Meet Autumn Bardot | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Autumn Bardot and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m a bookworm. Always have been. A love of writing followed. I scribbled ‘stories’ with a crayon, penned silly tales about my friends in high school, and wrote for the school newspaper. Fast forward a few decades and I have four grown children, a masters in education, and something I never ever had before…free time! I took the leap into writing a novel. How difficult could it be? Ha! Fortunately, all those years teaching advanced literary analysis to high schoolers meant I recognized all the techniques that have us turning pages late into the night. Using them, however, took a lot of practice. After a few novels were published the teacher in me felt compelled to help new writers discover and understand the art of fiction.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ten years have passed since I opened up the laptop and typed ‘chapter one.’ I tell new writers that writing your first novel is like climbing up a steep hill with loose boulders that roll down and deep crevices to fall into. And yet, it’s worth the climb. Sure, the view at the top is wonderful and fulfilling, but it’s the mountain range beyond that fills your soul. Every new story is an upward trek. You’ll find other climbers to help your journey. You’ll discover the tools and techniques that make each climb better. You will pause to admire the view but only until the itch to climb begins anew. If there is a story inside of you, let it out. Avoid the naysayers. Study the craft. You know how Uncle Jim tells a boring story and Aunt Sarah tells the same story but it’s entertaining? It’s the same with writing. I began a Youtube channel for writers for this very reason. Not going to lie, it’s been a challenge to work full-time, write, and make videos. I am lucky. My profession provided the writing tools. My family provided the emotional support. Not everyone is as fortunate. My channel offers techniques and encouragement. What can I say, I’m a teacher. I want everyone to get an A.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Museums are my thing so The Getty is a must see. The Norton-Simon in Pasadena is one of my favorites. The Natural History Museum is wonderful as well! And, of course, the La Brea Tar Pits. Shopping? Yes, please! There’s something about walking Rodeo Drive that makes me giddy ( and husband nervous). You never know who you might see! I would stop at Grandma’s Deli Babushka on Sunset Blvd for authentic eastern European food and the best loaf of Russian black bread I’ve ever had. I also never leave empty handed after a visit to Grand Central market. It pains me to admit this but I haven’t been to The Last Bookstore. Yet. It’s a mistake I intend to rectify shortly. Clifton’s Republic is a distinctive quirky place for drinks–the Bloody Mary doubles as a salad. Need some diamond souvenirs? Check out the jewelry mart on Hill street around the corner. Maestro’s for fine dining. It’s easy to eat your way through LA, so long walks on the beaches are a must. And no tour is complete without a drive through Coldwater Canyon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My children and husband are on Team Autumn one hundred percent. My daughters read multiple drafts, and I can count on them for truthful comments. They aren’t worried about offending mom. All four children helped me with navigating the various social media platforms. My husband is my number one cheerleader. Burnt dinners. Countless writing hours. Author conferences. Professional critiques. He cheerfully supports all my writing endeavors. My family’s encouragement continues in countless ways. From explaining (again) how to use a new video camera for my YouTube channel to celebrating small successes, they have my back.

Website: http://www.autumnbardot.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnbardot/

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/autumn-bardot-1251461b3/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/autumnbardot

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutumnBardotAuthor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AutumnBardotAuthor/videos

Other: Master class: The Power of Archetype and Write a More Masterful Sentence https://www.udemy.com/course/the-power-of-archetype-write-a-more-masterful-sentence/?referralCode=F520EC671005635E15CA