Well, Saturday I got a surprise knock at the door and 30 of my babies showed up. It was so fun to hear my 4 year old say "beautiful" once we opened the box. But I couldn't wait... I needed to organize them and get them to their new homes. All day Sunday, I addressed and packaged them up. But, I sold out! So, I had to do a first-come first-serve basis.
I just appreciate everyone who's believed in me and encouraged me on this journey. I really hope you like the story as much as I do. And book 2 is begging me to work on it. So much to do... so little time!
You are the one who's made my dream come true! Thank you!
Hugs, Brenda
Monday, March 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Quarterfinalist in ABNA
My jaw is still on the ground. After a very long day of waiting, I'm ecstatic to announce I made the cut from 1,000 to 250 to gain the title Quarterfinalist for my baby. I keep looking to make sure it wasn't a mistake.
The wait was grueling though. Knowing last time the list was revealed at 3:30 p.m. I endured okay until then, but found myself compulsively refreshing unable to get further than 50 yards from the computer all to run back and refresh again. It messed with my mind! So, to preoccupy myself, I played both scenarios in my head, both of which included crying. But at six, I had to leave to go to a meeting. The break was refreshing because what else would I be doing but waiting and driving hubby crazy. But at 7:14 I got a text from my mom that I made it. Yep, there were tears!
I didn't want to let many people know on the day just in case I didn't, so I waited mostly alone with my hand invisibly held by a few friends, moms and hubby. You know who you are. Thanks for being there for me!
It's hard to know if your story is well written or not. I believe the Emerald Talisman is a great story with elements I enjoy. But will others? Apparently, a Vine Reader thought it had merit. So, it's being revealed to the world on April 2nd and then you can decide. I'd love feedback.
Next cut April 27th.
Hugs, Brenda
The wait was grueling though. Knowing last time the list was revealed at 3:30 p.m. I endured okay until then, but found myself compulsively refreshing unable to get further than 50 yards from the computer all to run back and refresh again. It messed with my mind! So, to preoccupy myself, I played both scenarios in my head, both of which included crying. But at six, I had to leave to go to a meeting. The break was refreshing because what else would I be doing but waiting and driving hubby crazy. But at 7:14 I got a text from my mom that I made it. Yep, there were tears!
I didn't want to let many people know on the day just in case I didn't, so I waited mostly alone with my hand invisibly held by a few friends, moms and hubby. You know who you are. Thanks for being there for me!
It's hard to know if your story is well written or not. I believe the Emerald Talisman is a great story with elements I enjoy. But will others? Apparently, a Vine Reader thought it had merit. So, it's being revealed to the world on April 2nd and then you can decide. I'd love feedback.
Next cut April 27th.
Hugs, Brenda
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Saturday, March 20, 2010
First Interview
I was interviewed today from booksliketwilight.com for my book, The Emerald Talisman. Talk about an honor! Not only to be put on such a prestigious site, but to be up there with some great works of paranormal fiction. I hope you get a chance to check it out under 'author interviews'.
I'm also very excited to have Nathan Henry of Sherwood doing my book trailer. His video work is so awesome! Here's a few choice video's he's done:
And the epic Sherwood Show:
I saw some of the pre-work today and can hardly wait to see the finished trailer. If you, or someone you know is looking for an affordable book trailer, Nate will not disappoint! Contact me for more info.
Hope you are having a fabu first day of spring!
Hugs, Brenda
I'm also very excited to have Nathan Henry of Sherwood doing my book trailer. His video work is so awesome! Here's a few choice video's he's done:
And the epic Sherwood Show:
I saw some of the pre-work today and can hardly wait to see the finished trailer. If you, or someone you know is looking for an affordable book trailer, Nate will not disappoint! Contact me for more info.
Hope you are having a fabu first day of spring!
Hugs, Brenda
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Pre-Order your Autographed Copy TODAY
I'm so excited. Today is the big day! After the long wait, books are finally available for purchase! This is so thrilling and scary for me all that the same time. Allowing the world to read and critique your work takes courage. I didn't understand until now.
I don't think you'll be disappointed. Quite a few people have read the earlier manuscripts. I've received mostly positive feedback and made revisions for areas that they suggested needed bolstering or clarity. To be honest, I think I've reread and edited over 80 times, but I'm sure there's a few hiding typos and punctuation errors. I invite you to please (privately) let me know so I can fix them pronto!
