Book Title(s): The Summer That Dried My Tears
Website URL: http://www.clbrownauthor.com/
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What is your backstory? How did you find your calling?
I found my love for writing during middle school. I had a teacher in 6th grade that really fostered that love within me by making writing fun. Each day she had fun prompts for us to write and our papers were based on very creative topics. I started writing The Summer That Dried My Tears during the 7th grade because I enjoyed writing and letting my creative side out.
What do you enjoy the most about what you do?
In my everyday writing, I enjoy informing people and helping people with their everyday issues. In my creative writing, I love to let my thoughts flow and let out a little known side of me. If someone can get enjoyment from my book, then that gives me the most joy.
What is your latest book about? What inspired you to write it?
My latest book is called The Summer That Dried My Tears. I started writing this book in middle school and it was always a dream of mine to finish writing it. I put my nose to the grindstone for the last two years and accomplished my goal! It is about a young woman and her journey to escape her current dismal reality. She ends up discovering parts of herself she’d never known and finding love. My main inspirations for this book came from listening to music and just letting it guide my thoughts and see where it would take me.
What’s your greatest achievement to date? Why are you proud of it?
I’ve accomplished some great things like getting a Bachelor’s degree, but writing this book is truly my greatest accomplishment to date. It took me a very long time and a lot of dedication to complete this book and it was a childhood dream. Many times I thought it would be just that, a dream. However, I put the work into it in the last couple of years and spent many hours writing in between my busy daily life. I’m very proud of accomplishing this dream of mine and it really goes to show you can accomplish whatever you really put your mind to. I hope to set an example for other aspiring writers and authors, children, and adults alike that you can do it!
Who has inspired you the most on your journey?
Authors like Erin Hunter and Colleen Houck are my inspiration to write in this genre and fostered my love for a similar writing style. Erin Hunter was the first author that really captured my heart and won me over with the Warriors series. They instilled a joy of reading in me that made me want to bring others joy in the same way.
Who would you love to meet one day and why?
I would love to meet Cesar Millan because I am an aspiring dog trainer and behaviorist. I’ve read some of his books and would love to speak with him in person and gain his wisdom.
What do you wish someone told you before you became an entrepreneur/business owner/author?
I wish I would’ve known how much work went into finishing a book and getting it ready for the world. However, that knowledge may have scared me away from finishing the book as there really is a ton of behind the scenes work that goes into it. I also wish I would’ve known a bit more about self-publishing earlier so I wouldn’t have wasted my time sending things to book agents to never hear back.
What advice would you like to give others who are on the same or similar journey as you?
Make time to write and commit yourself to finishing what you start. It has to become like a second job to you so you are fully invested in it. Also, pinpoint how you work best and use it to your advantage. Creating a special space to do your writing can also help. My main point is just never give up on your dream. If I can do it, you can too.
What’s the best piece of advice that you have received recently?
I haven’t really received a big gem of wisdom from anyone recently, but my advice would be that you can do a lot of work yourself on a self-published book. It takes time, but you can teach yourself to create your own graphics, your own cover, format your own document, etc. It saves you money and lets you continue your own creativity.
What’s next for you?
Next, I will be marketing my book and creating more e-books for my pet sitting and dog training clients in my daily business. I will also be meeting fans for book signings and enjoying seeing my book bring joy to people.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself writing more, building a house on my farm, growing my pet sitting and training business, and starting a family with my husband.
What can we catch you doing when you’re not working/writing?
When I’m not working or writing, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family, training my mini horse and donkey, playing video games, and singing in community choir.
What book impacted your life the most and why?
The book that impacted me the most and was the catalyst for my love of reading and writing was A Dangerous Path by Erin Hunter. It is book five in the first arc of the Warriors series. The reason this book really impacted me is that it was the first book that made me cry. I wanted to continue reading and getting invested with characters and peeking into new worlds. For a young reader, we all know the importance of fostering a love for reading and that love helped me become a better reader and helped in my education indefinitely.
What are three random facts about you?
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I played the violin for seven years.
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People don’t often peg me as a gamer, but I play a lot of video games with my husband.
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I used to show dairy cattle at our local fair.
What is your favorite quote?
My mother’s favorite poem is an anonymous one called Don’t Quit. I have grown to love this one too. It has almost become a family poem for all of the times we’ve had to power through something or kept going through hard times.
What are your final thoughts that you would like to share with us?
It is so exciting to be at this point. Sometimes, you just don’t think you will make it this far until you do. I’m very grateful for everyone that has helped me get this far.
