Dustin Bryan

Verified Account

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I come from a tough background, but I’ve worked hard to turn my struggles into strength. I’m passionate about helping others, whether through my writing, charity work, or just being there for people who need encouragement. My wife and I run a food pantry at our church, and we’re involved in raising awareness about human trafficking. Outside of that, I enjoy good conversations, working with my hands, and finding ways to make a difference.

When and why did you start writing books?

Writing started as a way to process my experiences. I never set out to be an author, but as I reflected on my life, I realized my story could help others who feel trapped by their past. I wanted to show that there's a way forward no matter what you’ve been through. That’s what pushed me to turn my story into something meaningful.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Writing started as a personal outlet—a way to process my experiences and reflect on the lessons I’ve learned. Over time, I realized that my story could help others who have faced similar struggles. While I write part-time, I see it as more than just a hobby; it’s a way to inspire, encourage, and remind people that they are not alone. If my words can make even a small difference in someone’s life, then it’s worth pursuing.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Since From Broken to Blessed: The Promise That Changed Everything is my first book, it holds a special place in my heart. It’s deeply personal because it’s my own story—one of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, hope. If I had to choose a "favorite character," it would be the person I became through the journey of writing this book. Looking back at where I started and how far I’ve come reminds me why I wrote it in the first place—to show others that no matter where you come from, a better future is possible.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Since From Broken to Blessed: The Promise That Changed Everything is my first book, it was definitely the hardest to write. Reliving the painful moments of my past and putting them into words was an emotional challenge, but it also pushed me to grow—not just as a writer, but as a person. It forced me to be vulnerable, to dig deep into my experiences, and to articulate the lessons I learned in a way that could help others. Writing this book stretched me beyond my comfort zone, but in the end, it was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

Who is your favourite author and book?

That’s a tough one! I’ve always been drawn to books that challenge the way we think about life and resilience. David Goggins-Can’t Hurt Me, has had a huge impact on me because of its raw honesty and powerful message.

What book are you reading right now?

Right now, I’m reading Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins. It’s a powerful book about taking control of your emotions, mindset, and decisions to create a better life. Robbins has a way of breaking things down in a practical, no-nonsense way that really resonates with me. It’s a great reminder that no matter where you come from, you have the power to shape your future.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

My inspiration comes from my own life experiences—both the struggles and the triumphs. From Broken to Blessed: The Promise That Changed Everything was born out of my journey through hardship, resilience, and faith. I’ve seen firsthand how pain can either break us or shape us into something stronger, and I wanted to share that message with others. I’m also inspired by the people I’ve met along the way—those who have faced their own battles and found a way forward. Their stories, along with my own, fuel my desire to write and encourage others.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love spending time with my family, giving back to my community, and having meaningful conversations with people. I also enjoy tackling home projects—there’s something really satisfying about building and creating. Recently, I transformed our laundry room into a walk-in pantry and turned our old pantry into a coffee nook. I also built a deck on the back of our house and finished our countertops with epoxy resin. I enjoy projects like these because they allow me to work with my hands and bring a vision to life.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I just finished my first book, From Broken to Blessed: The Promise That Changed Everything. I currently don't have any books in the works.