No Swearing Allowed

I begin this blog with an ugh:

UGH.

And here’s why:

I picked March 31st to release Part 2 of the Atto’s Tale miniseries . . . before I realized what day it was. Good job, Brindi. Now not only do you have the risen Lord to compete with, but lots of boobs and dragons, as well. -_- Sigh. And sigh again. (Okay, but really, I am crazy stoked for Season 3 of the throne-based gaming. Eeek!)

Hm, and now for an update! Book 1 of the Eternity Duet (titled Everdare) is coming along smoothly! The narrative voice is somewhat archaic, so it usually takes a bit for me to get into — my natural internal voice is much more lazy and crass, and whereas my characters tend to be modern-jargoned and swear without restraint, my new narrator (won’t reveal her name just yet) isn’t and doesn’t. So each time I feel the need to throw in a d*** or f*** or what have you, dang it all, I must resist! But that’s all fine, I suppose, because the narrative is coming along pretty beautifully! It’s the sort of thing I’d like to listen to aloud . . . with maybe an exciting British person narrating. Possibly Martin Freeman or the guy from Art Brut. Take your pick.

We’re looking at a summer release on that one, and I haven’t yet decided what I’ll work on afterwards, but I can safely say it will either be Book 2 of the Eternity Duet OR the sequel to The World Remains. Squeal! Wait for me, Olté!

Oh! And since it was previously mentioned, Atto’s Tale is still in progress. I will deliver part 2 on the 31st (as promised) so that if anyone cares to have a sexy read amidst their Easter egg huntings, they may. Just to warn, however, last chapter took a turn for the weird. Sorry! >.< I just couldn’t help myself! As of now, there will be four parts total . . . I think. Gah! Always with the indecisiveness!

And now for some gushing: These last few months have been pretty exciting for me. I’ve had record sales and several reviews, and I’m very exceedingly happy and grateful! *Sniffle* Thank you for your kind words, messages, texts. They are fuel for my typin’ fingers, and I read and reread them with fervor! (P.S. I tell you this not to brag, but because I truly appreciate it!) If anyone would care to turn those words into reviews on Amazon or Goodreads or wherever, it would be a massive help. Seriously, it would!

Mmkay, that’s all for now. Must go shovel. March is bipolar. Enjoy your Game of Thrones! As will I!

The World Remains

It’s easy for me to zone out. In fact, were I not careful, I’d spend a wide majority of my day happily staring at the wall and daydreaming. Healthy? No. Alluring? Yes.

And just why is it such a habit of allure, to let one’s mind go numb? Because during these escapes, many delicacies cross the plane of thought. A hodgepodge of ideas and quotes and colors and the like. And sometimes they can be . . . inspiring.

Three years ago, in the midst of one such moment (and in the midst of much brain muddle), I had a thought. And for some reason, the thought was special. It was write-down worthy. So I wrote it. Onto a small slip of paper. And then I tucked it into the drawer of bills, never to be looked at again.

Only, I did look again. A year later, to be roughly precise, I came upon that slip of paper and realized there was something there. There was a spark hidden between the sloppy words. So I sat down at my computer and let the half-completed thought flow through my fingertips, into the world and onto the screen. This was the birth of HEART OF FARELLAH.

Yes, exactly two years ago today, I started typing my first manuscript. Now, seven published works later, I am happy, proud (and more than a little afraid) to present you with my newest creation, THE WORLD REMAINS. An accumulation of thoughts. Months of letting my brain go to ‘that place’. Masses of paper. Fictional family trees. Sketched out maps. Doodles on important envelopes I should have left alone. Paranoia. Despair. Elation. Giddiness. And no shortage of tears. These are the things that went into work #7.

I love it most days. I hate it a few. But I know it’s good. And I hope you’ll think so too.

Get it on Amazon in paperback or for Kindle.

Get it on Smashwords for an array of other e-readers.

Check out its Facebook page. Add it to your Goodreads queue. And when you’re finished, leave a review.

Seven books in two years? Yes, I am obsessive and crazy, but you know what? I LOVE it. I LOVE writing so, SO much; and as I work tirelessly to perfect my craft, I couldn’t be happier with how far I’ve come in a measly two years. As always, thank you for reading this dash of blog. And thank you for your support! XOXO!

THE WORLD REMAINS artwork by Ben Clemann: http://www.otakumako.deviantart.com/

The Atto’s Tale Miniseries

It’s here! It’s here!

The Atto’s Tale Miniseries is finally here!

And there are several ways you can read it!

Read it FREE via this blog.

Download the FREE file for NOOK, KINDLE, PDF, etc. via Smashwords.

OR purchase your very own 78-page paperback for only $3.99 at Createspace.

Once the entire miniseries is out, I’ll combine it into a collection and release it via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Itunes, Sony, Borders, and more . . . but why wait?

Check it out!!!!!!!!

