My name is Brenda Franklin and I was born in the wonderful month of October in Louisiana. I'm the middle child of three, making it an obligation for me to misbehave, and I think I did a good job.
My love for writing came at an early age, having written my first horror story before middle school about a monster that ate people when the lights went off. Yep, I was that kind of kid growing up. The quiet nerdy one to look out for!
You could really tell I was destined for writing when my father came home one day from work with a Christmas present for my sister and me. She received a fun dinosaur book showing details about structures, size, and diet, while I got a troll filled, fairy tale, anthology which I still love to this day.
My love of vampire I believe stemmed when i was around the sixth grade. My father had an old bookshelf in our living room. From top to bottom it was filled with combat related books, old westerns, a stack of dust ridden magazines (I'm not sure he ever read), several Dean Koontz (my sister's favorites), a few Stephen King books, the Necromancer Series by Brian Lumley, and a whole bunch of other things. Wow... that was a lot of books. But the one I remember the most was a book by Anne rice. It was 'Interview with a Vampire'. After reading it, I've never been the same since.
Now, I'm happily married, living out in the country with my family, a few cats (Aki, goldee, Temperance, and Theo), a dog (Virgil), and I'm a writer. What more is there?
I have successfully written a few paranormal romance books. A Steady Pulse, Barely Beating, and Flat Line are apart of The Pulse Trilogy, while I do have a standalone called, Guardian, a Fated Pairing. The fun doesn't stop there, with new ideas and projects started everyday I can see that my future will be filled to the brim with murderers, vampires, werewolves, romance, fantasy, mystery, and much more. I can't wait to share my next adventure with you!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Review of 'Love in all the Wrong Places' by Audrey Harte
Love in all the Wrong Places by Audrey Harte
This was a very enjoyable read and I would recommend this to
a few of my friends. J
From the first moment I stepped into the book I instantly
could compare Annie (leading lady) with a friend of mine--looking for love in
all the wrong places. She gives a 150 percent of herself to the guys she’s been
with only to end up broken hearted when they don’t return it. So we meet her
desperately longing for a great guy.
Within the first few pages I was grinning because everything
the author, Audrey Harte, wrote and described with Annie in her online dating
search is completely true-the crazy pictures and statues people put up.
Within the first couple of chapters I was determined to tell
the main character, Annie, with my mind, what I thought she needed to do, but
she didn’t listen to me and continued to write up ads on Craigslist. Good thing
too, it isn’t long before she has some strong candidates. Gabe, Nate, Casey,
and I’m throwing in Alex into the mix. Alex is a friend of hers and her
neighbor.
Each man is different from the last, but all are promising
candidates to say the least. Does Annie find true love and happiness? Or will
online dating be another disappointment?
Great job Audrey! You’re first book is such a hit for me and thus, I give it a 5 out of 5. I look forward
to your next one.
You can find this book on Amazon.
You can follow and learn more about Adurey at these links listed below:
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
The Pulse Trilogy
The Pulse Trilogy is my first Paranormal Romance series.
It’s been my baby since I was in high school. When most students finished their
work early and had to read books, I was pulling out a notebook to write down
the endless amounts of ideas flowing through my mind.
By the time I graduated I had already written the first book
of the Pulse Trilogy, though it was called, Pulse, at the time. Little was I
aware then, that I would rewrite the entire story more than two times in the
next couple of years and then go about self-publishing myself.
Looking back, I wish I had done my homework better, prepared
better, and perhaps gotten the manuscript edited and cover done before I posted
it. But with all the bumps in the road, a couple of negative comments, and a moment
when I felt at my lowest I managed to pull myself together with the help of my
loving husband and friends. I pulled my book offline after several months of
disappointments giving it the attention it so desperately needed and sent it back
out into the world months later.
Since the re release A Steady Pulse has been doing great! I
have gained a better sense of what to do and even have a few followers asking
about the release about the third installment in the Pulse Trilogy, which is
announced below the book cover towards the bottom of this blog post.
