Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Vallance.
Hi Brandy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I come from a long line of storytellers. As a child, I was surrounded by tales of the odd and unexplained and what it means to be human. My grandfather stretched my imagination by taking me out on the roof and telling me legends as we looked at the stars. My eccentric southern aunt had boxes full of romance novels, and every time I’d visit her, she’d let me have my pick. My father steeped me in supernatural stories of the South, and he had a flair for the dramatic. With this upbringing, I only naturally wanted to tell my own stories. When my son was six months old, I was dealing with postpartum depression, and I began writing my first novel. This became a rescue. Stories have a way of saving your life, and that’s why I still do what I do. From simple escapism to deep literary themes, fiction can give someone the hope they need to go on. Because I felt such joy while writing, I wondered if I could make a career of it. I started attending writers’ conferences and took a writing apprenticeship. Shortly after, I was hired by a magazine. In 2009, I entered a writing contest and started getting some traction. In 2013, I won two national writing awards and received my first book contract. Since then, I’ve been a writing coach, story consultant, and publishing specialist for an international ministry. This year, I’ve had the opportunity to dive into the world of being a literary agent, and I’m looking forward to helping as many writers as possible.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Not at all! It took me fourteen years and eleven drafts to publish my first book. I also attended more than 50 writers’ conferences and did a lot of continuing education. Traditional publishing comes with much rejection, so you must have patience, faith in a larger plan, and a thick skin.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love to encourage other writers! My fondest memories are from teaching other writers to overcome fear and self-doubt. I love exploring metaphor, color psychology, and different ways to heighten the reader’s experience.
We’d love to hear about your fond memories from growing up.
I was walking in the woods with my dad and experiencing the “thin places” of the world. He taught me never to lose the wonder in life, and that’s a value I’m trying to keep.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brandyvallance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandyvallanceauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBrandyVallance
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandyVallance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theteahouse-bookswritinghi1640
