In 2005, when Brittani Williams discovered her unbound imagination and creativity, and the escapism rooted in great literature, she completed her first manuscript, Automatic Princess, later titled Daddy’s Little Girl; it’s her bestselling book to date. Within four months of her completed manuscript, she was signed to a two-book deal with Q-boro Books in 2007.
That same year, she contributed to two anthology projects, Fantasy (Urban Lifestyle Press) and Flexin’ & Sexin’ (Life Changing Books). With the release of her sophomore novel, Sugar Walls, she had four projects in circulation, all released in the same year.
In 2010, the sequel, Black Diamond 2: Nicety was released. Working nonstop, she made her directorial debut by June that year with the stage play adaptation of one of her bestselling novels, Black Diamond. In addition to directing, Brittani also wrote and produced Black Diamond the stage play; which successfully debuted to a sold out audience of over 700 on its opening night.
She won the 2015 Book of the Year at the Philadelphia Hip Hop Awards and just this year she snagged the 2016 graphic designer of the Year from the Urban Book, Authors, & Writers of America organization.
On the heels of her successful stage play, Williams signed a three-book deal with publisher Urban Books for Cover Girl, Black Diamond 3, and Hell on Heels, to rave reviews. In 2016, she teamed up with urban writing legend Carl Weber and released the novel Kingpins Philadelphia. At an impressively young age, Williams has sold several hundred thousand books, is currently writing a cookbook, has founded Dare2bee Dramatic Publishing, and works as the lead graphic designer at her highly successful graphics company TSPub Creative, making her a force to be reckoned with.
Recently, this powerhouse teamed up with reality star and singer Teairra Mari to bring awareness to mental health issues in their new book, Eye Candi.
Read what she has to say.
What inspired you to write your first book?
When I was in the seventh grade we were given an assignment to write a short script. After completing that assignment, I realized I had the gift to create stories that could help me escape my own world. I’ve always been grateful for that teacher and assignment. I even thanked her in my first published novel.
Do you have a specific writing style? My writing style is extremely raw and fast-paced?
When I read a novel of any sort, I need constant action to keep me entertained therefore, I write the stories I’d like to read. Trust me, there is rarely a dull moment in any of my novels.
What books have most impacted your life (or life as an author)?
Ironically, there aren’t many fiction titles I would say have impacted my life. There are however, many non-fiction works that have impacted my life tremendously. To narrow it down to a few, I’d say: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, The Woman Thou Art Loosed Holy Bible by T.D. Jakes, and The Power of Broke by Daymond Johnson. I have grown to truly appreciate books that help me grow as a person, so these three are definitely my top 3.
What books are you currently reading? Why this author?
Most recently, I stumbled across The One Week Budget by Tiffany Aliche. I saw the book floating around my social media new feeds and decided to give it try. She also has a really catchy moniker, “The Budgetnista”. I haven’t read anything else by this author, but I would definitely pick up more of her work.
What new authors have piqued your interest?
Since I run my own publishing company called Dare2Bee Dramatic Publishing, I’m always keeping my eyes open for new authors. There are a few authors that have caught my attention. LaDonna Robinson is a new author who has an amazing gift when it comes to character building. She really makes you feel as if you know the characters personally. Her stories are very detailed. She doesn’t rush the storyline, but manages to keep you entertained even when the story slows down. Saleem V. is also a new author who is a great storyteller. His style of writing is multi-faceted. He has very a descriptive writing style that pulls you into the story. Shalonda “SJ” Johnson is a new author with a writing style that focuses on imagery and descriptive language to complete the narrative. She employs a lot of action to keep readers locked in.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your latest work?
I wouldn’t change anything. With every book, if I read it one hundred times, I would change something each time. I realized a long time ago that in my eyes, they would never be perfect. I think if you get complacent there isn’t any room for growth. Being uncomfortable is what makes me tick.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing or coming up with a concept for your book?
The only thing I find challenging is writing the more intimate scenes. The reason I say that is because I never want it to appear repetitive. When you’ve written countless scenes that essentially are the same, you have to find creative ways to make them different.
What was the hardest part of completing this project?
The hardest part for me was letting go. I have a bit of OCD when it comes to a final draft on anything I write. I wanted this story to be my best work, which made it hard to complete. I wanted people to see the growth in my writing and walk away from this book feeling like it was the best book they’ve ever read. The pressure of working with a celebrity didn’t make it easy either.
What advice would you give other writers?
The best advice I can give is to always read, always work on mastering your skills, and never give up. There will always be people who don’t particularly like your work, but everything isn’t for everyone. Make sure you give it your all and remain confident.
Describe the process in getting published?
