Q: Please share your name and pronouns.
A: I go by Bree VanBibber and use (She/They) pronouns
Q: What genre or format do you write in? (for example: romance, fantasy, short stories, poetry, etc.)
A: Fantasy with a romance subplot through most of the book series. I write short length books, closer to novellas.
Q: Who do you write for? Who is your audience, and are you seeking to reach a particular type of reader with your work? Why?
A: I’d love it if people who dont get the chance to read as much as they like found my books. I’m trying to create quick reads for people to enjoy while telling my unique story. Probably leaning more towards young adults but I dont believe in an age limit to enjoy a good book.
Q: When did you decide you wanted to write?
A: I started writing in middle school, I’d honestly love to find some of my old story ideas and revisit them.
Q: What got you interested in the world of writing originally?
A: The Sherlock Holmes series. It was the first time I saw someone thinking like I did as far as writing went, so I wanted to be like Sir Doyle.
Image Description: The author, Bree VanBibber stands outside under a bright sun. Green leaves dance on the trees behind them and a brown, wooden fence leads off to their right. Bree's head is turned to the left. Their pink, slightly wavy hair brushes their shoulders. Their complexion is pale with a hint of pink. They are wearing a black shirt with white lines that create a checked pattern.
Q: There are so many possible avenues to take. Why write?
A: I do a lot of things other than write to let my creativity flow, but writing is my home. I love making worlds out of words and inviting people to look inside them.
Q: Similarly, why pursue being an indie author? What is your goal?
A: I wanted to make sure my works were always handled the way I wanted them to be. No book politics or the like, just me and my stories. As far as a goal, I just want people to discover my stories and have a good time.
Q: What do you do to hone your craft?
A: I try to work on writing every day, but when that fails I talk shop with my spouse who is also an author. Everything from world building to character interactions, as long as you keep working your skills will sharpen.
Q: What tricks do you use to get out of writer’s block?
A: Usually I would try to force through it, but that isn’t always the right answer. Sometimes I have to take a long break and reset my mind. I tend to play games or watch Anime when I need to recuperate.
Q: Would you mind telling us about your writing process?
A: It used to be a slow trudge that I would take on when bored, but as I’ve grown older that changed. Now I come up with a premise I like and then just take it step by step. First an opening paragraph to help me figure out the tone, then a chapter to know where and who my story is about. After that I try to let my creations live on their own. I treat every decision or conversation like the character is standing over my shoulder, whispering what they will do next.
Q: Do you have any other writing “hacks” that other writers might benefit from?
A: Don’t take it too seriously. It is fine to want to succeed, but monetary success and fame should never be your goal. Handle the writing first, it's the most important part. Without solid writing you can’t achieve any of the other marks of success for an author.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
A: My current series is inspired by LiteRPG novels, Anime (Isekais especially) and my lifelong reading journey. But I’m also inspired by the people I’ve met. They all become a part of the characters I design, from a turn of phrase to their general air, it’s all just inspiration waiting to happen.
Q: Would you like to share anything about your current work in progress?
A: My current book, Now I’m a Vampire Sixth Blood, is the hardest book I’ve had to write so far. I’m introducing end of story elements, characters and plot points all meant to come into play in future books in the series. It has been exhausting but each time I get more written, the happier I feel with the book as a whole.
Q: Do you consider yourself a minority? If so, would you be willing to share the ways in which you are?
A: Yes, in some ways. I’m part of the LGBT+ Comunity.
Q: Does this impact what you write about? If so, why and how?
A: It actually does, mainly because I include some subjects from my community to inspire certain story points. Best example I have will be revealed in book three of the Now I’m a Vampire series. We meet a non-traditional family that I’m assuming some people won't like, but it's part of the story I want to tell.
Q: What do you wish you found more of in books today? Why?
A: Accessibility and representation. It is fine and dandy to put out stories that relate to the masses, but I want to help people who feel alone or unheard. If I found a book that had a character like me in it I’d be thrilled.
Q: What does representation in literature mean to you? Is it important to you? How so?
A: It’s as simple as having a character that doesn't fit in with their society norms. They don't specifically have to be like me, but someone I can relate to. I find it very important because I was an outcast growing up.
Q: How do you think representation in literature affects culture? Does it?
A: It makes it so much easier for people to understand those who are different. If you can read a story, feel someone's struggle then turn and improve how you treat people because of it, that is all I ask for. While I’m not 100% positive it works like that, I would like to believe deep down that every person can be improved upon with a touch of knowledge and a little fun.
Q: Does representation play a role in what or how you write? Please talk about why or why not.
A: It does, because I want everyone to be able to feel good by the end of one of my books regardless of their background or the struggles they are facing. Reading is one of the original escapes from reality, so I want to show people that the thing they don't understand and are scared of, just needs to be seen in a new light to help them understand.
Q: What advice would you give to new writers?
A: Do NOT make HARD goals. Writing is supposed to be fun. Even if you write horror or gore, If that's the story you want to tell, have a good time with it.
Q: What do you wish someone had told you when you were finding your path?
A: There will be days you can't write for one reason or another. Don't beat yourself up by trying to set unrealistic goals. You can only create as fast as your mind, body and soul let you.
Q: Do you have any work already out there that you would like to talk about? If so, please tell us about the project, why you wrote it, and what you hope readers will take from it.
A: I had two books in another series written and published independently. They were an urban fantasy series called Demon Detective. It was about the love between a girl and a demon who formed a contract with her. I have plans to rewrite/ finish the series but for now I took them offline. But as far as what I wanted people to take away from them, it was that pain looks different for everyone and love can be found even in darkness.
Q: Where can readers find your work? Please share links and pertinent information.
A: All my current books are available on Amazon. The third book is available for pre-order and releases on February 14th. AVAILABLE HERE.
Q: What would you like to share or say to the Underground Bookshelf audience that hasn’t already been brought up?
A: Reed on. This is my motto. Keep reading and learning. Intelligence is the best resource in the world. Rather if you are a writer or a reader, it doesn't matter as long as you keep taking in knowledge.
Q: Thank you for sharing your thoughts, today. Any final words?
A: Thank you for your time, it was truly a pleasure.
About the Author
Bree VanBibber is an author who started writing early in life and has kept the passion to this day. They find pleasure in writing and art as well as their family. They are excited to tell their stories to the world and wants to encourage everyone to read on. VanBibber writes primarily in the fantasy and romantasy genres. The first two books of their series, Now I'm a Vampire are currently on Amazon. Their third book will become available on February 14, 2025.
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