Meet the Co-Founder: Brittany Ballard

Author’s Grove Writing Retreats is just over a month old! As we dive into writing retreat planning for this fall, we wanted to take some time to introduce you to our co-founders. In this first installment, we’ll share a little bit about Brittany Ballard.

What got you into writing?

Honestly, I can’t remember what originally got me into writing. All I know is that it was something I enjoyed even in elementary school and that it was my dream to write a novel when I grew up. I even immortalized it in my 2nd grade class book that the school put together. Since then, I’ve had a passion for coming up with stories and turning them into novels. Or in most case, partial novels that never see the light of day.

What genre do you like to write?

My go to genre when writing is always fantasy adventure, with a little bit of romance. I love magic and mythical creatures, and so I can’t enjoy writing the novel as much if I don’t get to include those.

What is the title of the book you are working on?

The book I am currently working on is called “The Balleria Chronicles.” It’s the first novel in a fantasy adventure series that is set inside the main character’s favorite book. I actually have multiple series planned around the world that I’ve built out and I can’t wait to share all of them in the future.

Do you have any current book recommendations?

I recently started reading Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. It’s super cute so far, but it is a novel full of clichés if you like books like that. Otherwise, I recommend checking out some of the following series: Circle of Magic by Tamora Pierce (all of her books, to be honest), The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, Dark Secrets by Elizabeth Chandler, and Firebird by Claudia Gray.

What’s something you like to do in your free time?

Outside of writing, my favorite hobby recently is gaming. I play a variety games on the PS5, Nintendo Switch, and then on mobile. I also love to read anything from novels to manhwa, style outfits, explore caves, and attend renaissance festivals!

What are you looking forward to the most about the future of Author’s Grove Writing Retreats?

I guess I can’t answer that I’m excited about everything, can I? I’m most looking forward to growing our network so that we can help as many writers as possible on their journey to completing their novels. I can’t wait to eventually see them publish their novels that they worked on at the writing retreat!

What advice do you have for people who are just getting into writing?

Getting started is hard. Any progress is going to be good progress. Spend time writing when you can – even if you just write 5 words or 150 words. When I was in high school, I joined the Young Writers Society, which was so helpful to me for getting feedback on my work and being able to connect with other young writers. Joining a community like that (such as Author’s Grove) will be so beneficial to improving your writing and growing your network.