A CLYDEBANK-BORN author who set up her publishing business in the middle of the Covid pandemic has celebrated her first anniversary.

Brenda Dempsey created her business Book Brilliance Publishing to give aspiring authors of any background an equal opportunity in the industry.

The business has now published seven titles, placing authors among the Amazon number one bestsellers, with some even featuring on national news.

Brenda said: “Despite being thrown into the pandemic, people were approaching me to help write and publish their books.

“It became apparent to seize this opportunity and help make dreams come true for would-be authors.

“Covid-19 sparked people’s interest in sharing their stories, so using 25 years’ experience in teaching and writing and being an author, I realised this was my calling.

“As a business owner, you recognise opportunities that come your way and when others come knocking on your door, you listen and take note, then most of all you take action and make it happen.”

Book Brilliance Publishing also created a ‘diversity and inclusion ambassador’, and held regular author networking events on Zoom.

Brenda added: “I am passionate about bringing the brilliance out in others.

“Supporting authors to write great books and then go beyond their book to create a business is a joy for everyone involved.”

“Leading on from this, I decided to create my own anthology, Resilient Voices, so that I could bring positivity, hope and inspiration, knowing that out of darkness, you can find great light and joy.”

To celebrate the 73rd birthday of the NHS, the publishing house has recently compiled an anthology called Resilient Voices that shares the stories of resilience, positivity and hope from a pandemic from 45 contributors.

All profits will be donated to NHS Charities Together in gratitude for their hard work in the last year.

Brenda has since become an international author, businesswoman, business coach and the founder of the charity Helping Handbags.

For more information visit bookbrilliancepublishing.com.