Brittany Henning is a Washington, DC–born children’s author and storyteller based in Northern Virginia. She has built a successful career in the information technology industry while nurturing her lifelong passion for creative writing. Her debut book, Pleasant Dreams, I’ll See You When the Sun Comes Up, was inspired by a bedtime phrase once shared between her husband and his late mother—a comforting message of love and reassurance that now lives on through Brittany’s own children’s bedtime routine. Through her writing, Brittany hopes to help little ones (and their parents) end each day with peace, connection, and the promise of new adventures ahead.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: The inspiration for (and title of) Pleasant Dreams, I’ll See You When the Sun Comes Up comes from a phrase my mother-in-law used to say to my husband every night before she left for her overnight shift at the hospital. It was a simple but beautiful way of reminding him that rest was important and that morning would bring a new day together again.
Years later, after we lost her and I became a mother myself, that phrase stayed with me. When my son Henry was going through a sleep regression as a toddler, I found myself thinking about those words and the comfort they carried. One night, while sitting up with him, I began writing what would eventually become this story. My hope was to create a gentle bedtime book that would help children wind down, appreciate the quiet beauty of night, and look forward to the adventures that the next day would bring.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: My biggest piece of advice is to simply start writing and not wait for the “perfect” moment or idea. Many people have stories in their hearts, but the hardest step is putting the first words on the page. Writing is a process, and the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to come from the heart and exist.
I also believe inspiration often comes from everyday life. For me, the idea for my book came from a meaningful phrase in our family and a quiet moment while comforting my son. Those small moments can become powerful stories when you take the time to capture them.
Finally, stay patient and persistent. Writing a book takes time and revisions, and it takes courage to share your work with others. But if you stay committed to your story and why you wanted to write it in the first place, the process becomes incredibly rewarding.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Choosing a favorite is tough, but for bedtime stories, I’d pick Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, a calming classic I loved as a child.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Yes, the boy in the story was inspired by my son, Henry. When I was writing the book, I often pictured him as the little character moving through the story. Like many young children, Henry is curious about the world around him, and bedtime can sometimes feel like a big transition from a day full of activity and imagination.
Thinking about him helped guide the tone of the story. I wanted it to feel comforting and peaceful, the kind of book a child could listen to at night and feel calm, safe, and ready for sleep.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: My favorite part of the writing process is when the idea first starts to take shape on the page. There’s something special about watching a simple thought or memory slowly turn into a story. In the early stages, the possibilities feel wide open, and it’s exciting to see how the setting and message begin to come together.
I also really enjoy the revision stage, when you refine the language and rhythm. With a children’s book in particular, every word matters, and shaping the story so it flows gently for bedtime reading is a really fulfilling process.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I believe it’s a combination of both. Some people may have a natural inclination toward storytelling or creativity, but becoming a strong writer is largely a skill that develops over time. Writing takes practice, patience, and a willingness to refine your ideas again and again.
Like many creative pursuits, the more you practice, the more your voice and confidence grow. Natural talent can spark the beginning, but dedication and persistence are what help shape a story into something meaningful that others can connect with.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: I have far too many favorite books and poems to choose just one, but there is a quote that has always stayed with me: “Fear is in the anticipation.” I love the perspective behind it—that often, the things we worry about feel much bigger before we face them than they do once we take the first step.
That idea resonates with me in many parts of life, including writing. Publishing a book can feel intimidating at first, but once you begin and follow the story where it leads, the process becomes incredibly rewarding. For me, that quote is a reminder to move forward with curiosity and courage, even when something feels a little uncertain. We all need to push ourselves out of our comfort zone to grow and change for the better.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: Yes, absolutely! Once you start writing, it’s hard to turn your imagination off. I already have another book idea in the early stages, and it’s been exciting to begin shaping that story and seeing where it might go.
For me, the most meaningful part of writing is creating something that families can share. If a story that I write becomes part of a child’s bedtime routine or a quiet moment between a parent and their child, that’s incredibly special. That is what inspires me to keep writing.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: Two authors I greatly admire are Brené Brown and Louisa May Alcott. Both are strong female voices whose work has resonated with generations of readers.
Brené Brown’s writing stands out for its emphasis on courage, vulnerability, and authenticity. She encourages people to embrace imperfection and lead with honesty, which inspires me.
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women—a timeless story about family, resilience, and women’s strength—is one of my favorite books. Her genuine characters and enduring themes continue to inspire readers today.
Together, their writing reminds me how powerful words can be.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: That’s a tough one . . .only five books feels like a very serious commitment! I think I’d bring a mix of stories that offer comfort, inspiration, and a little imagination.
First, I would take Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It’s a timeless story about family, resilience, and strong women, and it’s one of those books you can return to again and again.
Next would be Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. Even in a doomsday bunker, I think a peaceful bedtime story would still be essential.
For inspiration and perspective, I’d bring Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. Her writing is a great reminder about courage and showing up authentically—even if the world outside the bunker is a little chaotic.
I would also bring Into the Land of the Unicorns by Bruce Coville because every bunker needs a little magic and adventure.
And finally, I’d bring a collection of poems by Emily Dickinson. Poetry has a way of offering perspective and beauty in even the simplest moments, which would probably be helpful during an apocalypse.
If you’re going to ride out the end of the world somewhere, you might as well have a good stack of books with you.
Brittany Henning's new children's book, Pleasant Dreams, I'll See You When the Sun Comes Up is coming soon June 2, 2026.