Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written one book. I am currently working on three more with about twenty other ideas. lol.
I am a Tennessee native, a microbiology graduate of the University of Tennessee, and a border collie mom. I am, as you may have already guessed, a hopeless romantic and a lover of Jane Austen. When I’m not writing, I work as a jewelry designer, an audiobook narrator, and a graphic designer. My writing features characters with autoimmune disorders, something I deal with myself. I believe it is important for these types of characters to be seen in modern literature and started writing so I could see someone like myself in literature. I am considered a medical mystery and have several rare autoimmune disorders. These disorders caused me to withdraw from Physician Assistant School, but I am happy to be pursuing my dreams of designing, creating, and writing. I thank God for leading my heart on this new path and recite “perhaps this is the moment for which you were created” in times of doubt (Esther 4:14).
I love watching classic films (thrillers and romantic comedies, too), reading, playing the ukulele, painting, dancing, Pilates, and spending time with her dog, family, and friends. One of my favorite quotes is from Flashdance: “When you give up on your dreams, you die.” I believe that if you’re waiting to pursue your dreams, stop waiting and start doing. Your time is now. And may you never stop being a hopeless romantic. Contrary to popular belief, it’s a very good quality. I’m still looking for my Mr. Darcy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Paris Soulmate. I began writing as therapy and wanted to see someone like myself, with autoimmune disorders, represented in fiction–specifically romantic fiction. I’m an audiobook narrator and I’ve audition for hundreds of novels over the years. I realized I wasn’t seeing anyone like myself in fiction. And as I reader I was having a difficult enough time finding books with representation in them, let alone someone with autoimmune disorders. I also wanted to write a novel to help women with chronic disorders, who may have low self-esteem with their condition like myself, see that they are beautiful and worthy of love. I have been shocked at the international response and the reviews from women with autoimmune disorders who are excited to see themselves represented in the romance genre. Readers are enjoying the disability and mental health representation in the novel and relating to the main character’s struggles. And I feel truly blessed!!!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in my bath tub. lol. I have a lot of joint and muscle pain so I write most of my rough drafts in my bath tub very late at night when it’s quiet! It’s one of the few places I can escape from my pain. I also love to write when it’s raining or storming. I’ll light a candle on my screened in porch and go to town. It’s all about the atmosphere for me!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Highly influenced by Jane Austen. She has a way of bringing you into her world and I love the way she develops her characters. It’s so intimate and that’s what is so lasting. We can still relate over a hundred years later. I also love Sariah Wilson. It was the first time I read a clean romance and got all the feels to that extent. I remember thinking “oh, it’s possible to have this much heat and still be clean.” I was hooked. I strive to deliver that in my writing with chronically ill main characters. And as far as humor, I have been highly influenced by Sophie Kinsella. She is the queen of romcoms! I love her British humor and the funny situations she weaves. It’s the perfect romcom experience!
What are you working on now?
I am currently editing my second novel, The Roman Agenda. It’s a romcom set in Rome. The two main characters are teachers and they feel very relatable to me. The MFC battles a rare mast cell disorder and I’m really excited to shine some light on this condition. And the chemistry was so much fun to write. The unrequited love in the novel has created so much tension and steam!
I’m currently writing my third novel, The Irish Fall and having the best time. It is set in Ireland and features a main character with Crohn’s and endometriosis. The MMC battles a different type of invisible disorder. I’m really excited to explore this this juxtaposition and see how the characters support and complete each other.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My instagram is @enchantingbrookevoiceover. I’d love to connect with you! I always love hearing from readers!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, don’t ever give up. Just keep going. That means take it one day at a time. Do whatever you can that day that’s going to get you closer toward your goal of writing and publishing your novel so that you can reach readers. That means doing things that scare you. You should do one thing every day that scares you. If that means writing that scene you’ve been avoiding, do it! If that means reaching out to a blogger you admire, then do it! If that means setting a date for publication, then do it!!! You will never be able to reach people and share your story if you don’t keep taking steps every day to make it happen. And that goal is achieved in the small every day tasks. Those little things add up and be proud of each one!! Every one means you are making your dreams happen! Make sure you take a moment to appreciate that and yourself!!! Enjoy the journey. I mean it! Stop now and take a minute to appreciate yourself and what all you’ve done.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself. Everyone else is taken. -Oscar Wilde
What are you reading now?
The Memories We Painted by Caitlin Miller, who is my editor.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully publishing the next three books I’m working on. lol.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brooke Gilbert Website
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