A Warrior's Betrayal Round-Up

We're getting down to the wire! It's hard to believe that A Warrior's Betrayal is just two short months away from being released. I am working hard to get all the kinks worked out and my head on straight so I can finish it on time, and I hope that I don't disappoint you guys.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Let's back it up a bit.

As some of you may have noticed, I am diligently working on a few projects, namely my upcoming novel Spring Cleaning, which is my first women's fiction. It's coming along nicely, we're about halfway there, and the cover has just been finished. Some of you, who are members on Goodreads, may have already seen it, but for those of you who haven't, take a look!

I expect for this title to be out sometime in August, shortly--very shortly--before the release of Warrior...
 

So, now that you know what I have been working on lately, it's time to get back to business and answer some questions you may have.


What's A Warrior's Betrayal?


This is book #2 in the Brotherhood series. In this edition, Behr is tasked with caring for a distraught Cheyenne after Erias's disappearance into the underworld (the infamous cliffhanger that so many of my readers were furious over!). There will be many exciting things happening in this edition, to which I hope to please you all...but not too much! I do love my cliffhangers, after all!


What's to come


As the date gets closer, expect to see freebies galore in the form of giveaways and Amazon discount days. Don't worry, I will keep you posted! I hope you all will join in and help me celebrate these new releases.


Autographs


If you are familiar with Kindlegraph, then you already know you can request a FREE autograph here.




I think that about covers it for now. I am so excited to get these stories finished and out to you, my readers. As always, I love your feedback and without you, none of this would be possible. See you at the finish line!

A Helping Hand

It's hard out there for an indie...

I think most of us know well how frustrating it can be to get a jump on selling books to the general public. It's a matter of making connections, and that can be difficult when you don't know what you are doing or what you are looking or even where to start. Well, here at Fictitious Chronicles we would like to lend a helping hand by telling you what we do.

Let's begin with the common search for a reviewer...or twenty. Much research needs to go into this, and it can be a very time consuming process. First, you have to locate bloggers who are willing to accept reviews. Then you have to ensure that they take your genre. If all checks out, like a school girl/boy hoping to be picked in gym class so you aren't left twiddling your thumbs like a reject, you then have to create a lovely letter to the blogger asking if they will accept you. Then you wait....and wait...and wait for them to respond, or not, as many cases turn out. Assuming all has gone according to planned and you do get that review, pat yourself on the back for a job well done. But wait! Don't get too cozy just yet. There is more work to be done. You must send out more requests. To ease your pain, here are a couple blogs to get you started: The Kindle Book Review and The Book Lover's Realm.  And don't forget to offer yourself for author interviews and giveaways!

Now, it's time to advertize! 

A good place to begin is with Goodkindles who will advertize your book for free. Next, we like Technorati because it is a good place to advertize your blog, which brings us to the next thing:

Create and maintain a personal blog!

You may be saying, "But, Brandi, I don't have time for a blog." Nonsense. I am just as busy as the next person trying to maintain a home, raise children, further my education, all while trying to write great novels for my public to read and enjoy. If you want it, you have to do it. A blog can be as simple as a once a month commitment that takes you ten minutes to complete. It can be anything, but hopefully it is about you and your books or something else creative that you can come up with. It's not hard, just try it.

Next, join Goodreads. It is a great place to feature your books and create a following of like-minded individuals. You can schedule events surrounding your books and even join other events to get noticed. A few other things you can do: join groups, ask for reviews, and promote, promote, promote.

When you list your book on Amazon, be sure to sign up on Author Central so people who read your books can learn more about you. It has great features to offer, including a  feature that links to Shelfari where you can add your books and nifty little details, like who your characters are and what they are like so your readers can get a feel for what they are getting into before they crack open that book.

Finally, never stop writing. No matter your level of success, remember, it doesn't happen overnight. You will have highs and lows throughout this process, but you started it for a reason and you can't quite now. Do as much as you can, as often as you can. It's not a race, you'll get there. Just be patient. Do your research. Pay it Forward - Share with friends. And most importantly, have a good time.

If you have any tips or suggestions to share to help your fellow indie, post them in the comment section below.

