Ask the Author: Barbara Speak

“ If I have to name one it would be Rachel Van Dyken.
Inspiration came from a co worker when she encouraged me to write something I thought people would understand and relate too.” Barbara Speak

Answered Questions (14)

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Can you tell us a two-sentence horror story?
Barbara Speak I wrote 3,600 words in one day. The next, my computer crashed and everything was gone.
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If you could travel to any fictional book world, where would you go and what would you do there?
Barbara Speak The Hunger Games for sure. I would love to fight along side of Katniss
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Hi, I just read Let It Be Me, Let It Be Us, and In Your Eyes. All is less than 3 days. I was hooked after the 1st. It has been some time since a book (much less 3) has drawn me in like they did!! My question is simple...can we PLEASE have more of this family?!? Maybe their friends or Gabe, Amelia? Just something to continue getting glimpse of them all. Your writing is beautiful! I can't wait to read your other books!
Barbara Speak Kelly, I am so sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Goodreads didn't notify me of your question. Currently I have FIVE stories going but they are all separate from this series. Maybe one day I will come back to these characters that I am so grateful you love as much as I do!
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What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?
Barbara Speak When I find one worthy I will write it for sure
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Hi, I just read Let It Be Me and I loved it! When is Let It Be Us being released?
Barbara Speak I am so sorry that I didn't see your question before now. Let it be Us will be released by the end of next month. I am aiming for January 25th!
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Are you going to be writing anymore books similar to Let It Be Me? That was such a wonderful book honey, I have not read a good book like this in so long, I was really blown away by your book Barbara. And there many more of us like myself that agree. Have a great day :-)
Barbara Speak Thank you so much and I love that my answer can be yes. I am working on the follow up book Let it be Us and plan to release it January 1st. I haven't decided what my next project will be, only because I have 3 to do hahah
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The main female character in your first ever book, Sadie, was a hairdresser by trade, like yourself. Some people say write about what you know. So was that why you chose that profession for her? Conversally, the main male character in your newest work in progress is a former PBR (not Pabst Blue Ribbon mind you but Professional Bull Rider) who also raises horses. Is there some connection to your own life there?
Barbara Speak What a interesting question! I love when you guys ask me things because it gets me to tell you more about myself and my connection with my books. So yes Sadie definitely was a hairstylist like me.
With my first book Finding Solace, I tried to connect more with myself than anything so that readers could connect with her character and actually get a true feeling for the story.
When it comes to Let it be Me, the PBR is not in my background but the horses most definitely are. I grew up having them and the love and connection you can receive from horses was something I wanted my readers to get a sense of also.
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What author's do you look up to? Who inspired you to write?
Barbara Speak My true inspiration comes from music. While I enjoy reading all types of books I strive to be different in my writing style so I can't label an individual as being responsible
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Do you have any ideas about books outside of the amazing Flawlessly Broken Trilogy? (btw I can't wait to read more! you are a fantastic author!)
Barbara Speak The answer to that is an absolute yes! Thank you so much for loving the characters the way you do.
In the last installment of the Flawlessly Broken trilogy, Fighting Fate, you will meet the character that is spinning me in a whole new direction.
The surprise comes at the end of the book.

I am open to write about whatever comes to me. I don't feel I am limited to one genre or age group.
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How do you get inspired to write?
Barbara Speak Definitely music. A great song will fill my head instantly.
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What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Barbara Speak I love meeting new readers! I never would have met some of the amazing people I now can call friends from around the globe until I published Finding Solace.
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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Barbara Speak Always follow your gut. Write what excites you and keep going with it.
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What are you currently working on?
Barbara Speak The last book in the Flawlessly Broken trilogy is Fighting Fate coming December 15th
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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Barbara Speak I have known where Fighting Fate was going from the beginning of Finding Solace. These characters are like a second family to me.
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Barbara Speak
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