Brandi's Blog

Aspiring Author Sparking Thoughts

After attending Killer Nashville I came back to St. Louis charged and ready to go. I was going to dive right into my book and clean it up. Unfortunately my life got in the way and I had other priorities to deal with. Two weeks later here we are, still not any further. I did finish another master’s class so yeah me. I have now refocused and connected with my muse. I am ready.

OK maybe not! I started editing my first chapter. I added more personality and drama. It was so dry and safe. Not that I want it to be racy, but just fun and cheeky at times. I really like what I did. I changed the POV from first person present to first person past. I couldn’t keep it straight and so I went with the one that felt most comfortable. I like the way it reads.

Another tip I learned at the conference is to read aloud to yourself. It really helps with the logic of your story. Sometimes I write things that aren’t possible. Like seeing someone smirk with your eyes closed. Duh! Not possible even with her super sight.

I think the biggest thing I learned is that I have allot to learn! I am such a newbie, I really don’t know anything. This blog is just my path. I can’t believe people read it, although I am so grateful. Who knew my life would turn out this way.  Each day I am amazed to see where God leads me.

I hope you all find your path. I know today’s world can be dark and depressing, but with him all things are possible. I swear it’s true! If you are ever in St. Louis go to the Faith Church, you will see him there. He is all around us if we just listen. I know I’m getting all “churchy”. I never thought that would be me, but I guess now it is, totally weird.

Open your mind and heart to all the possibilities, it might surprise you.

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I went to Killer Nashville this past weekend and learned the coolest tool for writing. We were taking a seminar dissecting what makes a good story. What it needs, ups and downs, story lines etc…

The suggestion was to rate each book scene between 1 and 10. One being no tension in the scene and ten being you’re on fire, with a gun to your head, driving off a cliff while disarming a bomb that will end the world. Once you have rated all your scenes/chapters then plot your plot. Graphing it in excel or any other program you fancy. It’s suggested that an interesting book will have an up and down hilly graph gradually raising to the big climax.

All I could say was WOW! I am a visual person and this will work great for me. I can’t wait to do it and see what my book “looks” like. 

This wasn’t the only tidbit I got from the seminar. I will be blogging more later so stay tuned.

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Inspire others with your words

This past weekend my eleven-year-old son, Bailey, filmed a short video called “Camp Spirit Ridge”. The video is being pitched to Nickelodeon. I’m sure they will love it. It’s about kids getting back to nature and the simple pleasures of life. What is so interesting about this event was the author of the script, Nicole. She told me her story of life and inspiration. She’s a woman taking a chance and following her dreams. All the while inspiring others to dare what they dream.

 I feel a connection to Nicole and her passion because I’m following a dream, my passion. March 26^th I started this journey uttering the first lines of “True Sight”. Ever since that day, I’ve worked diligently to complete the manuscript, changing my priorities and goals for life.

 How do I do it? Certainly not alone! I’m blessed with a great family and wonderful husband, they are supportive and loving. My church is wonderful, always pushing me to be successful but always keeping God number one. Everywhere I turn, someone cares about my goals and me. I’m truly a fortunate woman.

 It’s not all easy, sometimes you have to make hard decisions and leave those people that are not supportive, even if it is family. Making what you want important can be a difficult task. The kids, spouse, family, house, animals all count on you for something. I try to balance their needs and mine. When you’re happy with your life choices, those around you will be happy too.   

 So go out there and inspire someone by following your dream!

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Hey everyone,

I haven’t posted in six days. I have been so busy trying to get my manuscript complete before we go to Killer Nashville. What better blog then to discuss the conference. 

Website:  http://www.killernashville.com/

J.A. Jance is the guest speaker, she has written a slue of crime novels, including the J. P. Beaumont Series, Joanna Brady Series, Ali Reynolds, thrillers and some poetry.  It should be a great presentation.

Lucienne Diver / The Knight Agency and Jill Marr / Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency will be there for pitch sessions. I am so nervous to pitch my book! I have worked on my tag line and have a good description of the book read. I just hope I “sell” it. I am so proud of “True Sight” hopefully they will be intrigued enough to want to read more.

I really don’t have a clue what to expect, I have been reading on-line what and what not to do. You would be amazed at what some authors have done. Like, sliding your MS to the agent in the restroom, leaving it on their pillow!  I mean come on people that is just creepy.

The schedule will be hectic; there is two/four breakout sessions each hour. How will I choose?  I want to go to all of them. Most are themed with crime/thriller, like “Written in Blood: DNA, Blood Analysis, and Reading Blood Spatter “sounds very cool, I might have to check that one out. I am sure I will be exhausted by the end of the weekend, but happy.

I heard the place will be crawling with FBI and police, I better stay in line or I might be the next subject in a true crime novel.

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