It really depends on the route you choose to go. If you want to go the traditional route you will pretty much always need an agent. The majority of the major publishing houses won’t review unsolicited manuscripts. If this is the case, you will need to search for an agent and follow their submission guidelines. Once you sign with an agent,they will submit your work to publishers and negotiate on your behalf. There are some publishers that don’t require the need of an agent, but you have to search for them. When I was looking for a publisher, I would always look in the back of books to see if the publisher’s information was listed inside. I’d take that info and submit to it. If you decide to self publish it’s fairly simple with companies like CreateSpace that allow you to upload your book without needing much money. Far gone are the days where you need a ton of money to publish a book.
What were the literary, psychological and/or logistical challenges in bringing your work to life?
I haven’t experienced any logistical challenges, however psychologically there have been a few. There have also been some literary challenges as well. With the current state of publishing, it is easy to become discouraged. When my first novel was released in 2007, things were totally different. During that time, you had to have the talent to make it since you couldn’t get a publishing deal if your book wasn’t up to par. These days, it’s so easy for people to publish themselves, so everyone’s an author. There were many times I questioned whether there was still a place for me in the business as an author. I thought I needed to focus more on being a publisher and forget about being an author. I wondered if the readers would appreciate the type of stories I write since they may be used to what’s out here now. I would sit at my desk planning to write a book, but continuously questioning if it was even worth it. Once this project blossomed, it brought back the feelings I’d lost and I was able to write a great story. This project put me right back where I belong. I’m back stronger than I’ve ever been!
12. Everyone’s process for writing is different. Explain yours. For me, I just write what comes to mind. I realized early on that outlines do not work best for me because I’d spend more time going back to it instead of actually writing. Outlines also make me feel trapped. I stress too much about sticking to it instead of being creative. I start with only a title and a short synopsis. Then, I open up a blank document and let the words flow naturally. This has always been the process that worked best for me. There have been several times I attempted to write an outline, but I’d always stop mid-way and scrap it. I always go back later and fill any holes that may have been left as a result of tossing out the outline.
What are five of your favorite books and why?
My top five, favorite books for me, are The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah, Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree, True To The Game by Teri Woods, B-More Careful by Shannon Holmes, and Gangsta’ by K’wan. All of these books set the bar for Urban Fiction. Although urban fiction isn’t the only genre I write, it is where I started. Without these books, there may not have been a place for me. I am forever grateful to all of these authors, so these classics will always be at the top of my list.
Please provide three “good to know” facts about you.
Be creative. Tell us about your first job or the inspiration behind your writing. Chicken is my favorite food and I could eat it every day. I love to sing, but I am terrified of singing in front of people. My very first boyfriend is one of my best friends twenty-three years later.
What is the mission you set out to accomplish with your voice in this book?
My mission with this book, Eye Candi, with Teairra Mari was to use my voice and experience to hopefully help others. This book deals with mental health issues in our communities. Often signs of mental illness are ignored. Some people are in denial while others don’t want to be labeled. I think it’s important to educated people who may not want to take the time to research. In this book you’ll see the gradual progression of mental illness and the destruction it causes because it is ignored. Even if this book only helps one person, I’d consider it a success.
Who are the authors you reread and why?
I reread books by K’wan, because he is an all around amazing storyteller. His attention to detail is not something you see often in the urban fiction genre. I also reread books by T. Styles because she doesn’t sugar coat anything. I go through a number of emotions when reading her books.
A great book has what?
For me, it has to have a message. I don’t want to read a book that doesn’t teach me anything. It should have characters that are memorable. Even if the book is about a drug dealer, I need to understand why they chose that lifestyle. The setting should be clear and vivid. Even if I’ve never been there I should close the book feeling like I have. Lastly, it should keep me glued to the pages. Even if I’m fighting to keep my eyes open it should be so good that I grab a cup of coffee to give me a boost instead of going to bed. For me, a great book is unforgettable.
You develop character and ideas by…. closing my eyes. Many of my ideas have come when I was on my way to sleep. I’ve literally gotten up out of bed on many nights just to write a note. As crazy as this may sound, my characters speak to me when I am relaxed and my mind isn’t focused on a million other things.
Where would you travel if you could to write your next book?
I would absolutely love travel to Hawaii to Punalu’u Beach [Big Island, Hawaii]. The black sand is something I’ve always wanted to experience. The uniqueness of it is bound to spark creativity.
What is the gift of reading and why does it open up a new world?
Not only does reading give you the ability to see things you’ve never seen, but it also allows you to go places you’ve never gone. There are many things you’ll never experience, but reading allows you to dream. Reading leads to more knowledge and that is truly a gift in itself.