Continuing reading for a recap of the entire series and I’ll
keep you posted on what’s to come when the Pulse Trilogy comes to an end. Thank
you again for following.
 |
| Book 1: A Steady Pulse |
There’s no rest for 23-year-old Elizabeth Parks as she soon learns a vampire has picked up on her unusual ability and plans to use her. Why couldn't she have picked a different week for a vacation, she wonders realizing she’s knee deep in a vampire family feud which will cost Elizabeth her life! If they can survive long enough!
Now, Virgil Hart must try to defeat his brother at his twisted games to keep Elizabeth safe, but it’s turning out to be a lot harder than he thought.
 |
| Book 2: Barely Beating |
Days after surviving Virgil's crazed brother, Elizabeth Parks is in the first phase of becoming a vampire herself, and Virgil couldn't be happier to have her apart of his life. But with William still on the loose and Elizabeth wanting to go home things couldn't be more stressful.
After a feeding goes wrong Virgil is captured, tortured, and left starving in a basement where his only choice for food is Elizabeth’s best friend. It’s only a matter of time before Virgil gives in as Elizabeth searches desperately for him with two new faces.
Can she get to him in time or will William finally seek his revenge?
 |
| Book 3: Flat Line |
Keeping Virgil in the dark about her feelings may not have been the smartest of ideas a vampire mistakes her for someone else and kidnaps her right under their noses to a vampire who is as shocked to see her as she is to see him.
Again, Virgil finds himself racing the clock to get Elizabeth back, but this time will it be impossible to save her ? Will this be Virgil's last fight as he faces off with a house full of vampires? Or will he be able to reach her and once and for all settle things with his past?
Join Virgil and Elizabeth in the final book of the Pulse Trilogy, Flat Line.
---------------------------------------
Purchase my products from the links below
The Pulse Trilogy
Flat Line Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble
Guardian, A Fated Pairing
Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble
Guardian, A Fated Pairing
Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble
Monday, April 22, 2013
Author interview with Dawna Raver
Heirs of the Magykal Realm Series Book One
By: Dawna Raver
Book Description:
Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods, creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.
Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.
As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.
Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?
Tell us a little about yourself:
First, I'd like to thank you, Brenda for
having me.
Let's see. I recently moved to San
Antonio from Albuquerque, New Mexico because of my husband's work. I've had
many careers from bookkeeper to graphic designer. But writing will be my final,
and favorite one. I love to cook, read, and watch football. (Go Fins, go
Broncos.)
Did you always want to be a writer?
Actually, I kind of fell into writing. I was recovering
from surgery and was bored. I'd never written for fun before, but with nothing
else to do, I sat down and started writing about an old memory.
What inspired you to write Colour
Wielders?
As I mentioned, my writing was inspired by recording an old memory. As I wrote, I thought it might be fun to change the outcome of the memory. From there, and after many versions, Colour Wielders was born.
What was the hardest thing about writing
this book?
The hardest things was fine tuning the
plot. There have been times when I've felt it get away from me. That's when you
have to stop and map out where you're going. And the editing. In fact, the
editing was the hardest thing by far.
What was the easiest?
Creating the characters. I've always had
a clear picture of them in my mind. But that doesn't mean they don't often
surprise me. One of the coolest things about writing is when your characters
does something or say something that turns the story on a dime. For me, that's
pure writing magic.
What genre is this and what drew you to
writing it as such?
Colour Wielders isn't exactly one genre
but a combination. I call it a romantic urban fantasy. I love romance and love
the idea of fantasy. You can do anything, be anyone.
How many will be in this series? Or is
it a stand alone? When done what will you write next? Anything planned?
As of this moment, I believe the Heirs
of the Magykal Realm series will be a trilogy. But if a 4th book is required,
so be it. I won't limit myself to 3 books if 4 are necessary. There may be a
standalone novel or novella about one of the subsidiary characters.
I also have an idea for a
stand alone paranormal romance which could be expanded into a series. I'd like
to have that out early 2014.
Do you have a certain routine you do
before you start writing? Like a certain spot you sit in? Background sounds?
Music you listen to?
