There are so many wonderful things about the #Boostagram community, but one of my favorite things is connecting with fellow authors, especially ones that are on this indie-publishing journey like I am! It’s so fun and such a blessing to have people that you can talk about writing with, sharing story ideas, progress updates, encouragement, and more. I’ve made several author friends like this now, but my most recent one is B. R. Goodwin. This lovely lady reached out to me about reading her book a little over a month ago now. I had never heard of her or her book, so I visited her website and what I saw and read really peaked my interest. I told her I would be happy to read her book, then she told me she was reading and loving my book, and the rest is history! We’ve connected with each other so well and so quickly, and she’s already such a great author friend to have!
Brianna (that’s what the “B” in B. R. Goodwin stands for!) graciously agreed to answer some author interview questions for me to share with you all today. Keep reading below for Briana’s answers–I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did! ☺️
Author Interview: B. R. Goodwin
Hi, Brianna! Thanks so much for joining me on the blog today! Can you tell readers who don’t know you yet a little about yourself?
Hi! Thanks so much for asking me to participate! I’m originally from Georgia, which is where I met my husband, Lawrence, during our first year of college. We have three REALLY active, but precious kids (2 boys and a girl). I have a BA in Fine Art Photography and Religion and have spent most of my life in some form of women’s ministry. I LOVE hiking, painting with watercolors, and drinking coffee/hot tea.
When/how did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
So, I have always loved writing. My parents probably have my homemade childhood books (bound with construction paper covers and string) stored in some box deep in their basement. My husband encouraged me for years to write a book, but it always felt like I didn’t have the time/the story/the experience (insert valid excuses) to really make it happen. When the Air Force moved our family from our home of five years in Utah and my job as a women’s director for a small church plant, I was quite suddenly thrown into a tiny Missouri town at the brink of the pandemic. I had limited community with other believers and more time than I had ever had before… Which led to What Remains in the Wilderness. It felt like a gift from the Lord during a really lonely, isolating time.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I write really organically–with small plans in mind, but never whole conversations mapped out. I love when something I planted in the beginning as a mystery comes together naturally as I write towards the end. When things fall into place it creates such a rush of excitement to keep going. I also love researching and choosing character names. I try to be really intentional about meanings and the way character names sound in regards to their personalities.
What kind of environment do you enjoy writing in the most? Do you like to listen to music or have a favorite snack on hand?
COFFEE. I hate to sound predictable, but it’s my go to “let’s get a job done” treat. I have a small office that I really love to hole up in, with my kids usually making lots of noise outside of it.
How did you come up with the idea for your book, What Remains in the Wilderness?
This may sound crazy, but the first line of the book “Running. Would we ever stop running?…” kept playing through my head. It just felt like this little, tiny idea that took root in my brain and wouldn’t leave me alone until I wrote it down. As I began that first chapter I knew I wanted to write realistic characters that readers could see themselves in.
Do you have a favorite character that you’ve written? (I know that’s like making you pick a favorite child!)
YES!!! I really adore Rachel in What Remains. She’s such a compilation of so many women in my own life who have poured into me spiritually.
On a totally teaser note: My favorite character to date is a new character I’ve written into book 2 (Sequel to What Remains in the Wilderness). I can’t wait for readers to meet and love him too.
We authors find ourselves researching some pretty weird or random things… What is the most interesting or strange thing you learned while researching one of your books?
This one made me laugh out loud. I did an extensive deep dive into homemade greenhouses for research into What Remains. I probably couldn’t regurgitate all of the info, but I wanted to make sure the vision of Vala’s greenhouse was believable.
Do you have a favorite memory from when you were writing one of your books?
Okay total confession time: In the beginning of What Remains, there’s a pretty big mystery planted early on that I had NO IDEA where I was going with it. Absolutely. No. Idea. When I finally connected the plot to that particular story line I flipped out! My husband worked super late that night and I nearly tackled him when he walked through the door to tell him I’d finally done it!
What is your favorite quote from your book?
This is from my favorite section in the book… In Vala’s greenhouse. Short and sweet.
“… Something beautiful will come of it all.”
What is the main takeaway you hope readers will walk away with after reading your book?
I hope they’ll see that following Christ is neither easy, nor a fluid line of complete and absolute faith. Sometimes following after Jesus is messy and scary, and doubt may wiggle it’s way into the believer’s heart, but God. BUT GOD, is good & faithful, and has given believers full assurance through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is where our hope and our boldness lives. When everything else is stripped away, his promises remain.
What is next on the writing horizon for you?
A SEQUEL!!! I’m deep into sequel writing right now on book 2 of What Remains and hoping to have release dates soon. Otherwise I have two more stand alone novels I’ve slowly been planning and a long term project that I write on frequently, but am not sure how to release just yet.
What is your best piece of advice for someone considering writing a book, or someone who is already writing and dreaming of publishing?
JUST do it! Just write, even if it feels like no one will read it. A creative needs to create, regardless of the audience or the reception of that creation. If you have a story inside, don’t allow it to fizzle because of self-doubt. That vulnerability will surely shine through your writing.
When Vala’s family is deemed a threat to society by the government, her life is dramatically shifted from that of a normal seventeen-year-old girl, to a life on the run. Along with a small group of friends, she embarks on a journey to find her captured brother and learns to trust the one who has seemingly led her through the wilderness all along.
About the Author
B.R. Goodwin is an author, artist, wife, and mother to three. She has a Bachelor’s in Fine Art and a minor in Religion from Georgia Southern University. Originally from Georgia, she is most at home in the mountains with her family. A lifelong love for storytelling and women’s ministry has evolved into a passion to help encourage women to use a bold voice for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Don’t Forget to follow B. R. Goodwin on Social Media!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrgoodwin/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrgoodwin
