Brittainy Cherry: “It’s a beautiful thing to be able to see yourself or others that you know in the pages of novels.”

Aurora: What was your inspiration behind The Wreckage of Us?

I wanted to tell a story that took place in a small town that was unknown to most of the world, and show what life was like in a place that most people overlooked. With that, I wanted to tell a story about individuals who were trying to escape that small town life and venture into something bigger—cue Ian’s band, The Wreckage. He had big dreams, and his hometown was too small to hold them. So, I wanted to create a love story about a small town love that was on a mission to grow big together.

What character in this novel do you most relate to and why?

I think Hazel Stone is so relatable to me. From her hermit crab ways, to the way she looks out for her family. Her core values line up perfectly with mine: a person always looks out for their family—even during the hard times. Hazel has a heart that I sometimes wish I, too, could have. She loves fully and cares deeply for those she holds close.

Why do you feel novels with powerful and unique characters are so popular and have such a voice right now?

I feel novels with powerful and unique characters are so popular right now because even within their uniqueness, we as human beings are able to see parts of ourselves in those characters. We are drawn to things that seem different, and when we get up close on the storylines, we are normally able to relate in ways we never thought possible. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to see yourself or others that you know in the pages of novels. It makes the world a bit more close, in my mind.

Please describe the content of your latest read and what can readers expect from it.

My last read was The Dugout, by Meghan Quinn! When I need a good book with laughter and swoon factor, Quinn is one of my go-to! Especially after I finish writing an angsty storyline. From The Dugout, you can expect laugh out loud moments followed by your heart skipping beats. Carson is a lead hero that I love so very much.

What’s next for you in the books world?

You know, I’ve been doing this writing thing for seven years now, so I am going to give myself the grace and adventure of trying new things. I’m going to dive into different genres, just to give myself a chance to try something new and to challenge myself! Who knows if I’ll ever publish said books, but it will be so fun and exciting to try new things! Of course, I’ll see have my romance novels, too, because love stories are what I live for day in and day out.

Who is your current favorite writer? Why?

I go through waves! But I’ve been on a Vi Keeland kick lately, and I don’t see that changing any time soon. She’s fabulous and her novels flow effortlessly to me.

Any writing advice for aspiring writers? 

Find your voice, and only change it for yourself. You don’t have to be like any other author as long as you stay true to yourself. Study the greats, only to make your own work stronger. Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write. Figure out the rules and break the ones that cage you in. Try. Fail. Try again. Don’t let anyone tell you that your dreams are impossible. Don’t stop when it gets hard, keep pushing yourself for growth. Try different techniques until one gels with your style. Get great beta readers who are equal parts kind and critical. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You’re your only competition: be better than you were yesterday. And then? Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write. You got this, dream, friend. And you’re doing great.

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