I usually try to start writing by noon
most everyday. I have an office with a lovely leather chain and a new desk. I
really should be sitting in there everyday. But, we just bought a new leather
couch and it's very comfy. I'll admit, unless I'm on deadline, I usually work
from the couch. So I guess that makes me a couch potato writer. Sigh.
What have you learned through your
publishing experience that you can share?
The biggest thing I've learned is you
have to stand up for your story. If you have an editor that's taking it in a
direction you don't like, say something. Say it loudly so everyone hears you.
Your story is your baby. Only you understand the nuts and bolts. Don't be
afraid to move on to another editor if it just isn't working.
Also, starting promoting yourself before
your book not after. In today's world, you have to have a social media presence
even if you don't want to. Make connections, talk to other authors, talk to
reviewers. Sad but true, you will spend as much time doing this as you will
writing. It's the nature of this beast we love.
Have you experienced writers block while
writing Colour Wielders? How did you overcome it and can you give any advice to
other writers?
I really didn't have writers block,
luckily. I've pretty much always known where the story needed and was going. I
did have a family crisis that effectively killed my writing for about 2 months.
I didn't have the energy to write. After it was over, I was still worn out.
But, I made myself get over it. You kind of have to.
I'd say if you're experiencing a block,
read. In fact, as a writer, you should be reading a lot anyway.
As the release date gets closer, how are
you feeling? I know I’d be nervous! What are you doing to pass the time?
Promotion, promotion, promotion. And
yes, I'm as nervous as an expectant parent. Will you like my baby? Is it pretty
enough? Yada, yada, yada. But, at this point, Colour Wielders is what it is.
Is there anything else you’d like to
add? Like any surprises coming up? A book preview? Or anything at all, just add
it here.
I'd love to share the link for chapter
one of Colour Wielders. You can read it here.
--------------------------------------------------------
Contact Dawna at:
Support indie authors by reviewing this book at:
Giveaway to celebrate the release of Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rafflecopter giveaway
Sharecode: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OGExMTdhYjE5ZDg1MDYyYjIxZTk4OGNiNGNmNTgyOjA=/
Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver: special Interview with Quinn and Arik
Colour
Wielders
Heirs of the Magykal Realm Series Book One
Dawna Raver
Book Description:
Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a
land where Gods, creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm,
their Princess lives.
Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's
an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her
less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday,
Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning
out-of-control.
As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man
with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself
transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.
Arik
Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid
contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make
good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny
his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to
control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the
Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers
beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?
Dawna Raver is an author of
paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, book one of the Heirs of
the Magykal Realm series, is her debut novel. When she's not spending time in
her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top
chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in
that order.
Contact Dawna at:
Support indie authors by reviewing this book at:
Giveaway to celebrate the release of Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver
Sharecode:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OGExMTdhYjE5ZDg1MDYyYjIxZTk4OGNiNGNmNTgyOjA=/
Colour
Wielders Quotes
"You have the Sight. I guess some
might call that magic.
"Forever is a long time. But I could
do it with you."
There are so many things I
would explain if I could. I would tell you we are the Colour Wielders; a people
of Magyk.
A war is coming. One bigger and more frightening than the likes we
have seen before. Do you not feel it? Choose with a clear head and an even
clearer heart.
…
emotionally, she felt like she was on a Tilt-A-Whirl. Each time she adjusted to
spinning in one direction, the trajectory switched, sending her whirling in a
different one. Somehow, her life turned into the Magical Mystery Tour. Funny,
she didn't recall buying a ticket.
Interview with Arik
Morgaine
Dawna Raver: Hi Arik. Long time no see.
(He says the word Mortal with a sneer as he leans forward,
staring me down. His Irish/Swedish accent sends shivers across my skin.)
(I stare right back at him. Gorgeous Demigod or not, I
refuse to be intimated.)
Arik Morgaine: (He sighs.) Things are going down. Unexpected
things. Things that shouldn't be happening.
Dawna Raver: Oh you mean like the Changeling coming back?
(Arik stiffens at the mention of the Changeling.)
