Meet author Brandy Bruce

Brandy Bruce is a wife, mother, book editor, author, and someone who really loves dessert! She makes her home in small-town Virginia with her husband and three children.

Tell us about your newest book.

Just One Spark is the third and final book in my series that began with The Last Summer. Each book stands alone, however, so it’s fine to pick one up without having read the others. Just One Spark is my first novel with a male main character, but I’ve been surprised by how relatable he is for all of us. For anyone whose life has not gone according to plan, whose dreams keep derailing, who feels like everyone else is getting ahead while you’re living in reverse or at a full stop—this story is for you.

What inspired you to write Just One Spark?

I honestly thought The Last Summer would be a one-and done kind of story. However, the characters in that story kept speaking to me and I realized that there was more to explore. After having written After the Rain (the second book in the series), I was so invested in Jason Garcia’s character that I felt he warranted his own book.

How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?

For Jason Garcia, it’s always one step forward, three steps back. Nothing seems to come easy. When one night of celebrating with friends goes a little too far, Jason’s future changes in a blink. Everything he knew about himself is thrown into question as he struggles to meet the challenges he’s facing. But if there’s one thing he’s sure of, it’s that backing down is not in his nature and giving up isn’t an option.

What genre do you focus on?

I write inspirational women’s fiction with a dose of romance. I describe it that way because romance is never my main priority; my focus is character growth. But I’m sucker for romance and happy endings, so if a relationship is part of my main character’s storyline, all the better!

Why do you write?

I’ve loved writing since childhood; it stems from my love of reading. A good story—whether it’s in book form or film or even a song—inspires me. Once the idea of a story starts to grow in me, I have to write it down.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Jason Garcia’s name is borrowed from my cousin Jason Cavazos! The story is all about family and he has a slew of cousins in his life. This comes from my own life and my family. In fact, the book dedication is For My Cousins, Familia es todo. (Family is everything.)

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

Some authors are good about writing every day. But I really struggle to write unless I’m inspired. So if suddenly I have a burst of inspiration, I’ll stop everything and write, maybe staying up all night!

What is the hardest part of being an author?

Marketing. I just want to write, but you have to be diligent about building your platform and trying to find readers.

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

The best part is holding one of my books in my hands. Every time, it feels like an actual dream come true.

What’s one unusual fact about you?

I’m passionate about book clubs. Reading and getting together with friends to discuss is one of my favorite things.

How have you changed or grown as a writer?

I think every writer can look back at their first books and can and should be able to see growth from that point. For one thing, we learn from every experience. For example, I know more about pacing and sentence structure than I did when I first began. Culture changes, language changes—these things affect writing because we need to be able to speak to our audience in ways that will reach them.

What is your favorite pastime?

Is napping an option? Ha! But seriously, with three children, life is hectic over here. When I can get some time to myself, I like to read or watch period films.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

Yes! I’ve mentioned the other books connected to Just One Spark, but I also have a collection of books about an Italian family, The Romano Family Collection. And I’ve written two holiday novellas I’m so excited about. Both are loosely connected to my book collections but can stand on their own. A Merry Little Christmas and A Holly Jolly Christmas.

What are you working on now?

I’m on a little bit of a writing break at the moment. I’m also a freelance editor and have a couple of book projects coming on the horizon. I needed some breathing space after the hectic pace of last year. But there are a few ideas niggling at my brain, and when inspiration hits, I’ll dive in!

Website:

Link to book: https://a.co/d/eDaW6Nw

Social media links: www.authorbrandybruce.com

www.instagram.com/alittlebitofbrandy

www.facebook.com.authorbrandybruce