I met Brandi a long time ago, over on Twitter, and over the years we managed to keep in touch. I was really happy when she said she would do an author interview as it gave me a chance to catch up with her. I hope you enjoy her interiew!
You published your first book, Caroline’s Lighthouse, in 2016. How do you think
the publishing landscape has changed since then?
With so many tools available for indie authors, I think more high-quality indie works are available than ever before. Now is the perfect time for authors to put out quality work as long as they don’t forgo the most important part—editing.
I published my first novel through Archway Publishing, which is fine for someone who
wants help. Taking on the process myself has been more fulfilling (and a lot less
expensive). After establishing my imprint for my second novel, Jordan’s Sister, I had
retained my rights to Caroline’s Lighthouse, so I republished the second edition with
Luminesce Publishing in 2018.
You write primarily Young Adult. How did you begin writing that genre? Do you
think you’ll write in a different genre, and if you do, what do you think it will be?
As a young adult, I read many novels that helped me navigate teenage angst. I write young adult because I want to provide that same enjoyment and help for readers (of any age). I wrote first drafts or notes about all of my published novels when I was between the ages of 13 and 18. The stories have been completely rewritten, but I’d like to think I accurately captured the teenage emotions I felt then. As an adult, I could flesh out the parents and other older characters.
Even now, at 43 years old, I still gravitate toward reading YA novels because they
represent a type of journey that just isn’t the same experience you get in other genres.
That being said, if I were to venture into another genre, it would be women’s
contemporary fiction. My second novel, Jordan’s Sister, and my fifth novel, When Does
Life Begin?, are New Adult novels that lean heavily into women’s fiction.
How much of the work that goes into publishing do you do yourself, like
formatting, cover design, and editing? Do you like all aspects of it? What is your
favorite part?
I am almost a one-woman show with my company, Luminesce Publishing. I handle all the writing, editing, formatting, and cover design. Fortunately, I have a day job in content marketing, so I write and edit weekly. Before that, I worked in higher education marketing for 17 years, writing, editing, and managing some graphic design projects.
I have a team of wonderful beta readers who review the second drafts of my
manuscripts. A dear friend who is a professional photographer has helped with a few of
my author headshots and offered graphic design advice. My amazing husband is a tech
guy who helps with website troubleshooting.
You read a lot. How do you balance your reading time and your writing time?
Reading is my favorite hobby and lifeline. I read in waiting rooms, during my lunch break, while walking on the treadmill (because it’s boring otherwise!), and before bed to relax. Reading a lot makes me a better writer. My writing time is separate. I typically hit my writing stride between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. weeknights and late afternoons on Sundays.
What do you think is the hardest part of publishing and what do you do to make
this part manageable/affordable/profitable?
Selling myself and my work is the hardest part for me. I can praise others’ work all day,
but I clam up when I try to tell someone how awesome my books are. I’m proud of my
work, so I plan to work harder on advertising in 2025.
This year, I plan to beef up my website, discuss my writing with colleagues and friends,
and attend more author events. Since I have very little to devote to advertising, I must
make the limited funds count.
Your books are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. How did you decide to enroll in KU
and not publish your books wide?
I love Kindle Unlimited because I have discovered so many great authors (including you, Vania!), both indie and traditionally published, through the platform. My paperbacks are published wide, but I was okay with keeping the e-books available exclusively through KU.
[My note: Brandi is the whole reason why I re-edited my Rocky Point Series. She reached out and said she was reading them, and I had a “Oh, crap!” moment. Thanks for the nudge, Brandi! The books are better for it. :)]
What’s next for you in 2025?
I plan to populate my publishing company website with writing, editing, and publishing tips for indie authors. Although I’ve owned the domain since 2018, I didn’t do much with the site until earlier this year. Eventually, I plan to open submissions for poetry and short stories to be included in an anthology. It might be 2026 before that happens!
I am also almost finished writing my sixth novel, tentatively titled Four Hearts. The
planned publication date is December 10, 2025, my mom’s birthday.
Thanks, Brandi! I really appreciate your time! It sounds like you have a lot going on in the next little while, and I wish you nothing but the best of luck!
You can follow Brandi here:
Blog: caniscareyou.com
Website: luminescepublishing.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B075DXYBHB
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16102161.Brandi_Easterling_Collins
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BEC.caniscareyou
Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you have a great week!
Until next time!
Vania Margene Rheault 