Rose Bruno Bailey shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Rose, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I get lost in the written word. Once my thoughts have a direction I can write for hours and not feel the passing of the time. When my muse is present, I’m totally focused on whatever I’m writing at the moment. When I first started writing it felt like Christmas morning each time I wrote something new. It’s in these moments I’m completely myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Rose Bruno Bailey. I’m an author, poet, memoirist, and motivational writer, and my work has appeared in media publications such as VegNews Magazine, The Houston Chronicle, Texas Highways Magazine, Cleveland Magazine, Om Yoga Magazine, and several others. I’m an author to my poetry collection called Camellia in Snow and my first children’s book, Maew’s Home Journey; and right now I’m deep into writing my debut novel, Laurel in LA, and my next poetry book Dragonfly on my Hand. I’m working on my upcoming children’s book as well.
I was born in Chicago and grew up in Cleveland, and over the years I’ve lived everywhere from Los Angeles and San Francisco to New York, Pittsburgh, and Connecticut. Now I’m based in Houston, Texas. Before I focused on writing, I had a background in theater and dance, and I think that rhythm, movement, and emotional honesty naturally flow into the way I write. Across poetry, memoir, children’s literature, and wellness writing, I explore themes like resilience, transformation, grief, nature, and the unexpected beauty in everyday life.
I’m also co-writing a pilot called Dangerously Optimistic with UK writer John Mangan.
Philanthropy is a big part of why I write. Through my books, blogs, and events, I’ve raised funds for animal rescues and other charities, and I run a long-term letter-writing project called Letters from Uncle Louie to support seniors who need connection.
I currently live in Houston with my husband, James, and our three cats, Spanky, Max, and Cosmo. At the heart of everything I do, whether I’m writing or speaking, is the hope that people feel encouraged to stay curious, hold onto hope, and go after the dreams with complete abandon, no matter their age or life’s circumstances.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I’m a writer because I met a new friend named Melissa Bender who saw something I wrote on the internet. She suggested I write poetry, so for ten years I wrote 300 poems and found another side to myself. Soon I discovered other writing genres and delved deep in my quest to write and share my written words.
Melissa ended up becoming my best friend, and although she’s 16 years my junior she’s also my first mentor and the reason I began this amazing journey.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Take care of your body, it is your temple but stop obsessing over perfection. Life is not all or nothing, there is a lot of joy in the in between of the extremes. Learn to embrace a little moderation but always stay consistent.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m currently co-writing a script for a television pilot with my UK writing partner titled Dangerously Optimistic. It’s such an exciting project, and the process of writing it together has been one of the most creative collaborations of my life. We have been working on the script for two years, and we registered it with the writers guild in Los Angeles. Soon we plan to start pitching. I’m completely dedicated to this project and my collaboration with John.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I didn’t start writing until my 30’s. I was always artistic, a dancer etc but I never thought about writing or even took classes geared towards journalism or creative writing. After Melissa encouraged me to write, the flood gates opened and I’ve never stopped writing. I believe it’s something I was born with, and at that exact time it revealed itself to me. I listened when she said I should write, I embraced writing, and soon it became a huge part of my identity, as dancing was my identity. I love sharing my words and thoughts with others, and my proudest moments are when someone tells me my writing moved them to tears.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rosebrunobailey.com/
- Instagram: @rosebrunobailey
- Facebook: @rosebrunobailey
- Other: https://www.JuiceJavaJoy.com
Image Credits
Image credits Rose Bruno Bailey
