We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Libby Belle Bryer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Libby Belle , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
First, let’s define resilience: The process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences-mental, emotional, behavioral flexibility. Well, that’s a mouthful, but in a nutshell, I was taught to love, to love deeply; to give, to give more than take; good is an action word; and of most importance, empathy. Whatever I have suffered and had to overcome, so many others have, too, and watching people overcome the worst life dishes out, is an amazing way to learn how to do it yourself. It’s simple, I opened my eyes.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a writer. I particularly love short stories and have published, so far, four books of short stories under my name, Libby Belle. Currently, I am working on a “Keep Austin Weird” Mystery series consisting of novellas – 50,000 words+. I get my material from watching and listening to all those around me, whether at the bar, in the grocery store, at events, in a coffee shop, even in the women’s bathroom. People share the best of their experiences when they know the person they are sharing with genuinely cares. There is so much to learn and write about it makes me dizzy with happiness. So that basically makes my fiction real, and a lot of it is, but I make it much more fun and exciting. Quirky? Of course! I write to entertain. What you gain in between the lines is a gift. I think that’s what I love the most about writing – the hidden treasure within the story.
I also love contributing and helping non profit organizations such as the Balcones Community Orchestra here in Austin. Classical music is a special treat for everyone and keeping it alive and free to the public is Dr. Robert Radmer’s goal, and as the president of this beautiful organization, I am proud to assist.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I am certain the encouragement from my parents was the beginning of my journey. My childhood was full of hopes and dreams and they made me believe they were attainable. Listening and believing is not only a quality, but a skill. My six children are of most importance, and although I loved writing, my family came first. I knew that the time would come when I would become a published author and my belief and patience kept that dream alive. Reading others works and their journeys is vital to becoming skilled at anything. We teach one another, we inspire one another, we grow from one another’s experiences.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
There is always a challenge to face when working toward becoming a successful writer. Time is greedy and runs out quickly. I have come to publishing my books late in life, and my biggest challenge is to reach my goal which, not everyone knows, is to turn my stories into screenplays for films. I believe the stories I have written and those still waiting to be written are perfect for the screen. They are funny, soulful, heartbreaking, silly, and full of the mishaps of love. My “Keep Austin Weird” mystery series is a collection of novellas that I am planning on presenting to Austin film producers and local actors. Talk about a challenge! If you’re reading this Matthew McConaughey and Richard Linklater, give me a call!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.libbybelle.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibbyBelleStories/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/LLefP_HHHyI
