We recently connected with Brianna Albers and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brianna, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Years ago, when I first started my career as a writer, I felt limited by my disability. I was sure my condition would hold me back in some way, probably through overt ableism. But it turns out the real culprit was internalized ableism: what I thought about myself and my disability. Of course, there were setbacks I had to overcome, just like there were people who looked down on me because of my condition. But I realized with time that opportunities were available to people like me; in fact, some opportunities were available because of my disability. People valued my input and experience and wanted to pay me for my time. I wasn’t expecting it. That knowledge completely transformed my relationship with my disease. Suddenly, my condition wasn’t a liability – it was a strength. It opened doors that otherwise would have remained closed. Once I embraced the uniqueness of who I am as a person, everything became easier.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve always loved stories. But as a multiply marginalized, disabled woman, I never saw myself represented in the stories I grew up loving, I knew from a young age that what I wanted, more than anything, was to write myself into the narrative. I wanted to write stories by and for people with disabilities. My entire life has revolved around that singular goal.
Currently, I work part-time as a disability advocate while pursuing a career in traditional publishing. I write a bimonthly column for SMA News Today, “The Wolf Finally Frees Itself” (smanewstoday.com/the-wolf-finally-frees-itself-brianna-albers) about my life with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). I also work as a patient advocate on SMA My Way (smamyway.com), a resource cultivated by biotech company Genentech for all people affected by SMA. My advocacy work is incredibly life-giving. I’m fortunate to represent my disease community in such a way.
Of course, as much as I love my advocacy work, writing is my true passion. I’m currently drafting an adult space fantasy, AN ANGEL IN THE GARDEN, with the goal of seeking representation sometime next year. In addition to my manuscript, I am active on Instagram @briehalbers and Substack, where I publish a bimonthly newsletter, “Studes in Light” (briehalbers.substack.com).
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?
I have an M.A. in mental health counseling, which has definitely helped me navigate the ups and downs of pursuing a career as a disabled woman. Rejection is hard. Systematic ableism is rampant in nearly every industry. Learning to cope with what comes, which involves everything from self-care to affirming your individuality, is paramount.
In addition to my background in counseling, I would say my networking skills have been a significant boon. It really is all about who you know, especially in the publishing industry, and especially as a marginalized individual. But more importantly, it’s the people I’ve met, and the community I’m building, that gives me strength on bad days. They see my worth and I see theirs. That kind of support is invaluable.
My ability to overlook the messiness of a first draft has also been extremely helpful. My first book took me a decade to finish. Granted, I was in school at the time, so writing wasn’t my priority. But I truly believe it took me as long as it did because I was precious about my words. I wanted my work to be perfect from the outset, which is quite simply impossible. I had to learn to embrace imperfection in order to unlock my full potential as a creative.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always interested in connecting with disabled writers, especially those pursuing traditional publication. If that’s you, feel free to email me at [email protected]! More generally, I would love to meet anyone active in the publishing industry, from literary agents to editors and marketers.
Contact Info:
- Website: briannahopealbers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briehalbers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briehalbers
- Other: https://briehalbers.substack.com
