Parents that Write: #12 Q&A with Brianna Brown
FAITH: finding the sacred in words
Welcome to my weekly interview column.
When we talk about parent creatives ~ writers, artists, content creators ~ the focus often lands on the chaos of balancing creativity and parenting. Let’s CUT THE NOISE:
—> Parents publish books, drop albums, option screenplays, and create art + content every day.
How? That’s what we’re here to uncover.
Each week, I feature parent-creators answering eight quick questions, plus a few they handpick from my list.
Before we meet today’s guest, here’s a tiny look into my own creative life.
No-Fluff Notes from my Writing Life
After choosing the size for NOISE, my motherhood book, the next step was finding a printer who could bring that vision to life. In self-publishing, print quality is everything—the feel of the cover, the weight of the pages—all those details make a book feel substantial. Before finalising specifics, I needed a printer who knew how to achieve top quality.
There are hundreds of printers out there, of course, but I wanted the best—one used by major publishers, like Penguin Random House.
In the UK, two leaders in book printing are CPI Group and Clays, both known for delivering the high-end quality you’d expect from a traditionally published book. My thinking was that if NOISE could be printed with one of them, I’d be achieving a quality standard that matched top publishers.
My criteria were simple but strict: the print quality had to be premium, and I wanted a printer who could grow with Triumph Press. If I published future books—whether mine or others’—I wanted a printer as part of the team.
I researched and interviewed both Clays and CPI, and in the end, I chose CPI.
Their head of department brought years of experience with both large and small publishing presses and took a genuine interest in the brief. He understood the request for a non-standard Mary Beard-sized book. He was unfazed by it—he even pulled the exact book from his shelf to confirm the sizing, as CPI had printed Women & Power: A Manifesto themselves. His time, advice, and non-patronising approach sealed the deal.
The result? Choosing CPI was a clear decision, their professionalism and quality left me in no doubt. I’ll share more about the print run experience in an upcoming column, but so far, it’s exactly what I’d hoped for!
Next week, I’ll share my thoughts on paper quality and why it’s an absolute priority in book production. My guest, , joins me as he shares how parenthood influences his writing. Hope you’ll join us for that!
Today I’m thrilled to bring you author of Substack; a reflective and soulful space where she explores the intersection of faith, mindfulness, and daily life. Brianna invites readers to find the sacred in ordinary moments, embracing spirituality and intentional living.
Share a broad snapshot of your life. Who are you parent to and/or have caring responsibilities for?
Hi there! My husband and I are North American missionaries who live in Georgia. We serve displaced diaspora who are being resettled in our area (primarily in refugee care). I do some ministry work out of the home, but primarily care and homeschool the four children that live with me (and one more on the way). In my spare time, I write (I authored a book that was released earlier this year) and I am a certified spiritual director as well.
Where can we find you?
Instagram | Website | Facebook | Ministry
Can you share favourite praise for your writing, or words you’d love to read about your work?
I've been blown away by those who have read my book, "Soar - Noticing God While Discerning the Unfathomable". Many have shared with me that this book has helped them process their own painful places in their spiritual lives and put words to what felt so void in their hearts.
Why do you write?
I write to invite others into noticing the presence of God in their lives. I write because it's always been a beautiful place for me to process what I'm going through and I hope that it invites others to do the same.
What does the inside of your writing mind look like?
A little jumbled for sure! haha I always have a bunch of thoughts, but when I actually sit down to write I try to be really aware of where God has been leading me lately—that is where I start.
How is your ability to write affected by being a parent and your ability to parent affected by your writing?
Well, I have very little time to write as a mom! I have made myself be an early riser so that I can have a few moments to write before the sun (and all my children) rise. I also have to be pretty flexible—sometimes I'm writing and the duties of motherhood call. For me it's an invitation to give what I have to my writing, and watch God use it in His way.
How often do you write with your child around or not, and what kind of writing do you get done when your child is nearby?
I often try to do the bulk of my writing in the early mornings. For years I set a timer and I wrote for ten minutes a day—eventually I wrote a book. For me, it's the discipline of writing and showing up, even when kids are around or not—to consistently write each day, even if it is not for long. I love that it is also teaching my children to prioritize something that is important to them.
What is your best writing habit and how did you discover it?
I work well with a schedule block. So I generally have a set amount of time that I put aside to write about something specific. I close all other tabs and distractions and focus on just writing that particular thing.
What are the three most important characteristics of being a writer who is a parent?
Flexibility - you're going to get interrupted, that's part of it!
Kindness - for yourself when you don't get as much done as you wanted and for the little ones that keep climbing on your lap or asking for breakfast.
Openness - I love being open to new and creative ways to write. I think being a parent also opens us to new opportunities and experiences that so many others can relate to.
What or who is your secret writing weapon?
Closing all other tabs and having a focused, set amount of time to write (even if it's just for 5-10 minutes).
What or who has been the most significant creative influence in your life?
There are too many to name... I'm just grateful for those who share their vulnerability in their writing. I can relate to it and it also invites me to be open and vulnerable in my own writing.
What’s your best writing time?
Early morning between 5-7 (when all my kids are supposed to be asleep)!
What unfinished writing projects do you have lying about?
I have a guided journal prayer book that I have started... I'm excited to see where it will go.
What are your favourite/preferred writing conditions in terms of clothes, environment, food you eat and anything else that helps you write?
I love a good cup of coffee, a comfy couch corner, and a sunrise!
Closing Quote
“Don’t ever feel like you have to give anything up in order to be an artist. I had babies and made art and traveled and still have a million things I’d like to do.” - - Teresita Fernández
Thank you for the invitation to share my words and creativity in this space!
I never thought I could be so interested in paper quality and books sizes. I love those nonstandard books, often collections of essays, especially when coupled with a hardcover and dust jacket. they just sit so neatly in the hand 🤤