Brandi's Blog

Aspiring Author Sparking Thoughts

Last night I sat at my meet-up group. Friends all around, my mother by my side and typed the last sentence and the elusive “The End” to my first novel TRUE SIGHT.

I can not explain the excitement! My hands were shaking, my stomach turned, it was pure elation. Almost automatically the characters in my head stopped yelling and went quiet (I know sounds nuts). The story is out!

My wonderful and amazing husband congratulated me when I got home. He’s been so supportive. Some husbands would be like, “Glad that’s over” or “Now you can get back to life.” etc.. But, not my husband. He simply asked, “What’s next?”. He didn’t expect me to stop, he wasn’t jealous of the time I spend with my novel, he is the most amazing man. I know I have a great husband when I lay in bed thinking about how to be a better wife, not because I’m bad, because he’s that good. Not to mention my two beautiful kids, Bailey and Sylvia. You inspire me to be a  better mom every day!

I want to thank my mother, Bonnie Allen (author and publisher) with LeClere Books. She has been a great inspiration. I must of gotten this talent from her, because she is an amazing writer. She has always supported this dream. I can’t thank her enough.

In addition I want to thank my mother-in-law, Leigh Ann. She has read the entire book and has been a great support. I appreciate everything she does for me and my family.

There are so many friends and family I need to thank, Alex Boles, Jenny Boles, Carissa Conardy, Ron and Melinda Conardy, Tom Schmidt, Mary Beth Schmidt, Katie Schmidt (no relation but BFF), and so many more.

A special thanks to my computer!

So many nights have been spent at the laptop, thank you for not crashing!

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Vamped

Written By, Lucienne Diver

The story begins catching; digging out of your own grave is always interesting. The lighthearted story is about a teenage vampire socialite. She loves, hates, and fears as all teens do. Fighting to keep her fashion sense and save the group of newly vamped teens, she battles stronger, older and sometimes scarier vamps.

 Here what I liked about the book. The main character, Gina Covello, was quick witted and had an air of superiority. She was a great teen drama queen, which could hold her own in a battle. I loved the language and point of view of the book. The writing was an easy read. The author left a lot of loose ends, creating the need for a second book (which i think is called Re-Vamped?).

 Here is what I didn’t like. The story began at her death, that’s fine, but it lost her humanity. Because I, the reader, never saw her as human, it was hard for me to relate on that level (my level). It was strange to me that she automatically loved the boy that turned her, but not because he turned her. It was an awkward transition. I would have liked to see more relationship development between the two of them. Maybe it’s because it’s a teen book, it just seemed too shallow. The story was good, although it happened so fast. Bam, she’s a vamp, bam, she’s in trouble, bam, she saves the day (all in about a week). I like a story that evolves into something. I think it was too unreal for me to be entirely sucked in.

I give Vamped four Bran Stars! It’s a good easy read that will make you laugh and remember your outrageous teenage drama. If you are a teen, you will love it. This would be a great gift for any girl that’s in love with vamps.

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I have been reading quite a few books in the past few months. I am trying to fit them in while completing my own MS. I will be posting book reviews. I’m starting my own rating scale, 1 to 5 “Bran Stars”. My husband always calls me Bran Star, so I thought it was fitting.

1 Bran Star – Blah! Don’t waste your money.

2 Bran Stars- Borrow from a friend (if offered). Read if it’s all you’ve got handy (ie bathroom book).

3 Bran Stars- So-So, borrow from Library or friend. OK reading to past the time.

4 Bran Stars – Good Buy, you will enjoy the story and keeps you entertained.

5 Bran Stars - Must Buy and re-read until your eyes glaze over.

Look for the first post soon!

“Marked”   

“Betrayed”

“Vamped”   

I know – I’m on a vampire kick – I can’t help it – I’ve got Twilight fever

Nov 20 is just around the corner!!! Yeah “New Moon”!!

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