Discover how Briyanna transformed life-threatening medical challenges and disability into a powerful writing career, becoming an award-winning author who inspires thousands through her books and poetry advocacy.
Influential Woman · Writing
Briyanna Dorminvil
Author, Self-employed
Miami, FL
4Years experience
1Article published
1Award received
Her Story
About Briyanna
Briyanna Dorminvil is an award-winning author, mentor, and men's mental health advocate. What once started as a hobby became an epiphany when she realized writing and reading filled her leisure time. After sharpening her skills and taking risks, she became an author. As an author, she strives to encourage, edify, and inspire readers through scripture and transparency with each turn of the page. Despite mentoring many men, she wanted to take it a step further by advocating for men's mental health through poetry. She writes poems to raise awareness about the common struggles and hidden problems men face daily. Her poems "The Silent Cry of A Man" and "Am I Invisible" have earned her finalist positions in two contests. In her leisure time, she enjoys walking, reading, and going to parks.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Briyanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my great heavenly father: God.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Honestly, I barely received any career advice. Like many, I've heard many cliché catchphrases like "Don't give up" and "Work hard," but those weren't helpful because they were typical. Not to mention, I didn't learn anything from them.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My best two pieces of advice for young women entering this industry are: Learn all aspects of the industry and occupation before jumping in. Also, take the risk.
One of the most common mistakes many people make is jumping into an industry and occupation without knowing anything about it. Every industry and occupation has disadvantages and hard truths. Benefits were never an issue, but it's your responsibility to learn the truth. If you don't take the steps to learn the truth, you will be an ignorant, easy target that many people will take advantage of.
Second, take the risk. Many people are waiting for permission, validation, approval, applause, support, or the right time. However, all of these expectations are unrealistic and not guaranteed. Stop waiting and start doing. I am living proof that none of these things are required to become successful or achieve goals. Before taking a risk, always consider the outcome and what's at stake. However, don't allow fear or worry to back you into a corner. Take the risk. I've taken many risks as an author, and I don't regret any of them. The outcomes didn't always turn out as expected, but looking back, I still don't regret them. There's an idea you've been sitting on for far too long; it's time to act on it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges within the writing industry (also known as the magazine and publication industry) are:
- It's a vast industry. Thousands of books are being published daily. In a large industry, you must be unique to build your brand because blending in will only make you easier to overlook.
- Be careful how you publish your book. Many traditional and hybrid companies are only concerned with making money, growing their businesses, and maintaining a good reputation. Meaning they can care less about authors. Not all publication companies are the same. However, I encourage you to conduct research to make a firm decision about how to publish your book.
- Beware of constant scammers. Many of them come in the form of a book promoter, supporter, digital marketing expert, or fan. They often promise that they can make you successful, get you book reviews, and increase visibility. However, avoid being desperate and falling for the scam of instant success.
Opportunities:
- Being able to set an example by positively influencing others.
- Meeting people from all walks of life.
- Changing the lives of many people through literature.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Briyanna
Benevolent Brilliance
How a Disability Diagnosis Transformed a Basketball Dream into a Powerful Writing Legacy
From Life-Altering Setbacks to Award-Winning Author: Briyanna's Story of Resilience
Life took a drastic turn when many scholarship opportunities slipped from Briyanna's grasp due to a life-threatening medical incident. Once certain she would pursue a career as a basketball player, she was forced to reconsider her future after undergoing surgery for internal bleeding and being declared disabled at the age of 18. Overwhelmed with uncertainty, she had to leave behind everything she had worked so hard to achieve.
Before the incident, writing and reading were hobbies that filled her leisure time. Afterward, however, she pivoted toward becoming a cartoonist and graffiti artist. While she continued to write poetry and read books, art became her primary focus.
The Urge to Become an Author
After a year as an artist, Briyanna could no longer ignore her desire to become an author as her collection of unpublished stories continued to grow.
One afternoon, while scrolling through Instagram, she came across a photograph of a world-renowned author signing copies of his books and handing them to readers. Seeing that image ignited an undeniable determination within her to pursue authorship.
She began conducting extensive research and even spoke with the author to seek advice. She contacted various publishing companies, carefully considered their offerings, and eventually selected one to work with. After months of research, a new challenge emerged: writing the book.
Despite years of writing experience and success in her high school writing classes, fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty became significant obstacles.
Months Rolled By
Months passed as the stories stored in her documents seemed to collect dust. Although she felt a constant pull to write, she continued finding reasons to postpone the work.
Since her teenage years, Briyanna had mentored several people, primarily young men, but she wanted to reach a broader audience and help even more individuals through her writing.
One morning, she felt an indescribable conviction in her spirit. She believed God impressed upon her that if she did not begin using her gift of writing, she risked losing it. Determined not to let that happen, she immediately began working on her book.
For several months, she made strong progress, but eventually shifted her focus back to art.
After allowing an unfinished manuscript to sit untouched for months, she experienced a moment of clarity and recommitted herself to completing it. Months later, the publication process began when she invested her last $300 as a down payment, despite facing financial instability.
After months of waiting, overcoming setbacks, and correcting numerous errors, the book was finally published.
Despite These Challenges
Unfortunately, Briyanna received the exciting news while lying in a hospital bed after being declared disabled for a second time following a five-story fall.
The fall led to abandonment, mistreatment, emotional abuse, depression, and ongoing health challenges. (She discusses these experiences in greater detail in her book Battling to Heal.)
Despite these hardships, she enrolled in college creative writing courses, continued working while recovering, and remained committed to writing books.
When she graduated from college, she earned numerous honors, including being named valedictorian. She completed her degree and was featured twice at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
A Growing Legacy
Today, Briyanna is an award-winning author with seven books and fourteen publications to her name.
She continues mentoring young men and has expanded her impact by using poetry to advocate for men's mental health and raise awareness about the challenges many men face every day.
Her poetry has earned finalist placements in two writing competitions and led to two features in Adelaide Magazine.
As her journey continues, Briyanna remains committed to educating, inspiring, and empowering others through her words, proving that even life's most difficult setbacks can become the foundation for an extraordinary purpose.
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