P.S. ATTO’S TALE is a spinoff from the HEART OF FARELLAH TRILOGY (available in print and for e-readers), so some readers may wish to get caught up with the backstory first!

Happy Holidays and Shameless Plugging!

Jingle, jingle, everyone!

It’s that time of year again. I’ve just switched my scenty plug-ins over to pine. The tree is shedding needles all over the floor. It can only mean one thing: Christmas is nearly upon us!

And just in time for the holidays, a gift of my own recently arrived in the mail.

 

Hoo-ha! Paperback copies of my newest book! Needless to say, I was more than a little excited. There was squealing. Oh, was there ever.

But that aside . . .

For my family, Christmas is widely a hectic dash of trying to get to too many places, see too many people, and eat too much food. But in between the most chaotic parts of this joyous season, there are moments – bitty moments – of warmth and thankfulness and remembrance to enjoy each other’s company. From grandma’s house to in-laws’ to great-aunt’s to parents’ to wherever our agenda takes us, small moments of being wrapped in the love of Christ and in the love of each other usually seem to find us. I won’t  preach here about the reason for the season and yada yada yada, but I will say this: It is only with the love and support of my family and with a steady faith in the Lord that I have made it this far.

It’s amazing, really, what a difference a year makes.

Last Christmas I was in a daze, having just finished my first trilogy. This Christmas I can claim three more books as my own, and it’s truly amazing. It’s an amazing, amazing, thing, and as I sit wrapped in the artificial scent of plugged-in pine, I can’t help but wonder how I’m allowed to be this happy. Yes, as my husband can attest, I frequently stress and freak about the tiniest, most insignificant things (usually book-related), but at least for now, in this moment, with the warmth of Christmas approaching, I am content and thankful.

Which reminds me . . .

Thank you to everyone who’s read my books. To anyone who’s handed off my card to someone else, or written a review. Thank you for your positive messages and input. The reason I make the majority of my e-books $1 is because I want as many people to read and enjoy them as possible. I want real delight to be found in them. I wish more than anything for readers to pick up one of my books and enjoy the journey therein. THAT’S the reason I write. Not to show off or gloat (gosh, I hope it doesn’t come off that way); but because I absolutely love when someone else falls in love with my characters as much as I have – when someone can take a break from their own stress and get lost in the places I’ve painted for them. You should try it sometime.

And with that . . .

I joke about shameless plugging, but what can I do? For those of us writers just starting out, it’s essential. Our earliest fans are friends and family, and it is only with your support that we can hope to make it. Branching out . . . getting our work to others . . . it all stems from you.

So without further ado . . .

It isn’t too late to order a paperback copy of SIL IN A DARK WORLD! I just checked AMAZON and it says it’ll still arrive by Christmas. Seriously, guys. This book is a dry, sarcastic, sexy, witty, sinister, romantic ride. It’s also my shortest work to date. That means it’s a smooth, quick read, and the perfect starting point for anyone who hasn’t yet picked up one of my novels.

I love ya, I love ya, I love ya. And I’ll love ya even more if you write me a good review.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or whatever floats your boat.

XOXO ~ Brindi

Sil at Last, Sil at Last!

‎

“Sil says I have a problem with authority. I say Sil’s a twit.”

Forced to live in the mortal world for six weeks, tasked with the impossible mission of making affectionless Sil fall for him, it is the end of the world for spoiled Prince Wayst.

Exiled from the underworld, Wayst’s only hope of return lies in making Sil love him, but how is he supposed to do that when all he can think of is killing her?

Love and hate have never been more deliciously cynical in this dry-humored tale of lust, murder, and romance.

What you have just read is the blurb from the back cover of my newest novel, Sil in a Dark World: A Paranormal Love-Hate Story.

(A ’paranormal love-hate story’? Just what does that mean exactly?)

It means that this book was maliciously fun to write. Heh. Heh. Heh.

(Evil laughter? Really?)

Yes, I did in fact break out the evil laugh just for you! Feel honored! >.<

SIL isn’t a love story. Let’s be clear about that. The title doesn’t lie. This novel is most certainly a love-HATE story. Sarcastic, sexy, and a little evil, SIL IN A DARK WORLD is a first-person, present tense, quick & witty read written in a male voice. And the male voice? He’s something of an ass.

Yet for some reason, I felt right at home writing as him . . .

(Did you just call yourself an ass?)

Hrm. So I did. So I did.

If you haven’t read any of my previous works, READ SIL. If you have read any of my previous works, READ SIL. If you can, in fact, read, READ SIL. If you can’t read, pretend to READ SIL.

Think that just about covers it.

Now, to my new projects! I’m knee-deep in my seventh novel (Atto’s Tale), which is going to be released in stages. Two chapters at a time, I believe.

(You mean you don’t know?)

