We were lucky to catch up with Bret Kissinger recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bret, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Confidence didn’t come naturally for me—it was something I had to build, brick by brick. Writing taught me resilience long before it gave me recognition. Every rejection letter, every edit that tore apart a chapter I’d labored over, forced me to develop thicker skin and a stronger voice. Over time, I learned that confidence isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s moving forward despite it.
Each kind word from a reader, each message from someone who says a story I wrote stayed with them, adds currency to that internal fund of self-belief. It’s a reminder that the hours spent in solitude—questioning every line and paragraph—are worth it. My confidence grew not from perfection, but from persistence. And in that process, I discovered that self-esteem isn’t built in a moment; it’s earned over years of showing up for your craft, even when no one’s watching.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a historical fiction author who writes stories that linger long after the final page. My goal is to bring history to life through deeply human stories—where love, loss, and survival transcend time and circumstance. Each of my novels immerses readers in pivotal moments of the past, reminding us how personal courage and hope can endure even in history’s darkest hours.
My upcoming release, Whispers Through the Wall (out December 5th), takes readers to Cold War Berlin at the rise of the Berlin Wall. It follows two souls—divided by concrete and ideology—who refuse to let that barrier define their love or their freedom.
Beyond this release, I continue to build my brand around authenticity and connection—offering readers stories that are as cinematic as they are heartfelt. I want people to feel transported when they read my work, to walk the same cobblestone streets and breathe the same air as my characters, and to close the book still thinking about them days later.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first quality that’s been essential to my journey is discipline. Motivation comes and goes—it’s fleeting. Discipline is what carries you through the quiet days when no one is watching, when there’s no praise or instant gratification. Writing is often a solitary pursuit, and discipline ensures the work gets done regardless of mood or momentum.
The second is a lifelong love of storytelling. Reading and film have been my greatest teachers. They’ve shown me how stories breathe—where the emotional peaks should land, how subtle details planted early can grow into powerful revelations later. Understanding story structure has become second nature because I’ve immersed myself in great storytelling my entire life.
And third, imagination. It’s the engine behind everything I create. My wandering mind is constantly building worlds, exploring characters, and asking “what if?” That sense of curiosity and creative play keeps my writing alive—from the first spark of an idea to the final edit.
For anyone beginning their journey: nurture your discipline, feed your creativity, and never stop learning from the stories that move you. Those three things will take you farther than talent alone ever could.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge I face is visibility. In today’s publishing world, it’s not enough to write a great story—you have to find ways to make it seen. With millions of books available on Amazon, it’s easy for even powerful stories to get lost in the crowd. Social media used to be a reliable way to reach readers organically, but now visibility often comes with a price tag attached.
To counter this, I focus on building genuine connections with readers. I encourage those who enjoy my books to share them with friends and family, to post reviews, and to help spread the word. Word-of-mouth has always been the most authentic form of marketing, and it means more now than ever. I also continue to grow my author brand through newsletters, book events, and engaging content that reflects my passion for storytelling.
It’s a constant effort—but one that’s worth it. Every message from a reader who discovered my work reminds me that connection still matters more than algorithms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bretkissinger.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bret.kissinger/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Bret-Kissinger-61551999862947/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