I want to thank everyone who's helped me on my journey in birthing this book:
(from the acknowledgment section of the book)
First and foremost, I give thanks to God for giving me the talent to express my imagination on paper and people like you to share it with. Secondly, I want to thank my husband, Mike, for his love and patience. You always encourage me to dream big dreams and have given me the priceless gift of time to create, design and imagine. I owe you everything. Thirdly, to my mom and dad, Jana, Nate and my mother-in-law, for your encouragement to keep going and being kind to my ego after reading bad manuscripts.
Pookie, I <3 hot vampires too. Pam, if it weren’t for your kindness after reading the first horrific chapter and seeing potential, I’m not sure if I would have continued on. To S.M., for your inspiration. To the girls at PSP-Paradise, specifically Tracy, Mingo, Adry, Kelly and Nancy who have stuck with me through thick and thin, you all rock! To my first readers, Grandma Helen, Savannah, Robin, Katie, Dee Dee, Marla, Joanne, Renata and others who read early manuscripts; your enthusiasm kept me going. Dori, I will forever be in your debt. Thank you for plucking me out of the sea of Authonomy and giving me endless encouragement and wonderful feedback – your edits made my story so much better. I can’t wait for the world to read your legal thriller. Lori, for painstakingly proofreading my final copy, offering valuable feedback and lending moral support in MOPS. I thank you. And to all my other friends at MOPS, your support has been priceless! Abra, thank you for becoming my friend, mentoring me and being a fabulous encourager in the fantasy YA genre. May we continue to enrich the world with wonderful stories and empower new authors to reach for the stars. To everyone else, who’s given me words of praise along the way, became a Facebook fan and maybe even purchased a book; without you all, I’d not be here today! I wrote this book for you.
To my special supporters: My mom, Renee Henry; Mom #2, Patty Radford; Brittany McCarthy; Ann Carrillo; Karylle Allick; Eric Linden; Pamela King; Mike Leibovich; Marilyn Airozo; Sarah Ramsden; Joanne Gray; Willy Kesseler; Abra Ebner; Adriana Angilella; Cindy Anderson; Helen Godsall; Colleen Lawson; Holly Pendleton. Thank you for believing enough in me to invest in my book. I hope I make you proud!
AND... my first interview will be happening on booksliketwilight.com soon! I'll announce when it'll be posted so you can go visit the site!
Thank you for being my muse! I write for YOU.
Hugs, Brenda
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Monday, March 15, 2010
My publisher, Obsidian Mountain Publishing
I'm knee deep in edits without anymore chocolate in the house, but seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I think I will finally be finished with THE EMERALD TALISMAN tonight (If I stop surfing facebook and writing blog posts). Of course, I'm laughing at myself because honestly, will I ever be done? I am anxious to continue on with the next book, but alas, the first one hasn't let me go quite yet.
With each read, I see areas I can clarify, improve, embellish, correct. It's becoming an addiction. But, I must finish this. So, my promise to you is to have pre-sale ordering available the end of this week. I'm stoked about that. The copy will be signed personally via my webcam/book signing extravaganza party (if you attend), date and time to be announced. The date will all depend on the book delivery. For my international friends, do not despair. I believe shipping will only be around $11.
It's exciting to partner with Obsidian Mountain Publishing. Together we are going to rock the world of vampire fiction. I'm excited!
Tootles,
Brenda
With each read, I see areas I can clarify, improve, embellish, correct. It's becoming an addiction. But, I must finish this. So, my promise to you is to have pre-sale ordering available the end of this week. I'm stoked about that. The copy will be signed personally via my webcam/book signing extravaganza party (if you attend), date and time to be announced. The date will all depend on the book delivery. For my international friends, do not despair. I believe shipping will only be around $11.
It's exciting to partner with Obsidian Mountain Publishing. Together we are going to rock the world of vampire fiction. I'm excited!
Tootles,
Brenda
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Saturday, March 6, 2010
Editing editing, jiggity jig -- preparing for print
So much to do, so little time. I just got my manuscript back from proofing and I'm so happy I did that. After looking at it so much, my eyes just skim over the wrong words and punctuation issues. I never knew there was so much work put into a book. I almost have it memorized.
I'm also anxiously awaiting the ABNA contest. I hear if I made the next step on March 23rd. I cringe because the copy they have still had quite a few punctuation issues, but let's hope people read the text and not get distracted by that. It's based on the first 5,000 words.
Anyway, my question for the day is this: Have you ever had the inspiration to write? If so, what genre? And what's stopping you from completing it? Honestly, I'm no one special. If you've got a good idea and can tell a story, then you should try writing too. Don't let anyone steal your dream!
Hugs, Brenda
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