Brighter Than Before Author Q&A with Courtney Walsh

Courtney Walsh is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several low spice romance and contemporary women’s fiction novels. She is a Carol-award winner, Christy award finalist and seeker of happy endings. More than anything, Courtney feels compelled to spread joy by writing light-hearted but poignant, character driven stories that provide a sweet, safe escape when life gets a little too heavy. In addition to writing novels, she has written two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois with her husband and three children, where she co-owns a performing arts studio and youth theatre with her business partner and best friend—her husband.

FF: Brighter than Before follows a woman rebuilding her life in her forties after a painful divorce. What drew you to tell a story centered on this stage of life?
I think just being aware of the women around me, women in my own social circles who’ve had to navigate life after a painful divorce. The whole idea of starting over once you’ve built a life and a family really intrigues me because the women who do this are so brave and so strong. I’m inspired by them, and I wanted to explore the thoughts and feelings and emotions involved in mustering that kind of bravery.

FF: Claire’s journey begins with a simple but bold list—move, find friendship, pursue meaningful work. What inspired that “life reset” framework for the story?
I think many women work best with a checklist, and I wanted her to be really clear on what she wanted and why. Setting her up with that list really helped keep her centered and focused, I think.

FF: This novel leans strongly into women’s fiction, with themes of identity, belonging, and self-worth. Why were those elements important for you to explore through Claire’s character?
I think every one of my books somehow relates back to finding our identity and the space in between who we are and who we want to be. I always love to explore that, but in this story, writing a character who suffered such a public rejection and the humiliation that came as a result, it was important to show how her sense of belonging and self worth were really shaken. I think these are universal themes we can all relate to.

FF: Chicago plays a significant role in Claire’s fresh start. What made it the right setting for a story about reinvention and possibility?
In the months leading up to my deadline, we were spending a lot of time in Chicago, seeing parts of the city I’d never seen before, and I kind of fell in love with it. I know there are a lot of stories about women starting over that lead them to small towns, and I LOVE small towns, but I wanted to write about someone getting in touch with who she was when she was younger, and I know when I was in college, the city really enamored me. There’s something so alive about a big city, and I thought that’s what Claire really needed most!

FF: Found family and new friendships are central to Claire’s growth. What do you hope readers take away about community and connection during seasons of change?
It’s just so easy to remove ourselves because we’re afraid of being a burden or putting ourselves back out there. This was a nice reminder to myself too that we’re not built to go solo. Community and connection really help enrich every aspect of our lives, and I really wanted to show that here.

FF: Claire’s relationship with her daughter adds both humor and heart—especially with the unexpected dating profile twist. How did that dynamic shape the story?
I drew on my own experience with my daughter, and I really wanted to show how having an honest younger voice in our lives can challenge us in really great ways. I also love to show that one day, a daughter become less of a button pusher and more of a friend. It’s a really special relationship that was fun to highlight.

FF: While there is a romantic thread, much of the novel focuses on Claire learning to listen to her own voice and desires. How did you approach balancing personal growth with romance?
I think the romance is just one part of this novel. It’s ultimately about Claire’s personal growth, about her experiences and her willingness to put herself back out there. I just wanted her to see that not all men are going to break your heart. It was fun to create a friendship that blossomed into something more, and in the end, I think the relationship added a nice layer in her story. Plus, it was super fun to write!

FF: At its core, Brighter than Before asks the question, “What do I really want?” What do you hope readers reflect on in their own lives after finishing the book?
I think it’s always good to pause and ask ourselves that question. Because it can be so easy to go on autopilot, and keep doing what we’ve always done, even when it’s stopped working. I’m really hoping that readers will feel inspired to assess their lives, but more than that, I hope when they finish this novel, they see themselves in Claire’s journey, and I hope it’s exactly what they need.