Brittany Butler started writing at age twenty-two, and one year later Forever Careless, her debut novel, was self-published and was an Amazon Best Seller. She released Forever Reckless, a novella, months after. She is working on other novels, but focusing on Unfazed. Brittany’s currently studying to be a paralegal. During her free time, she writes. Sometimes she goes to friends’ houses to listen to their drama for good book material.

1) First, I want to thank you so much for doing this interview with me Brittany, it is an honor! When did you first know that writing was what you wanted to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What, if anything, frustrates you the most about the journey of forging a writing career?

Thank you for asking me to do this interview! I’m so happy I have the opportunity to do this!

I always knew I loved writing. In fact, there are too many journals with embarrassing stories I wrote as a child to count. Thankfully my writing evolved from those stories, and became something more.

Like any job or hobby, there are frustrations. But I love writing. My main frustration is having an amazing idea, and I get half way through the story so fast, then I have trouble finishing. I always have writer’s block right after having several weeks of productive writing. Unfortunately, that makes it almost impossible to keep my personal goals and deadlines.

2) Can you tell the readers more about your books and where they can find them? What projects are you currently working on?

I love writing New Adult Romance. Sometimes I venture into Contemporary, and one day I would love to do thriller or mystery. Currently, I have two New Adult Series, The Hazed Series and The Forever Series, and one standalone Contemporary Romance, The Lies We Tell.

Usually, they’re on all platforms, but I’m trying out Kindle Select right now. The Lies We Tell is available everywhere.

I am so excited about my current project! I’m actually working with my book cover designer this morning. Its call ‘The Autumn Leaf’ and it will fit into the New Adult Romance category. I think it’s going to be my favorite book so far!

3) You have several titles to your credit so what can you share about your writing routine? Is there a schedule that you feel you have to stick to in order to remain productive? Do you outline your novels? About how long does it generally take for you to finish a novel?

I released my first book in the summer of 2015, and I was on a roll. I put out 5 books in less than 2 years! I took a really long break, and finally put my 6th book out at the end of 2018.

I’m definitely back on track now. I write every day, even if I erase everything I wrote. That happens more than I would like to admit. I’m a planner when it comes to writing. I know how many chapters I will have, what will happen in each, and how long it will take me to write the book if I stay on track. Of course, I always hit a block! I wrote Hazed in 4 weeks. I wrote Carless, my first novel, in a year and a half. There are so many factors when it comes to writing and publishing. I wish every book was like Hazed!

4) Where do you draw from to get your ideas for your stories and the worlds and characters that you build and create for your readers? Have you ever had to deal with writer’s block and if so how did you move past it?

I have a habit of writing about real people and real problems. So many of my characters are based on me and what I was facing at the time, and how I wish I would have handled things. Of course, I change names, places, and problems, but I would say a lot of my books are based on real life.

Yes! I deal with writer’s block. I keep writing, but I can tell my work isn’t as good until I hit my next inspiration. I do a lot of erasing and fixing until it passes.

5) Have you had to deal a lot with rejection within your writing career and if so how did you deal with it? What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing in reference to traditional publishing versus self-publishing?

I’ve had to deal with some rejection. I read a lot about self-publishing vs. traditional when I first decided to publish, and I decided to go with self-publishing because I wanted the control over my books success and future. With Hazed, I sent it off to about 10 agents, and I only had 1 that was interested. That bruises your ego. I decided that I would still self-publish, but I took time off shortly after facing rejection with that series.

I think every author is different. Self-publishing is hard work, and it’s very expensive! Sometimes people don’t take you seriously, and unfortunately it’s impossible to make some best-selling lists now. However, I think it will make a comeback.

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

My biggest achievement to me personally is having Hazed become an Amazon Best Seller. It was huge to me!

I love writing, and I would do it every day even if it was just a hobby, but I would love to be able to become a full-time writer. Within the next five years, I may try again to pitch to traditional publishing.

7) What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you? What’s the first book you read that made you know that you could do this for a career? What book are you currently reading?

I feel like this answer is ALWAYS Twilight or Harry Potter. Mine was definitely Twilight.

I didn’t have a certain book that made me decide I could write it was so many books together. I loved the era of self-publishing, and the New Adult Pioneers, those few authors made it seem like it was possible for anyone.

I’m not reading anything at the moment, but I did just finish Verity. I highly recommend that book.

8) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work? Do you ever just sit down and curl up with your own book?

I totally get that! Some of my books make me feel awkward. I feel like I can’t read one without constantly thinking of what I could have done differently. Hazed is completely different though, I read that book all of the time. The Autumn Leaf looks like it will be the same way as well.

9) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

No, I don’t believe that. The awesome thing about the industry is that there are so many categories! I think anyone at any age can write a book and have someone fall in love with the story.

10) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

I agree completely with everything you said about writing! I’ve read a lot of reviews about my books that say they are “real life” and not enough fiction. That type of writing isn’t for everyone, unfortunately. I wish I could write a book that everyone in the world would like, but that has never been done before. I guess I take problems I see, and express them realistically. I write to grow, and I write to change things.