Indie Author Spotlight, Episode 21

Hello! It's me (again). S.E. Reed, your favorite multi-genre Indie Author and volunteer at The Writer's Workout. Okay, so maybe I'm not your favorite, but I am an Indie Author who has made it her mission to help you find out more about others like me. Each of these episodes features a Q&A-style interview with an Indie Author so you can get to know more about them and their writing. In addition, some of the authors have chosen to participate in a 2nd interview on my website, Writing With Reed, which I'll link at the end.

On today's episode, we are speaking with Brit Allen. I was so excited to meet with Brit because I always love talking to authors who are as passionate about writing as I am. Brit is one of those people who is a born creative and was always destined to be a writer. Also, Brit is a cat person. And I love people who include their pets in their social promos. As some of you might know, I often include my dog in my book pictures. Anyway, I know you'll enjoy getting to know Brit as much as I have. Enjoy!

Brit, thanks again for meeting with me to do this interview. Please tell us about yourself.

I’ve always been a storyteller. From childhood, I remember creating elaborate stories with my dolls and stuffed animals. They were so specific and thought out that when my sister or friends played with me and got the “script” wrong, I’d get upset! 

I think it’s only natural that my storytelling nature soon turned to writing. By middle school, I was writing short stories for my friends, which, by high school, turned into mini novels. All I could think about was my stories. All I wanted to be was a writer. I wrote constantly, with a vigor that only a teenager can have. These were stories I only shared with my friends and my sister. They were stories I wrote specifically for them, and are some of my best stories because of the love that crafted them. 

By college, I was certain of my career path, which is why I got a degree in English. I wanted to learn from the master storytellers themselves, as well as get feedback on my own writing so I could improve. 

I’ve continued writing since graduating college and am pleased to say that I was able to publish my first book, Haunted House, in 2024, and am continuing to write more books to come. 

Though I enjoy the medium of writing, ultimately, it’s the love of storytelling that drives me, especially as a queer, nonbinary person with a unique perspective of the world that doesn’t always get told. I believe that storytelling is the best way to connect with each other in a way that no other medium can offer.  

When I’m not writing though, I love spending time with my wife, Lindsay, reading, contemplating the human condition, listening to Hozier, and playing with my children (both cats), Abbie and Dorothy. 

Tell us about your writing style.

I’m a bit of an eclectic writer! I currently have a poetry book published, but I also write novels, sketches, and short films. I’m currently in the process of editing a young adult fantasy novel, though that’s not the only genre I’m interested in. I’m not led by genre or the age of my audience, but by the stories themselves. If a story comes to me, I’m not worried about making it fit my brand, but about the best way to tell the story. I don’t want to be boxed into one thing! I want to be able to explore all types of genres and dig up how each story needs to be told. 

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and link it. 

The project I’m proudest of is my debut book, Haunted House! Although it’s a poetry book, it still tells a story, with each poem leading into the next, like chapters in a novel. This book is about trauma and healing from trauma, using the ghosts as metaphors for the horrors that haunt us, while the haunted house symbolizes our bodies, minds, and souls. Even though the book is very personal, and based on my own traumatic experiences, my hope is that it can be read universally, and people can face their own ghosts after reading it. In the end, I want it to help readers explore the fears that fester inside of them that prevent them from living, but, by the end, still believe that growth and healing are possible so long as we have hope. 

You can purchase Haunted House here. 

Spill the tea, what are you currently working on?

An easier question would be what I’m not working on! I’d say my main project is a YA fantasy novel. I’m currently in the initial editing stage, which is a bit brutal. I’m so grateful to have a friend/writing partner who does line edits on my work. She has been a tremendous help throughout this process, and I’ve learned so much from her. She’s a fantastic editor too, so if you’re in need of someone, you can follow her @bookbabcia. If you’re reading this, thank you Hannah! 

As for the story itself… I don’t want to give too much away! What I will say, is it’s about a trans teenager who is swept away to a magical world, where she learns to be confident in who she is. The story explores themes of identity, growth, healing, and home (sensing a theme in my writing yet?). My goal with this book isn’t to write a coming out story, though those books are important, but to tell a story that all teenage girls can relate to, while still being specific to the trans experience. And dragons. I really love dragons.  

What is your biggest/best piece of advice for other Indie Authors?

“Simple is still doing.” I recently heard that phrase from a friend, and it’s really stuck with me. As Indie Authors, it’s really easy to get stuck in the “grind” and “hustle” of this business. We always think we should be doing more, doing better, doing bigger, but that’s the path to burnout. We all want to be successful, but the real success is enjoying the craft and telling your story. You don’t need to be online all the time. You don’t need to be constantly promoting. You can just exist and write your stories. Simple is still doing. 

Who is your favorite Indie Author? 

I have two! Vick-Ann Bush and Shwa Laytart. Both are incredible writers, and, I’m so lucky to say, personal mentors! I met them through my local indie writer community, and they have been the biggest supporters and kindest people. I’ve honestly learned so much from them, AND they are both FANTASTIC writers, which is a bonus. Vicki-Ann mostly writes YA fantasy and Shwa is a poet, so if either of those are your jam, then they are must-read authors for you! Please check them both out on Instagram @vickiannbush and @shwavantpop. Shwa and his wife, Sugar, also own an online bookstore and are an independent publishing house, so please check out @avantpopbooks as well! 

Where can someone find your work, social presence, etc. drop some links. 

You can find me on Instagram @b.allenbooks, where I post poems and book signing information. You can also check out my website britallenbooks.com for more! 

If you want to learn more about Brit, check out the 2nd interview I did with them over on my website - https://www.writingwithreed.com/post/bonus-episode-with-brit-allen