Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianne Gibson.
Hi Brianne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2016, I did something crazy. Or, at least, crazy for me.
I quit my very stable job to move across the country and start freelance writing. This was incredibly out of character for me. But I needed a change, and I couldn’t ignore this pressing call to write and try something new.
Over the years, I worked with amazing people in a variety of industries. I’ve written technical manuals, policies, procedures, blogs, training guides, property descriptions, magazine articles, and grants. I’ve worked with professionals in property management, fashion, photography, hospitality, recreation, government, non-profit, agriculture, health and fitness, childcare, and many other fields.
I also enjoyed incredible freedom and traveled while working remotely, from Thailand to Costa Rica to Scotland to all over the US. This kind of work allowed me to learn and grow in ways I wouldn’t have thought possible. That one act of courage—quitting my job with only hope and a dream—has fueled so many of my other goals and given me the confidence to chase other adventures.
Now, I’m pursuing a lifelong dream to be an author. I recently published my first picture book. It’s a silly little tale about a dinosaur and talking toots that’s guaranteed to make both kids and adults laugh! My current work in progress is a middle-grade fantasy novel. And, as all writers do, I have too many ideas to count stored in my files for future manuscripts.
I’m still in awe of my life today and how much is due to one little choice years ago!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think anything truly worth achieving comes easy. And while that’s been the case with my journey, I’ve been extremely blessed to have supportive friends and family along the way.
Some of the earlier challenges were internal. Periods of self-doubt were not uncommon. And when I shifted toward creative writing, imposter syndrome kicked in. This one can still be a struggle, but I find that simply sitting down and writing keeps the imposter syndrome at bay.
These days, though, the biggest challenge is time. As a mom of young kids, carving out space to write sometimes feels impossible. The creative energy is still there—it just has to compete with snack requests, nap schedules, house chores, non-stop “what-if” questions, Nerf wars, building LEGO cities, and a million other things. Finding time to write takes ninja-level skills. And my ninja skills are mediocre at best!
No, it’s not always easy. But it has absolutely been, and continues to be, worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a freelance writer by background, with years of experience creating written content for a variety of clients. Now, however, my heart is fully into pursuing my author goals.
I recently published my first picture book, “If Toots Could Talk,” which is a funny, slightly ridiculous bedtime story about dinosaurs and, yes, talking farts. Inspired by my son, who personified his toots one day, the story follows Dex the Dinosaur as he wonders what his toots would say if they could talk. It’s especially been a hit for little boys and their dads! It’s goofy, giggle-worthy, and a fun way to make reading time more engaging.
As for current projects, I’ve got a few exciting ones in the works. I’m in the editing stages of a middle-grade fantasy novel, and I’m working on refining the worldbuilding, story, and characters. I’ve also started an early chapter book about wild space adventures—something fun and imaginative to spark curiosity in young readers. And on the bigger-picture side, I’m slowly laying the groundwork for what I hope will one day become an epic fantasy series.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was very shy and quiet. At least, outside of the house. With family and at home, I had no problem being loud and weird!
In general, though, I was the classic quiet kid who always had her nose in a book. Usually ignoring whatever else was going on around me. One time, I forgot to bring a book on vacation…and I had to make do with reading cereal boxes and board game instructions instead. A little extreme, I know.
And I didn’t just read books. I edited them, too. Like, physically. I marked typos and errors with a pen in my actual books. This would probably horrify some people, but in my defense, it was kind of like foreshadowing. Looking back, it’s no surprise that writing and editing ended up being a big part of my future!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://briannegibson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannegibsonwrites/
- Other: https://www.threads.com/@briannegibsonwrites
