"Joy isn’t always possible every day—but there is joy in every day. Sometimes, it’s just texting silly things to my friends or flirting with cute people."
1. How would you introduce yourself to someone new to your work?
My name is Keah Brown, and my work is a reflection of my lived experiences. It centers around the importance of joy and the belief in happily ever after—while also acknowledging that we'll be okay either way.
2. What first drew you to storytelling—was there a moment it really clicked?
I fell in love with reading at a very young age, and that’s when everything clicked. As a kid, I would devour romance novels—often not fully understanding the adult themes but completely immersed in the emotions. I remember thinking, I want to do that. I want to make people feel the way these authors make me feel. Thankfully, that desire stuck with me, and I hope I get to do this forever. Fingers crossed!
3. What was going through your mind when you first posted #DisabledAndCute?
I was celebrating! That moment of self-acceptance was hard-won. After spending most of my life hating my body, I finally felt good about myself for an extended period—and I wanted the world to know. I’m such an extrovert, lol.
4. What’s something you’re really proud of that most people don’t know about?
I’m proud of the small victories—like surprising myself by walking longer without needing a break. One of the things I’m proudest of is consistently doing 30 minutes on the treadmill three times a week. It’s those quiet triumphs that mean the most.
5. How do you balance writing about joy with real-world challenges?
By practicing honesty. Joy isn’t always possible every day, but there is joy in every day—I just have to find it, hour by hour. Part of that balance is knowing when not to write. Sometimes I need rest—days off filled with rom-coms, Paramore on repeat, and silly phone games. Sometimes it’s a treadmill walk, doing laundry, or pretending the world isn’t on fire. It’s texting funny things to my friends, playing cards, or flirting with cute people. Living my life is essential in order to write about it.
6. Who or what inspires you creatively these days?
I love this question! Roxane Gay—forever and always. Viola Davis, Drew Barrymore, Mandy Moore, Paramore... Recently, I was really inspired after watching The Pitt on Max and even while learning how to play Spades on an app. I'm always creatively charged after helping my friend Kelley rehearse for auditions.
7. What’s a piece of advice you’ve held onto in your writing journey?
Write when you can and write what moves you. If your heart isn’t in it, readers will know. So read—read widely and unapologetically—before, during, and after you write.
8. What do you hope readers take away from your work?
That life is worth living, and everyone has a story—it just depends on where you look and who you’re looking for. Also, Happily Ever Afters are not overrated.
9. If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Oooo! Just Fine by Mary J. Blige. It gets me so hyped and ready to dance, but it also delivers such a powerful message about not changing your life when you’re finally happy. It took me a long time to feel this way, and it’s important—and fun—to celebrate that joy.
Bio:
Interviewed by: Niyati Gupta
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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