Rising Stars: Meet Breanna Hicks of Independence

Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanna Hicks.

Hi Breanna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As a little girl, I always loved reading and writing. I can remember sitting in the kitchen writing my children’s books, dreaming of one day being an author. As I got older, the dream never went away, but I did push it away, thinking, “I could never be an author. Only famous people are authors. No one from little ol’ Kansas City.” Fast forward to 2019, I worked at my church and met with my supervisor. He asked me what I did in my free time, and I shared how I love to read. He asked if I had ever thought about writing, and I could not help but chuckle. He then challenged me to write; it doesn’t matter what it is. So, I did. I started a blog, wrote devotionals, then moved to poems, eventually leading me to publish my first book of poetry. After that, I wanted to push myself further to write a fiction novel. With my love of psychology and crime shows, it was easy to decide to write a crime thriller novel. After a couple of hours of brainstorming, The Colorado Killer was born, and here I am today. Officially a published author of a crime thriller trilogy and writing my fourth novel.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If only! It has had its challenges, but they have been so worth it. Self-publishing means I control writing, editing, publishing, formatting, cover design, and marketing. I would not have any other way, but it does make it challenging. I have had to do a lot of research on the above and teach myself along the way. As a country girl from Missouri, I do not have a large audience, so I have had to start my readers and fan base from the ground. Thankfully, from word of mouth and social media, my books are now being read worldwide in the UK and Canada! I was fortunate enough to find a fantastic group on Facebook of other self-published authors to learn from. I still have a lot to learn, though. Grammar and English classes were not my forte in school, so I have relied heavily on my editor (my sister) and beta readers. But there is never a ceiling to learning and getting better. I accept feedback, no matter how hard it is to hear, and apply it to my next novel.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Crime Thriller Author known for my latest crime thriller trilogy, The Colorado Killer. My novels are different than the typical crime thrillers, as mine will always have a hint, or two, of romance tied in. In college, I majored in Psychology and Criminology, so I use my knowledge and love of crime documentaries to create twists you won’t see coming. I am most proud of seeing my childhood dream come true. It is still unreal, from 8 years old writing children’s stories in my parent’s kitchen to now being a full-time published crime thriller author. I am currently working on my next novel, hopefully to be released winter 2023. Set in a small town Bed and Breakfast in Missouri, it involves serial killers, ghost hauntings, and a romantic love story.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Related to my career: writing those children’s books in my parent’s kitchen. I still have them and all the stories I would write in elementary school. It’s embarrassing to read them now, but knowing I am living my dream feels overwhelming!

Unrelated to writing: Growing up in the country with horses and chickens. I have an older sister, and we would play outside all day long, jumping on the trampoline, riding bikes, swinging, riding horses, swimming, you name it. I was outside without a care in the world.

Pricing:

• The Colorado Killer: $7.99
• The Colorado Killer: Covert: $11.99
• The Colorado Killer: Avenge: $11.99

Contact Info:

• Website: breannahicks.com (under construction currently)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsbreannahicks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreannaMcGinnisAuthor
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@breanna.hicks11