Passion, Romance, Intrigue... Forbidden

Last month a friend of mine started reading this book and she kept raving about it. “You have to read this, Brandi” she insisted, and so I agreed. She sent me a copy and I cracked it open, not at all aware of what I was getting into. I don’t pay attention to genres, and I certainly don’t read reviews to determine if I want to read a book or not. I read a description and make a judgment call, because really, like every new relationship, I think a book needs to be approached without bias. How else will a “bad book” ever get a fair shake? 

So, as I start reading I am making mental notes. Not the greatest of writing, pretty basic really, but it has something. So I keep reading. I tell myself, this girl is kind of silly, but her inner monologue is getting tiresome, but it still has something, and I keep reading. Enter the closed off, mysterious male, and I am sitting forward in my seat. Definitely has something. Sprinkle in some humor and embarrassing situations, and I am hooked. Before I know it, I have hit the last page and I am thinking, well, darn! Where’s the rest? I immediately tracked down copies of the final two in this trilogy and it has been in the back of my mind ever since. 

The book I am talking about is Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James. 

By now it is no secret that this book is taking the world by storm. Gracing headlines everywhere, Fifty Shades has worked its way into the homes and lives of housewives around the world and opened their eyes to something that was previously a no-no, and told them all “It’s okay to like this sort of thing.” The reason it is the shocker that it is can probably be contributed to the fact that for centuries society has pigeonholed women into the role of wife, mother, and homemaker, and never given them permission to be the sexual creatures they were made to be. Men can be forward with sex, it’s to be expected even. For women, when the topic of sex hits the table, it is usually hushed and secretive. When others find out we’re talking about it--and enjoying it!--it suddenly becomes a sensation. 

When did “sex” become a dirty word? 

Fifty Shades of Grey tickled something in my brain that I had been denying for a long time. For me, it was like a breath of fresh air, an opening of windows and doors after a winter of being cooped up inside to let in the fresh, crisp springtime air. I finally realized that sex is okay to talk about, to think about, and especially, to crave. Women everywhere are saying that this book translated to the bedroom and has rekindled their love lives, and I will admit to the same. There is nothing taboo in this book. Everything is touched on and explored and if you were previously inclined to feel embarrassed by any of the roads Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele ventured down, you won’t be after you finish this series. 

As a fair warning to anyone considering this trilogy: It’s not for everyone. You’ll either love it, or hate it. You have to keep an open mind and be ready for anything. Realize that, although these books have a strong sexual base, they also have a glorious story in between—this is what really hooked me! Consider it a romance novel, but the heat level has been turned up…to scorching. 

If you’re ready to open your mind and explore a world of forbidden pleasure, check out Fifty Shades of Grey. 

It's well worth the read.

Should young adult books explore difficult issues?

To read or not to read

After reading an article about young adult books I thought I would share my own opinion. I write young adult books. Not because I want to, its more that's the characters I find relatable in my style of writing. There have been times in my own writing where I wondered if my work was even considered YA. I really had to research other people's books to see if Ink for example fell into that genre given its content. And my conclusion is yes, it does. Do I think people under 16 should read Ink? Well, if it were my kids no, I have been told 16 is the appropriate age for this kind of story, but I am going to go as far as to say 18. When your 18 your considered an adult, you can read what you want then.

To me, young adult is a story with a young adult, a kid in school dealing with life issues for example. And life issues aren't all rosy and squeaky clean. And those out there who act so shocked by some content in these books really need to take a step back and see that its not just teens dying to get their hand on YA books, adults over 20 and 30 and beyond read these books.

I think its good to address difficult issues in these books. If that's what you want to write about as an author go for it. If someone doesn't want to read it because its to much then its simple--don't read it.

Books are for enjoyment and I believe some people think to far into things. Nobody forces you to read a book, its your right.

As long as the book gives a fair warning of what is inside, difficult issues can be discussed, heck, someone might learn something. There is always going to be some idiot out there trying to convey the wrong message, but its our job as parents and as humans to steer clear of this.

Interview with Author Holly Hood

Today I would like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine. Growing up together I had the pleasure (and the pain) of getting to know her. Whether she was dancing her butt off to 80s teeny bop music, scaling refrigerators in record time, or terrorizing the neighborhood with locust shells, I have seen the lighter and darker sides of her, as well as the shades in between, and I love them all! I can tell you from first-hand experience that she is a character full of wit and grace and good humor, all of which reflect in her writing. From the start of her popular series Wingless, to her latest Perfectly Hopeless, I have been with her every step of the way as she labored for hours trying to birth these creations that have a tendency to wrench an exquisite range of emotion from its readers and all I have to say is…You go girl! I am so proud of you!