Arik Morgaine: How do you know about that?
Dawna Raver: (I smile.) I have my ways.
(Considering me, he rubs his chin with hand, and one, long
finger brushes over the sexy cleft in his chin.)
Arik Morgaine: The Establishment, I expect.
Dawna Raver: No, not the Establishment. But I did speak with King Finn
Bheara the other day. He sends his love.
Arik Morgaine: Ha! I'm sure. There's no love lost there. I refuse to bow
to him and his two cronies until they come clean. Admit to what's going on
under their noses.
Dawna Raver: One of those cronies is your father, Týr, the infamous War God?
Arik Morgaine:
Yeah. And your point?
Dawna Raver: No
point. So, have you heard from your mother, Mor—?
(He stands abruptly, and scowls down at me.)
Arik Morgaine:
Do. Not. Say. Her. Name.
(I hold up my hands and look around nervously. Arik sits
back down.)
Dawna Raver: Oh, okay. Um, are you afraid she might hear us?
Arik Morgaine: No. I'd just like to go a day without being reminded of
who my mother is. Thankfully, I favor my father.
Dawna Raver: Well, except for your widow's peak.
(He runs his hand through his hair, and grimaces.)
Arik Morgaine: Yeah. Are we about done here? I have places to be, things
to do.
Dawna Raver: Sure. Just one more question. Have you heard anything about
the Princess? Checked up on her? I hear your old friend Devin MacGregor is staying at her house.
Arik Morgaine: She is less than nothing to me,
and he more so. This interview is over.
(He growls and waves his hand,
disappearing from sight. I suck in a surprised breath.)
Dawna Raver: Was it something I said? Darn. I
wanted to ask him about his Colours. Well, maybe next time.
I pull out a bottle of tequila
and pour myself a shot. I'd hoped to do one with Arik, but he was kind of
grumpy. Seriously, he has a lot on his plate to deal with. His mother alone is
scary enough. No wonder he's grumpy. Oh, and don't ask me to name her. Because
she might be listening, and I don't want to incur her wrath.
I take the shot then go in search
of Quinn Sinclair. Hopefully, she's in a much better mood.
Interview with Quinn Sinclair
I walk in and sit down, taking in the women before me.
She's very pretty, but I have a sense future changes will make her a real
beauty. She shifts uncomfortably in her chair as if she rather be doing
anything than talking to me. She smiles when she sees me, and I can't help but
be taken in by her bright, purple-tanzanite eyes.
They're stunning.)
Dawna
Raver: Hi Quinn. Thanks for joining me. I understand you've had a rough go of
it recently.
Quinn
Sinclair: Yeah. (She winces and nervously plays with her long, auburn hair.)
Kind of.
Dawna
Raver: Sorry about your birthday.
(She laughs, but it doesn't reach her eyes. For a split second, they turn jade in color. I take a quick
breath and try to hide my reaction. I wonder if she knows her eyes can change
color? I quickly change subjects.)
Dawna Raver: I understand
when you got home your mother was missing? Any word on her whereabouts?
Quinn
Sinclair: No. (She sighs, resigned.)
Mother will show up whens she ready—or she won't.
Whatever.
Dawna
Raver: So, I understand your brother Iain is home from the Army. You must be
trilled.
Quinn
Sinclair: (She perks up at this.)
Yes, I'm very excited. It's nice to have Iain home.
Dawna
Raver: And he's brought a friend, Devin MacGregor?
Quinn
Sinclair: (She blushes and toys with the gold signet ring on her finger.)
Yeah. He's … nice.
(Her smile dips into a quick frown then back to a smile.) Yeah, nice.
(Having met Devin MacGregor, I understand her reticence.
He's a man of power. Extreme power.)
Dawna
Raver: You like him, don't you?
Quinn
Sinclair: Sure. What's not to like.
Dawna
Raver: But?
Quinn
Sinclair: But nothing. You know, things are kind of crazy right now. Weird
things keep happening. (She leans in and whispers.) I think I might have
some kind of magic. I see these really weird colors around Devin. I think he
has magic too.
