Tell us a little about yourself
BB. Russell is a YA author who has her debut novel Kindreds on the shelf now. In addition to being a writer, I am an avid reader of all genres, mom of three, wife, therapist, educator, and dog lover! When I’m not writing, I can be found at one of my kids’ sporting events, sitting with a good book on my deck, or watching the newest thriller or YA rom-com on Netflix.
Why Do you write?
I write because I have to. I love it! Ever since I was little you could find me with a pen in my hand. Writing helps me be creative, get my emotions out, think things through, and lets my imagination run wild. I find myself when I am writing.
What genre do you write and Why did you pick this genre?
I write young adult books. I tell everyone, I didn’t pick YA, it picked me. When I sat down to write Kindreds, the story that kept coming was one of 16-year-old Lilah. I tried to write other things, but couldn’t. So, I wrote the story that my heart wanted to tell.
Tell us about your book
In this book, sixteen-year-old, Lilah, must decide if she should follow her heart and newfound love into Carnival Nolianna, a secret, disappearing world run only by foster children that is recruiting new members, or if she will listen to her head and follow the clues that Nolianna may not be what it seems. When Sebastian, the future leader of Nolianna sets his sights on having her join the carnival, she may not even have a choice! With time ticking away and a few kindred spirits to help her through, Lilah must decide if love is enough to keep her and Joey together in Nolianna, or if she can rely on what she knows to be true and save them from disappearing for good.
How much time do you dedicate to your author career?
I squeeze in time whenever I can. Being an author is more than just writing. It is also about taking time to read and figuring out what works (and doesn’t) in a storyline. It also means a lot of hours creating new material that will never see the light of day. It takes time to edit, rework, and sometimes even completely start over when a plot isn’t working. As an author, I also spend time researching, meeting people, working in critique groups, surfing social media for the newest trends in books, and networking. Some weeks I spend a few hours and others, a lot more! It is hard to quantify, but being an author is not for the faint of heart! Like all things, it takes time, devotion, and perseverance.
How long on average does it take you to write your books?
My first book took 9 years until publication. I have a few others that I have written that have taken 1-2 years. Now that I am published, my goal is to write one book a year.
What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?
The best money I ever spent was on Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. It has some invaluable advice about writing the first draft that I remind myself of almost weekly! The second best thing was on a membership to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Lastly, an investment in my career as an author came when I attended a weekend workshop for children’s book authors put on by a well-known literary agency. Each of these investments contributed to my craft and being an author.
What is the most difficult part of being an author?
I think the most difficult part of being an author is putting my work in the world and waiting for feedback. It is difficult to be vulnerable and share something near to my heart, and then wait for others to share what they liked and didn’t about my writing.
What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors?
WRITE, and then KEEP WRITING. Don’t be afraid to edit and cut. Network and meet people.
What is your favorite book?
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
Follow B. B. Russell:
bbrussellauthor@gmail.com
www.instagram.com/bbrussellauthor
www.facebook.com/bbrussell
www.twitter.com/bbrussellauthor
