Brittany L. Coley is a freelance writer native to Indianapolis, Indiana. She earned a Bachelors Degree from Indiana University in 2017. She writes creatively for Notes On Life, a blog of short notes based around social justice issues, as well as random jots about life. She hosts a podcast of the same name that can be found on Google Play, iTunes iHeart Radio and Spotify. She is a homeschooling mother of four. Exceedingly Above is her first published work.

Interview:

1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?

Exceedingly Above is a memoir I started writing in 2014. At the time, my children were in foster care. I was also having personal faith struggles in my walk with Christ, because of the injustice I felt I had faced while going through that process. As time passed, I continued to face issues that prevented me from writing, but as I worked through the healing process, I wrote more. I finished my manuscript on New Years Day 2018, keeping the promise to myself that I would not go into 2019 without the book being done.

2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?

The personal challenge I face as a writer is fighting against what I perceive as society's judgment of me for choosing to follow what I feel is my calling, versus providing for myself and my children. As a single parent, choosing to write versus working to make enough money is a tough choice.

3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

The most difficult part of my artistic process is giving myself the permission I need to get into my creative space. It involves shutting others out for an extended amount of time. 

4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

Not sure how to answer this one!

5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

Actually, publishing my first book helped me get a grasp on what my process is. I learned not to be so hard on myself!

6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?

Sure! I have two unfinished books. One is about American racism and the importance of redefining it, and the other is a book about raising boys to be men in a world that is increasingly anti-Christian and anti-male.

7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I paid two people for a review of my book, so I am not sure if the feedback I've received is unbiased. But I've only received good reviews so far.

8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

This is an excellent question! Absolutely I do. I hide the information in plain sight but write it in a way that only those who know, KNOW. I have yet to hear anyone point out those "secrets" in their review of my book, but I am confident that one day, I will.

9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I do not have any other friends/associates who actually write seriously. This has been something that has made my writing journey more lonely and difficult.

10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Nothing. Looking back, I think I may have failed to learn the lessons and appreciate the process and struggle I had to embrace had I known it would lead to writing a book. I would have focused on the wrong things.

11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Not sure I have enough time in the game to answer this question.

12. What’s the best way to market your books?

I'm still trying to figure this out. Facebook has been working for advertising so far. If I could pay someone to do it for me, I would!

13. What is your favorite childhood book?

I loved Nancy Drew as I grew up. It was my first introduction to mystery, my favorite genre to this day. As a younger child, I loved the Berenstein Bears, as well as Amelia Bedelia. That girl couldn't catch a break!

Social Media:

INSTAGRAM: @bcoleysmiles

TWITTER: BrittanyLColey

Website Link to book: BrittanyLColey.net