In the ever-evolving landscape of self-publishing, Callie Browning stands out as a beacon of resilience and creativity. With a unique voice that captures the essence of Caribbean culture, Callie has faced her fair share of challenges, from navigating a competitive market to overcoming personal obstacles. Yet, through persistence and a commitment to authenticity, she has not only carved out her own path but has also inspired countless others to follow suit. In this interview, we delve into Callie’s journey as an author, her strategies for success, and the invaluable support she finds within her community. Her story is a testament to the power of believing in oneself and the transformative nature of creativity, proving that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with a single, daring step.
1. Can you describe a specific moment when you faced significant obstacles in your journey as a self-published author?
When I first started self-publishing, I couldn’t even give my book away to reviewers. Many of them, even in the Caribbean space, outright refused to read it and it was a bit daunting since we all know reviews are so critical to an author’s growth. There was also the question of the fact that everything about my book was a bit different: there were women of colour on the cover, the name “The Girl with the Hazel Eyes” was a bit unusual for a Caribbean book, my book didn’t fit the usual narrative of many Caribbean books that normally do well. It was that moment that really forced me to dig deep and figure out what I needed to do to appeal to global audiences with my Barbadian story about a reclusive author who’s hiding a big secret. I overcame this by being persistent and being very deliberate about how I positioned my book in terms of photos, blurbs, videos, etc. It was a turning point for me to realise that I didn’t need to follow the beaten path; I could create my own path.
2. How have you navigated the competitive book market and maintained your passion for writing?
The book market can actually be quite cutthroat. That’s evident from the many scandals on X featuring authors who create fake reviews or fake profiles to disadvantage other authors. Above all else, I believe in being fair and kind and letting my creativity and passion guide my success. My approach has shifted a bit. Initially, I focused heavily on social media to promote my book but we all know the algorithm has become more finicky of late. Over the past few years, I’ve spent more time educating myself on the business of books in terms of the business aspects of self-publishing such as contracts, copyrights, content trends and patterns and processes. I’ve also been travelling more to network. I did retreats in Europe and Africa and I just did a book fair in Jamaica in July where I was featured on a self-publishing panel. It’s so important to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. It makes a huge difference to how you view the world, how you think about what you’re doing and how you can do it better. Your focus and passion can really be invigorated by this. I highly recommend.
3. What role has your support system on Instagram played in your journey, and how has it helped you persevere and How do you manage the various challenges of being a self-published author, such as bullying and lack of resources?
Throughout my self-publishing journey, my support system on Instagram has really been instrumental. Super supportive! They’ve become beta readers which is always a big help in terms of making sure that my work does what it needs to when I’m thinking about what to publish. They’ve also been great sounding boards for venting when the trolls crawl out from under their bridges. Lol. I actually wrote the dedication for my most recent book (a romance set during World War 2 in Barbados) and it’s a full page long. This is quite unusual, but the reason it’s so long is because I’ve realised just how much to owe to the many people who have informed and impacted my writing. I don’t take it for granted at all. When it comes to a lack of resources, I only focus on what I DO have. I’m a creative so I get creative with what I little I have and I’ve found that I don’t even have to ask for help. Many times my IG friends will help me in countless ways so that also helps me to overcome a lack of resources.
4. What strategies do you use to stay motivated and focused on your writing projects despite the difficulties?
and How do you balance the creative aspects of writing with the practicalities of self-publishing?
I take breaks. I know people tell you not to take a break from writing but I find that I have to. Writing and self-publishing require entirely different sides of your brain. I sometimes feel like I have to switch off my creative side to get practical about editing and publishing. There are also other aspects of publishing that happen outside of writing and putting your book out there. Even when I’m not writing I might be marketing. Marketing is about every aspect of everything you do: your work, social pages, articles, how you engage with the public. It takes time to plan and strategise how I’ll manage these. Taking breaks also allows me to spend time with family and friends and pursue other hobbies outside of writing which does wonders for my mental health. The other benefit that distance allows is objectivity. There are always things one can do better. By reflecting, I get the chance to ask myself some hard questions, analyse data, contemplate my next move, etc.
5. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey as a self-published author?
Oddly enough, the most rewarding part of my self-publishing journey hasn’t been the awards or the mentions in global magazines. It’s been teaching my self-publishing course. Writing a book that resonates with people is a blessing, don’t get me wrong. But there’s something about helping people create their own work that’s extra special. When they say to me, “Now I’m ready or I doubted myself but you showed me I can…” nothing compares to it. Writing allows people to reach deep within themself to actualise their dreams and confront their fears. It sounds weird, but you can actually see the change in someone. Being able to watch such a miraculous metamorphosis unfold is extremely gratifying. Especially in a Caribbean context where we don’t have the world of examples. Particularly for women.
6. Can you provide insights into how you approach your writing projects, both in terms of creativity and strategy?
Lol. I feel like there’s no strategy until there’s a strategy. I have no less than ten books on my computer that I’ve started which have never seen the light of day and may never see the light of day. Many times I start writing multiple projects and just wait until one speaks to me more than the others. That’s the one I’ll continue with. I definitely try to be inspired and have fun when I’m writing. I say all the time that once you’re passionate about what you’re writing you’re far more likely to finish the book and I stick to that. You’ll need every ounce of passion you have to market it too. Perhaps the only constant I stick to is that my books are generally historical fiction and they’re set in Barbados. Other than that, I like to have fun and genre hop and see where the winds of creativity take me.
7. How do you ensure that you stay kind to yourself and remain focused during tough times?
Staying kind to myself is so important to make sure that I put out good work. I exercise and eat well but don’t deprive myself of pizza or cookies. I keep in touch with friends. Travel. Treat myself to something fun every now and again. Writing and self-publishing is a full-time job so you have to be mentally and physically able to keep up with the rigours of it. There can be sleepless nights when I’m trying to reach deadlines. There can be frustration when I’m trying to get information that’s not readily available since my books are historical fiction. Writing has been an education in patience and perseverance. You have to approach it with good humour or it will become a chore.
8. What advice do you have for women who are struggling to find their way in a competitive field or creative endeavor?
For women who are struggling in a creative field, I always advise them to be patient and stay true to themselves. Good work will always be appreciated so don’t lose faith because it doesn’t gain traction right away. Find people and spaces who affirm you; it really does help. Develop good habits that help you to stay motivated. Be kind to your body because it’s the vehicle for all of your great work. Practise self care and remember that it isn’t just about manicures. It’s also good food, a clean space, a nice plant in your window or whatever gives you peace. Stay true to yourself and be kind. And remember that haters only show up when you’re winning.
TikTok: @calliebrowning
Threads: @bajancallie
