Brooklyn Quintana ’16

 Tell us a little about yourself! 

Since graduating from UCF I explored multiple career options before becoming an author. I worked in finance and law and thought of pursuing a law degree. It didn’t take too long in the corporate world for me to realize I just didn’t have any interest or passion for what I was doing and I was just wasting time. Now, I’m a full-time author and speaker. When I’m not writing, I travel around Florida and give talks at different high schools where I discuss careers in the arts and using my corporate experience to help build up my small company. I’ve been a featured author on convention panels, podcasts, and in magazine articles. 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling. I fell in love with fantasy and magic as a kid when my dad read me the first Harry Potter book. 

What’s your writing process? What inspires your writing? 

Music is my biggest inspiration. When I get stuck on a scene or need to get into the headspace of one of my characters, I turn on some music and drive around town aimlessly until the ideas start free flowing again. 

What was the biggest thing you learned during your time as a Knight that you apply to your life today? 

Resilience. 

What was a class or club at UCF that helped you grow as a writer? 

King Arthur Class – I don’t remember the official name of it, but we exclusively read and analyzed Arthurian literature. 

Who are some of your favorite authors or books? 

I’m a big fan of Poe and Lovecraft. I’ve always been drawn to the dark and macabre. Charles Bukowski is another favorite of mine. 

If UCF had a time machine, what moment on campus would you go back to? 

The Zombie Run I did my junior year 

What are you currently working on right now? 

Wrapping up book three of my fantasy series