I give to you Mrs. Holly Hood.  

Who are you? What do you do?

Who am I? I am a girl with the hopes and dreams of a teen just moving to Hollywood in hopes of super-stardom. I do many things; some of those include bossing around my children, cleaning, cooking and rock climbing on my down time. Maybe not the rock climbing, but hey, a girl can make things up. I’m a laid back, quiet person. My favorite color is purple—used to be green. It’s really hard for me to describe myself.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Yes. I was a very bored child. I spent days trying to entertain myself when I wasn’t playing with friends. So, on my down time I created these imaginary worlds where I could be whatever I wanted. This blossomed into writing it all down on paper. It was an escape.

What inspired you to write your first book?

That would be the vampires. I was at home watching this crazy fad take hold of the world. And me being the stubborn girl that I am, crossed my arms and said I could do that, but in a whole different way. That’s when I came up with the story Wingless. It was a book with a forbidden love, sure. But the love wasn’t a hopped up sparkling vamp with depression issues, mine was a troubled grim reaper with life issues.

How did you come up with the title?

That’s a really good question that I have no answer for. I named the book before I wrote it. And then I found it went with the title. Go figure. I’m weird like that.

How much of the book is realistic?

*looks over shoulder* There are a lot of parts that pertain to some aspect of my life in all my writing. I won’t say which ones or anything, but most times it’s just how I would feel or handle a situation in fantasy land. (I’ve been told that place exists. I just need the map to find it.)

What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine?

Oh how you make me laugh. Yes! I do. I write every day, and when I don’t write I am editing or thinking about a new story or one that is close to finished. I go through withdrawals, start twitching and have night terrors if I can’t release the creative demons that live inside my brain. It’s scary stuff.

What motivates you to write?

Everything. When I am mad, I write. When I am sad, I write. All emotions make me want to create a new world. I can watch TV or a movie and BAM! An idea hits me. I can see someone on television and a million ideas just jumped at me. I love that.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I’d say they are made up. I like creating really screwed up worlds for my characters. I like pushing them to the brink of insanity. It’s fun.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Yeah, it’s called the I-write-first-and-ask-questions-later writing style. I don’t believe in change. That’s why I am still rocking the same 70s hairstyle. (Side note: I wasn’t even born in the 70’s so this is a lie). I think your first run should be what you go with in a book. I write it, sometimes I plot things out, but for the most part it’s what comes to me. I usually write in first or third. And I have to have music playing when I am writing, but not during editing.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

No, I had my doctor write me a prescription. *grins* I hate to say this, but no. I don’t even know what that is like.

Do you see writing as a career?

It was what I was meant to do. I believe that. So that would be a big fat, yes.

What are your current / future projects?

Current project is getting Gypsies back on the market. Doing a re-vamp. Then I am hoping to finish Boonville. And also get Ink 2 out there before the end of the year. I also started another series, Love Hurts, and I plan on writing that book soon too.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Yes. I learned that people actually like my writing. And I learned what passion means. I found mine the day I realized other people enjoyed my stories.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes. I want readers to see that people are strange. People are messed up and I want them to cry. I will allow a bit of laughter, I find it’s acceptable to let them laugh occasionally in my books. But my main goal is to leave them haunted by my stories. If I can have someone thinking about my story long after they read it, then I did my job.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

My latest is Perfectly Hopeless. And that would be a no. Sure, sometimes my endings are hard and I struggle with them, but I really like the way it turned out. So that would be a no.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

I would say murder. It’s always hard to kill anyone that means something. Other times I am like Christian Bale in American Psycho dancing around to “It’s Hip to be Square” as I bludgeon my characters. *laughs evilly*

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Do they have any for me? What about an even trade? You can’t get something for nothing, can you? Write every day. Forget what you think is cool, or what others think is cool and just write from your heart. If you don’t have a heart, write from your esophagus. Put yourself in your characters shoes, close your eyes for a moment, envision the moment, you will be surprised what you can come up with. And lastly, don’t take it so seriously, it’s writing, it is supposed to be fun. If it wasn’t, then you should do something else, like shaving buffaloes in exchange for cracker jacks.

What book are you reading now?