Er- Y-yeah, I do. Two chapters! Two chapters it is! Geesh. Nothing like making a hasty decision. But a decision’s been made nonetheless. Two chapters at a time, and GET THIS: The first release will be free! And maybe the second one too?? I dunno . . . depends how good you are. Have you left a good review for SIL yet? How about SECONDS? I do believe SECONDS needs some love.

Although, I’ve heard it’s dangerous to negotiate with authors. I once saw a commercial where James Patterson threatened to kill off Alex Cross if the viewer didn’t purchase his latest novel. What I’m doing can’t be any worse than that!

(Don’t you know justification’s only for the guilty??)

Geh. If I’m guilty, it’s only because SIL has so many deliciously naughty moments. Heh. Heh. Heh. And for reader reference, this time the laugh was more of a perverted / crude type.

Now that my perversions have been settled, it’s time for me to shamelessly plug AGAIN for SIL! E-copies are ready to go for Kindle and most other devices. Get it on Smashwords OR Amazon. I don’t care which. All I care is that you READ SIL. I will post a new blog the INSTANT the paperbacks become available. Should be within the week!!! Eeeek!!!

Thank you for once again reading my crazy, obsessive ramblings. Much love.

XOXO Brindi

Blog Changes :3

To celebrate the completion of my SIXTH NOVEL, I thought it would be a good idea to keep a running list of my books and their descriptions all in one place! So I added a ‘MY BOOKS’ tab to the top of my blog. Don’t forget to click it and scroll ALL the way down to get a sneak peek at Sil in a Dark World - to be released early Dec 2012!

WHAT HAPPENED TO SIL?!?!

Happy October!

For those of you that finished Seconds: The Shared Soul Chronicles, you’ll have noticed a teensy bit of a lie. It wasn’t an intentional lie, I swear, but that doesn’t change the fact that I lied to you, dear readers, and for that I am eternally sorry!! >.<

Seconds had the audacity to claim that my new book, Sil in a Dark World, would be released Summer 2012. Whaaa . . .? Really, Seconds? Why you gotta lie like that? Well, that’s probably because Sil was SUPPOSED to be released Summer 2012. That was the plan all along, but frankly, ‘the plan’ wasn’t meant to be.

SO WHAT HAPPENED!? O_O What monstrosity could have kept this writer from delivering her promised work? What heinous occurrence could have forced me to lose my word?!

It isn’t a monstrosity so much as a dear thing, really. An impatient stub, if you will. Within my brain, there are lots of story stubs, waiting to be written. Some of them formed. Others incubating. And while I was working on Sil, one of them was a bit peskier than the rest. So pesky, in fact, that I found myself story-mapping at the most inconvenient times. At the dinner table, in the middle of the night, and even in church (heaven help me).

The story that budged its way ahead in line was We Who Wander Lost. The title is tentative, but the work is finished, and it is something I am truly proud of. After a year and a half of breaching this unknown world of ‘writing for others’, I finally feel one hundred percent secure in my technique. I look back at my other works and see flaws from time to time, but I also see that I am ever bettering. That I’ve been honing in on the craft of narrative. With my recently finished work, I just might have hit a place near the core. And it’s a good thing, no?

But before I talk it up too much, I’m sorry to say that We Who Wander Lost (or whatever its name ends up being) will not be published for quite a while. I’m saving it. For what? Hm. I wonder. Guess we’ll just have to see! And in the meantime, I’ll be completing Sil in a Dark World with the intent to publish before winter (fingers-crossed). So there you have it. A tiny fib was told, but I WILL deliver Sil before the snow falls for sure . . . er, maybe.

And for those of you that have been waiting for the promised Ardette spinoff trilogy? Have no fear! The WIP has not been cast away. Not in the least. Actually, I have . . . different plans for the work (since named “Atto’s Tale”) that I am very excited about! “Atto’s Tale” will no longer be a trilogy, but a miniseries released in e-formatted episodes. The first of these episodes will be free (hurrah!) and the subsequent chapters will be priced with a college student’s budget in mind. Once the series is finished, it will be gathered together and published as one jumbo print volume to be sold on Amazon and the like. Ah. I really can’t wait!

Now on a personal note. Things I have been loving recently include (but are not limited to): Inu x Boku SS (anime), La storia della Arcana Famiglia (anime), Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii game), Revolution (tv series), Wax Tailor (music), and we cannot forget the seasonal return of Boo Berry cereal!!

Were you distracted for a moment from the fact that I lied? No? I didn’t work? Aw, shucks. Well, anyways, sorry times a thousand for not delivering Sil, but please know that it was only because of something important (and pesky), which will meet the world at a later date!

Welp, I think that’s all for now . . .

Oh! And I should probably mention that my first four novels are available in print and for e-readers on Amazon, etc. Look for Seconds: The Shared Soul Chronicles and the Heart of Farellah trilogy today!

Lots of love and fallish good wishes to you all! XOXOXO