Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Selah Lee-bey

Hi Brittany Selah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

When I was in first grade, I remember doing a fair amount of writing. Short stories, journaling, writing sentences, anything that got our little fingers moving and words flowing. I specifically remember writing a sequel to Cinderella for fun, most likely because our teacher encouraged us to be creative. Well, I shared it with her and she loved it! She loved it so much that she “published” it into a little book! It was at that moment I told myself I wanted to be an author. I’ve always loved books and loved to read. That moment in first grade is a core memory and is the foundation of my desire to be an author. I love language, and the ultimate reverence I can show for words is to write about their origins — hence, the birth of “EtymologyRules: Back to Basics.”

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?

This has been far from a smooth road. Since I self-published, there was a major learning curve for me. I didn’t know much about the editing process, typesetting, graphics, etc. I spent a lot of time and money trying to perfect my book. One editor told me to scrap the entire project after I had written all 240 pages of the book. I did all this while working full-time and going back to school to earn my second masters. There were many times I wanted to give up because it felt like the day of publication kept drifting further and further away. At the time, I was in a relationship with someone that did not believe in or support my goal and literally told me, “Good luck when your book doesn’t sell.” I felt defeated by this, but at the same time, motivated to prove this person wrong. The dream of accomplishing my goal is what carried me through the struggles along the way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am a reading specialist at a middle and high school in D.C. This means that I work with children that have reading difficulties as well as coach and train other teachers on providing strong literacy instruction. I’ve worked with several children that are many years below reading level — fifth graders reading on a kindergarten level; children with severe dyslexia; children with significant embarrassment about their reading skills and who are very resistant due to their difficulties. People often take for granted how easily they may have learned to read, but for some people, it’s a struggle. I am most proud of my work with our lowest readers. I’ve worked with students that have jumped several grade levels due to our consistent and diligent work together. One thing that sets me apart from others is my connection with the students. I believe the children are vulnerable when they share their reading struggles with me. So, I work to make these children feel comfortable and trust that I can truly help them if they try their best.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?

Being born to the family I have is my good luck. My parents are very supportive and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. My mom and godfather helped foster the love of books in me by gifting me a book for my birthday and Christmas every year. My mom took me to the library regularly. I believe these acts helped to shape me to love language and literacy, and well…the rest is history (in the making)!

Pricing:

• EtymologyRules: Back to Basics: $25.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etymologyrules.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etymologyrules/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etymologyrules/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-selah-lee-bey-a5910334/
• Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@etymologyrules
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATPKidsNetwork/playlists
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/etymologyrules/id1603013316