I’m not reading any book right now. If I was that would be kind of rude. I am doing this interview for you. But before this I was reading Fifty Shades of Grey. It’s a book unlike any book I ever read, but I am really into it. I plan on reading the other two as well.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Poe, because he had this darkness about him. When you read his work you’re sucked into this dark, haunting place. A place where you want to leave, but at the same time you want to be there. Every time I read his work, I wonder what he must have been like in real life.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Entity? *runs for the dictionary* Booze and gambling….no, my friends. I have two great friends, Brandi, aka the angel of darkness and all things punk, and Katie, aka Red. They both love writing and there is no better people than them two to support me.

Finally, do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I want to say…thank you. Thank you for reading and putting up with my mentally unstable imagination. Thank you for the support!

And there you have it folks! A glimpse into the quirky ramblings of a mentally unbalanced woman in obvious need of professional intervention, who brings to the table wonderfully creative works put together for your entertainment.

Somebody call Dr. Spaceman! (pronounced Spa-che-men) Mrs. Hood needs her meds...

Ink

http://www.amazon.com/Ink-ebook/dp/B005IAQD26

Goodreads 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3071384.Holly_Hood

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorHollyHood

My brain hurts

Oh the days when I sat and typed. Typed until I had half numb crippled fingers. A brain full of ideas. What happened? I never thought writer's block was a real thing, until it struck me. And I am not sure that is what is going on. I have tons of ideas for more books to write. Its just a matter of being interested enough in one of my ideas to dive deep into the world. I have to have a connection to my writing. I have to feel it. Sometimes I feel like I am mourning the loss of something when I think about Wingless. Wingless is my one true love. (in writing). Its that story that I feel so mesmerized, infatuated and a slave to. Who would have thought a book you created could have such sacred ties to your life. Its kind of funny actually. After writing so many stories about Evan and Eve, Kenny, Gray and Ari I really feel like they are hard to let go. But I believe its time to let them go. I have for a while now been playing with ideas in my mind. Could I come up with another story for Wingless? And finally I believe the answer to that is no. My writing has improved and I know I have the capability to give readers what they loved from Wingless in other books I write. So no worries, I am sure there will be other books to come that have the same effect. Just yesterday I got my very first review on Ink. And I was so happy. I have been waiting patiently (not really) to hear someone's thoughts on my newest book. To me its a bit different the my usual writing style. And I really am in love with it. I read it back and was so addicted, and it was me who wrote it. haha. I think it turned out to be a very great story. And the review I got yesterday agreed! It was probably the greatest review ever. It was everything I wanted to hear and that just made my day, week and year. Over the last week or so I have been driving myself mad with coming up with another story. I have ocd with writing. I have to write. I need to write everyday. I stared some stories, but I was bored a few pages in, so then I knew it wasn't the one for me to be writing right now. I also am collaborating with my best friend on a story idea. But, she needs some time before she and I start this project so that is on the back burner. And that was something my brain was ready to conquer. I guess I will try patience but I have no idea how being patient works, so we will see how that goes. Also I was writing a story with my best friend and another friend, I lost interest in the story and school started so it was hard to pull myself back into the saddle, so we decided to make it a short story. Lately I feel like I can't focus on anything in my thoughts for longer then 12.2 seconds. Its maddening. I try to get one task conquered at a time but I am always sidetracked by a kid, phone, cooking, cleaning, Facebook, life, some other task. All three of my kids are in school now. So I have time to write for sure. Now I am scrambling to collect my thoughts and jot them all on paper. So I can start another story, because that would put me back into my happy place. There are a few constants I need in my life to feel like I am aligned with the world. (my world that is lol) and that is writing and music. I am that person that needs a means of expression. I need to let out my thoughts, I need to express my feelings- be it happy, sad, excited, energetic, amused. And listening to music and writing lets those things come out. I have loved writing since I can remember, and now its an addiction. One that I will never go to rehab for. Lastly, I am trying to grow my fan base. Trying to promote and get more readers. What a hard task. I have the vision in my mind. I want to share my writing with the world. Become a known name in many households. Not everyone is going to like my writing or style, but there are those that do. And I want to connect with them. I want people to anticipate my next book. To continue to be moved by my writing. I want to be the change! Well... maybe its not that dramatic of a desire, I don't want to take over the world. But I want to be an author that people say is their favorite. And most importantly I just want to write!! Now that I have let all my crazy thoughts out, I will go tend to other things in life. *runs away*

And the winner is...

