We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind behind the novel.

This is Author Life with Brandon Hultman, author of ‘The Hultman Blueprint’.

What are the three most significant things you’ve accomplished in your life, other than publishing a book?
 

First, attaining and maintaining sobriety, which has been the foundation for every positive change in my life. Second, real risks have been taken, such as going to Los Angeles, starting my own business, and creating the community that this city has offered me. And last, but certainly not least, my own recovery has been turned into something that not only helps others, but has been accomplished with that goal in mind. Whether it has been through personal training or the many discussions that have naturally created the motivation for others that need it, this has been what has driven me to become a motivational speaker.

What are some of the things that influence or inspire you to write in your own life?

My own experiences drive me. I write out of truth, not out of theory. I write about the experience of recovery, the experience of relapse, the experience I’ve learned, and the moments that bring the truth to the surface. The experience of working with Lana helped me put these into words that other people could grasp while staying raw and true to the experience itself.

What book or author has had the most influence on you, and why?

I have learned that the books that have the most impact are the books written with truth and self-discovery. I think that Atomic Habits by James Clear is a particularly impactful book, and when put into action, it can be the start to success, whether that be success in staying sober or any other type of success. I find that I appreciate authors that do not glamorize the struggle or shy away from it.

How would you summarize your book in the fewest possible words?

A raw and honest blueprint, taking back control and rebuilding your life from the inside out - not only for the addict but for their family and other support systems to have an understanding and expectations of the recovery process.

First experiences with writing. What were yours?

My first attempt at writing was for no audience other than survival. As I recovered, journaling became a way for me to work through what I was not ready to say out loud. These journal entries gradually became more structured, particularly after realizing that I had a way to help other people feel less alone.

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

Truth, vulnerability, and purpose. A good story doesn’t have to impress; it has to resonate. People respond to truth, not to perfection. For example when a movie is based on “true events” it seems to make it more appealing. It is a philosophy that has been a part of this book since its inception.

How long do you spend writing everyday?

It’s different every day. Writing my book has unleashed my creativity, which has made what I’m doing quite enjoyable. There are days when I write for an hour, and then there are days when I write for eight. I don’t have a word count to achieve. I only write if I have something meaningful to say. I believe in identity, and once I embarked on my book, I became an author.

How long did you spend writing this book?

The book took shape over many years because it’s rooted in lived experience, not a single moment in time. Once Lana and I aligned on structure, voice, and clarity, the actual writing process became focused and intentional. From that point, it took about a year to complete, but the story itself had been forming long before it ever reached the page.
 

What has been the most difficult part of the process of writing this book, and what have you personally taken away from the experience of writing it?

The most challenging part of writing this book was allowing myself to be fully vulnerable without trying to soften or protect the story. I don’t live in the past or dwell on regret, but writing required a level of honesty that meant being completely open about my experiences. What I took away from the process is that vulnerability, when shared with purpose, can be a source of strength and connection rather than something to avoid.
 

 What was the most helpful thing to you while writing your book?

Having the right support team. Having Lana to work with gave me the focus to keep my eyes on truth and message while trusting that communication of the story would be taken care of. That partnership made a huge difference. I often refer to her as my “architect” for writing this book. She knew how to structure and refine my raw truth, she knew how to get me to open and be vulnerable.

Writing Advice for Younger Self

Don't wait until you feel you're ready, until you feel you're worthy, to tell your story. Write it as you're still becoming. Honesty is more important than polish.

‘The Hultman Blueprint’ is available now.