I’m currently writing full time. While I’m certainly not paying the bills with my books, I do feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue being an author. In addition to writing fiction, I started a food blog, A to Za’atar, which has taken me to some interesting places. 2016 has certainly been a unique year!
Before I started this year sabbatical, I used to work in higher education and miss being around students. I had a lot of pride in the industry and for the most part, loved working on a university campus.
I grew up with a love of reading that has never stopped. Starting with my first chapter book, Charlotte’s Web, I adored the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, as well as the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. However, above all other others, the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce had the largest impact on me (as a reader and a young woman). With Alanna (the protagonist in the series), suddenly there was this amazing young lady who was capable of all sorts of things. I also loved how the author did not shy away from more difficult and taboo topics and situations in a young adult novel. To this day, it remains one of my favorite series.
I think I’ve always been making up stories. I wrote my first chapter book when I was in 5th grade and haven’t looked back. Essentially, there has always been some voice of creativity lurking around and I’m exceedingly grateful for it. Manuscript ideas tend to come to me almost fully formed. I’ve got roughly three ideas at the moment which are simply percolating until I have a chance to write them out. As I’ve been writing novels for over a decade, it would feel weird not to be working on one.
Oh, I think there is a moment or scene in each of my books that is truly special, however, when I was writing the final book in my marching band series (The Line) there is a scene where a couple (who have been at odds throughout the books) finally have their moment together. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face while writing it.
My style hasn’t changed much in the over ten years I’ve been writing. For the most part, I would say my stories always deliver a happy ever after – although I might make it difficult for my characters for a time, there will be something positive at the end. I would also say that my books always ‘read fast.’ For example, the current young adult novel I’m working on looks to come in around 75,000 words (which is a bit long for the genre). However, I know it wouldn’t take someone long to read the book – that’s just my style. More than anything, I am trying to focus more on writing diversity – through inclusion of characters and simply being a more aware author, I know that everyone needs a voice in fiction and it’s important to include people of color and other cultures.
I’ve completely and thoroughly embraced it! As a rather voracious reader and with limited access to libraries here in the UAE, I can’t imagine my life without a Kindle. Similarly, for the books that I publish, I love being able to offer my writing at a reduced price and instantly available around the world. Ebooks allow reading practically anywhere and I’ve enjoyed being able to take multiple novels with me wherever I go.
When I was at university, I read about Nellie Bly (a rather progressive American reporter in the late 19th century). I found her life to be fascinating! If I had time, I’d love to do more research on her life.
The rough draft. I love having the absolute freedom to do whatever I want, with no repercussions. The rough draft is a wonderfully selfish document which is seen by no one other than me. Therefore, I can choose to write scenes that will probably be cut and work through moments that help develop my characters. The rough draft is a great time for me to get to know my novel. In other drafts, I can be especially hard on myself, so I love just writing to write.
There are many styles of writing in the world, but I’m what some would call a ‘pantzer.’ In fiction circles, this means I write by the seat of my pants. I’ve been fortunate that most of my protagonists have been strong ladies and it’s been easy to build a story around them. Generally, I start off writing a rough draft knowing only (where I think) things will end. In ensuing drafts, I will edit the story to a place that makes sense. I know it wouldn’t work for everyone, but it’s worked for me so far.
Aww! That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child. Of course, I think I would pick Ayah, who is from an unpublished adult novel of mine. She’s more or less a goddess among us, and incredibly intelligent and wealthy. More than anything, I would just want to follow her around (if she would let me).
My first character, Lucy Karate, is the most based on me, but after her they’ve all been a bit different. The characters fit the situations they are in. None of them are perfect, but they try the best they can.
I’m currently close to finalizing a new young adult steampunk series, which will focus on Queen Juliette, in the Queen of England: Coronation. This is the first book in a trilogy – I’ve finished the rough draft of the second book (Queen of England: Grand Tour) and am 20,000 words into the third book (untitled).
Ms. Brandt is proud to present The Line, and the additional novels in the complete series, A Fine Line, Keeping in Line, and The Line Up (available individually, or as a complete Anthology). Each of the lighthearted novels was created for high school students and alumni in marching band. As a former drum line member, Courtney enjoys bringing a fictional voice to band geeks all over the world and is patiently waiting for Hollywood to wake up and realize her books would make great (and financially successful) films or television series!
Courtney was proud to announce the release of her next book, Confessions of A Teenage Band Geek in Fall 2011 and her final YA marching novel, Major Pain, in the fall of 2012. She also is the sole manager of the successful Tumblr ‘marching arts photography’ account.
Courtney is looking forward to turning back to her YA roots as she works on a new steampunk series set in Victorian England. The Queen of England: Coronation and the follow up The Queen of England: Grand Tour are both works in progress Ms. Brandt hopes to share with the world in 2016. Additionally, Ms. Brandt would like to invite you to look into her two contemporary adult novels, Room 702, and Life After Joe, published under her pen name, Ann Benjamin.
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