I have done a lot of thinking on purchasing an ereader, I was really heading toward the Nook Color, and honestly if it wasn't for my husband pointing out a lot of things I probably would have bought one. I think ereaders are awesome, after adding all my own books to them I have made sure to learn as much as I could about them, I had kindle on my Pc and my Android Tablet, I was always impressed, but something about the Nook Color was calling out to me. And the crazy part is the Kindle has had so many amazing reviews, I honestly don't think I have heard a bad comment about a kindle. The Nook I've heard a lot.
So I went for the Kindle, and I am super pleased with it, I love how easy it is to operate, I love the eink, I almost didnt believe it was a real screen , it looks just like paper. I am a proud Kindle owner! I already have 15 books on mine ready to read, and am busily finishing up Eternal Eden, if only I had more time with my kindle. Ooh and I even bought a really cool skin for it, butterflies and skulls, hot pink and black! I think ereaders are the most amazing thing, and I know I will be reading so much more now!! So yes I am very happy with my choice, Kindle's rock!!!!

Happy Happy

Ever have one of those days where you wake up and are just thrilled by everything!? I did today, just a lot of good stuff happening. The sky is blue for once instead of the usual depressing gray. I love spring don't get me wrong, but the beginning of it is so wet and dreary lol.
I find myself really into flowers and planting them and fruits or veggies this year. The kids planted vegetables in their little greenhouse kits and two of them are already sprouting. Now as for my gardening skills, I am not sure if I can keep vegetables thriving. But the plant in my home is just gorgeous and I call him Frank. haha Frank is a green houseplant and he is just doing so good. My mom always had these plants since I can remember, and I somehow picked up the tradition.
Book six in the series, I titled it "Back to life" is going places. I really love writing this one, so much has changed. Eve is in a good place in some ways.As a writer I tend to favor characters, but I never let that get in between what I want to happen. Its almost like real life, I try to let them do what is best for them...or what they think is best for them. I don't know if that is even possible when the characters in my books are so dysfunctional.
I can't wait to finish this one, to see what it turns into. I enjoy rereading my books when they're done. Its the one time I feel like I can really enjoy them.
Everyday I think about Heart of Gypsies, and how I want to write the next book. There is so much I want to happen. I feel robbed lol At the same time I really liked how it turned out, there is just some things that really stick with me. And some things I wish I could change not change the story, but I really feel like a second book would let me explore these options.
Sometimes I feel haunting is good, and I have always been a believer in not making everything so perfect. But for once I have to admit I smack my head at the ending sometimes. The ending was right, but it doesn't mean it didn't hurt! lol

Eve

Closing her eyes, she stepped out into the light. Exposed and alone, her only friend gone. A head full of mischief, a body so tired. Finding a path was her only idea of what was right. Trees in the forest hide her sorrows, the alcohol fuels her wasted life. And maybe life will ease up just once. Maybe for once she will smile at true happiness. Or maybe life will simply eat her allive. Sometimes there is comfort in knowing what we hide from is just as scared of us.

What sparks my creativity?

I have been writing since the age of eleven, I remember sitting at my Mother's kitchen table with a big stack of fresh notebook paper. We didn't have a computer back then lol (I don't think they were even cool yet.) Back then I wrote about girls who had crazy lives, but it was all so innocent. As I got older(Nkotb wasn't cool anymore by the way, but to me and my dear friend they still were in our hearts haha) I was so into NKOTB they seemed to represent my male characters in anything I wrote. Its funny now to sit back and think about my writing and what inspired it. Nowadays, I have seen a lot. I have met a lot of people, friends, family etc. I think what sparks my creativity when I write my books now is remembering the moments that sparked my own emotions, when I can honestly say 'I had goosebumps". When I watch a movie and there is a powerful dialouge I am blown away, and my brain starts going off! My most memorable movie that I watched where I wanted to express that emotion the same way through my writing was Good Will Hunting the scene where she tries to get through to him and they scream and cry, that emotion all in a measly four minutes its thrilling. My creativity comes from human emotions, the raw and real emotions that we all have, some are to afraid to let them out. But the best way to show what real emotion is, is through my writing. Reading a good book , feeling like a fly on the wall as real emotion is slung all over the place like trash in a tornado its pure beauty!