I’ve always had a passion for storytelling. In tenth grade, I wrote an award-winning story that was published in an international volume. I wrote it while grappling with homelessness, abuse, neglect, and numerous horrors that remained hidden beneath the surface. These life experiences have shaped my creative voice and ignited a queue of stories within me that long to be told in unique and memorable ways.

Despite winning a “Best Upcoming Young Author” award from a local writing guild at 18, I set my writing aspirations aside for two decades while raising four children, building a successful career, earning my master’s degree, and launching a business selling handmade nail polish.

In September 2023, I left a 21-year abusive marriage, marking the beginning of one of the most challenging seasons of my life. The following June, while still battling divorce proceedings and fighting against my abuser for custody of my children, I was laid off from my corporate software engineering job. Given a six-month severance, I decided to take some time to do something I always knew I would undertake someday— write a novel.

By September of 2025, I had released my debut book Artificial Attraction, completed the first draft of a novel called The Unwinding, written a children’s book and two coloring books, and participated in several opportunities to bolster my portfolio and stretch my creative boundaries. More than anything, I had discovered my passion. I’d discovered myself. And now I bring her to you.

So hi... nice to meet you. I'm author Brandie Van Hartesvelt!