Meet Brittany Tucker

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Tucker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

I struggled with this a lot in my early years of writing. I’d look at a blank page, and even though I had so many ideas, I didn’t have a way to channel them into something useful. I would get so overwhelmed with not knowing where to start that I wouldn’t. My creativity would be bogged down by the impossible effort to write and finish a novel, and the imposter syndrome would set it, dooming the entire endeavor.

It wasn’t until I learned to break down my story in beats that this massive undertaking became very doable. It’s like long division. Take one step at a time; don’t look at the full picture. I mentored with a story analyst who worked for Paramount Pictures, and he taught me a 21-prompt point system to outline my novels with, and I swear by it. Knowing what steps need to be taken and being able to process them in manageable chunks has been the most significant way I’ve overcome writer’s block.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

After many years spent working and mingling in the traditional publishing scene, I made the intimidating leap into independent publishing and published my first novel in January 2023. I guess I shouldn’t say my first novel—it was the sixth I’ve written. Since then, I’ve published three books and am currently writing my ninth. The independence that being my own publisher provides is so liberating. I am in control of my brand, my content, and my schedule. I don’t have to wait for the approval of others to book an event or teach a class at my local library.

I wanted my brand to be whimsical and fun, and even when the subject matter is dark, you can always find humor in my work. I love writing stories that focus on characters learning to live with the trauma inflicted upon them. While that pain will never leave us completely, life is still worth living and fighting for. That healthy relationships can be made, love can be found, and that we’re not quite as alone as we think we are. I don’t shy away from heavy topics.

As my journey has progressed into 2024, my greatest joy on this publishing journey has been connecting with readers! I love hearing how my stories have impacted them or how reading, in general, has helped them come to terms with life’s struggles.

October 18th, 2024, is the release date of my newest romantasy heist novel, Sunshine’s Syndicate! I’m going to be having some really fun giveaways and exclusive content available to my readers, and I can’t wait to share it with them!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Wow, what are three things that I feel have impacted me on my journey?

First, I’ve received support from more experienced authors. I’m very much an extrovert. If I want to learn something, I have no problem sliding into someone’s DMs to ask how they achieved some result or another. More than not, the authors I’ve contacted are more than happy to give feedback and advice, and much of it has been game-changing. I hope to be able to help and support up and coming authors in the same way.

Second is self-discipline. When you decide to become a career author, your mindset has to change so that this is no longer just a hobby; it’s a job. You have to protect your work time and meet your goals and deadlines. Let others be involved in your sacred creative process, and learn to write with your readers in mind, not just yourself. It’s a big change, but well worth it!

Third, (and contrary to thing 2) it’s okay to take creative breaks. If you’re pulling your hair out, take a week off. Do something else. Go outside and smell the flowers you’ve probably forgotten to water. Wells run dry. Sometimes, you have to let them refill. You (and your characters) will thank you for it.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Self-doubt! I constantly struggle with feelings like I’m not good enough, that no one will like my work, that no matter how hard I work, it will not make a difference. That’s all bologna, of course, but my anxiety says otherwise. As time goes on, I’m learning that there are readers for every writer. Even the most niche of stories have consumers, and I need to stop comparing myself to others. Even if my stories only help one person find a bit of happiness and joy, that is enough!

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