjoy it and I don’t do anything I do not find some semblance of joy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anecdotesofadreamer/?locale=sl&hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janay-bridges-087a76232/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4L4Nm_i_Nh1MZUVmdZuRfg
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Train-Home-Janay-Bridges/dp/B0CBR87WFR

  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41620064.Janay_Bridges