Brittney took her entrepreneurial mind and love of writing to the next level when she decided to self-publish. She hired a graphic designer for the cover, found editors, formatted her book and took responsibility for putting it all together.

“I wrote my next full novel, ‘Forsaken’, at 14 when I discovered self-publishing. I didn’t hesitate to get my book out into the world. Nearly a year later, I began working on my second novel, ‘Fifty Days’, and published it with a publisher at 17, then again on my own at 18.”

In addition to being an author and student, Brittney is also a big proponent of mindfulness and mental health and wellness. Pursuing her degree in Psychology has given Brittney a keen sense for what young adults struggle with concerning mental health and has given her the idea to write a mindfulness blog, “Mindfully Brittney”.

“My family is always supporting my writing and all other areas of my life. I’m also highly influenced by my favorite author Jeff Vandermeer, the king of weird fiction and author of ‘Annihilation’. Another favorite author is Lucy Christopher, who really got me into novel writing thanks to her cliff endings and ambiguity.”

Brittney is constantly writing short stories, toying with additional story ideas in her head and is working on a self-help book for young adults transitioning into college life, drawing from her own experiences and education.

After graduation, Brittney thinks her life will lean toward psychotherapy or life coaching.

“I know I want to be a writer, novelist, blogger and a speaker. I also know I want to use my love for psychology and writing, blending the two together to create my dream job.”

Nice to meet you, Brittney!

Image Description: Brittney Dear holding two of her novels, “Forsaken” and “Fifty Days”.

MaiYa will graduate in December with plans to earn a master’s degree before heading to medical school. Her desire to help others is fueled by the memory of her family’s time in Louisiana and seeing family members and others deal with the devastation, along with hearing stories from people along the way.

“In high school in Katy, I gained so much experience doing clinical rotations in radiology. I can’t wait to graduate so that I can help uninsured and underinsured families in and around Houston.”

In her spare time, MaiYa loves creating. She makes customized and personalized items such as signs, apparel and gift boxes on Instagram under the handle @madebymai_.

So happy to meet you, MaiYa!

Photo Description: MaiYa Giles sitting on a bench in front of the Hurley Administration Building.