Dawna
Raver: Like Thaene?
Quinn Sinclair:
(She vehemently shakes her head.) No. Not like Thaene. How do you know
about Thaene and magic anyway? (Her eyes narrow.)
Dawna Raver:
I'm afraid most people know about Thaene or they soon will.
(Her eyes flash jade again. I try not to react so she doesn't. I
happen to know about her Magyk and have no desire to experience it first hand.)
Quinn Sinclair:
Great! I really wanted the whole world to know about my disastrous birthday.
This is effing perfect.
Quinn stands up
and straightens the skirt of her black dress.
Dawna
Raver: Are you leaving? So soon? (I hold up the bottle of tequila.) I
have tequila.
She waves me off and strolls out of the room, she her
shoulders a little slumped. I hear her mumble something under her breath, but I
can't quite make it out. Something about me and a cow?
Sighing, I pour myself another shot and down it. I seem to
have a knack for pissing people off. Oh well. I can always get my revenge in
book two.
Thank you so much Dawna for being on my blog and I can't wait to read Colour Wielders!
-Brenda Franklin-
Monday, April 15, 2013
Cover Reveal! From Scratch
Writer Diana Nixon has teamed up with cover designer Jennifer Munswami again! And they have produced a beautiful cover for the From
Scratch (Love Lines 2.5) gift edition.
Info:
Our lives are a cascade of events that pass faster than we would like them to. Time changes everything. Our habits, our views, our circle of friends. But there is one thing that remains the same over the years.
Our memories.
Through them we cherish the most unforgettable moments of out history. And they also retain some things that can;t be forgotten....
But one day you realize that yesterday should be left in the past. Because tomorrow your new life begins, and you go back to the drawing board.
A love story of Evan Murray and Tara Mackenzie.
But no one knows when forever ends....
To learn more about Diana Nixon or to buy her works:
Thank you everyone for being amazing, reading the blog, loving Jennifer Munswami's works, and supporting all things LOVE LINES and DIANA NIXON related! I can't wait to see what awaits up in the future of the Love Lines Series. Stay tuned!
-Brenda Franklin
Author of the Pulse Trilogy
and Guardian, A Fated Pairing
HERE IT IS!! Stunning as ever featuring Evan and Tara!
Info:
Our lives are a cascade of events that pass faster than we would like them to. Time changes everything. Our habits, our views, our circle of friends. But there is one thing that remains the same over the years.
Our memories.
Through them we cherish the most unforgettable moments of out history. And they also retain some things that can;t be forgotten....
But one day you realize that yesterday should be left in the past. Because tomorrow your new life begins, and you go back to the drawing board.
A love story of Evan Murray and Tara Mackenzie.
But no one knows when forever ends....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| Love Lines (book 1) |
 |
| Songs of the Wind (book 2) |
 |
| Diamond Sky (book 3) |
 |
| From Scratch (book 2.5) |
-Brenda Franklin
Author of the Pulse Trilogy
and Guardian, A Fated Pairing
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Guardian, A Fated Pairing Coming April 13th
Vampires are on the brink of disappearing. Their numbers in the low thousands hidden all over the world. After years of searching for the cure to turn humans into their kind, one vampire believes he has done it! But in creating the cure he has started a bloody and desperate hunt. A race among animals, vampires and wolves, to find the cure and either destroy it, or use it.
Alisa Chamberlin as three jobs: Keep her sister safe, find Mr. Holiday, and stay alive. With a strong vampire hot on their heels Alisa's life can't get more complicated until a werewolf named Peter Woodrow shows up in her neck of the neighborhood, but this isn't a chance meeting. Peter has been hired as a Guardian to protect her, the only problem is, she's a vampire. She's a creature his kind hopes to one day make extinct and to top it all off he's certain she's his mate, but that can't be. A vampire's blood is sickening to a werewolf and goes against everything their kind believes in.
As Peter tries to keep an unwilling Alisa safe he begins to unravel the web of secrets surrounding her and why she is being hunted, but is what she protects worth the life of the one man she is destined to be with? And can he get over the fact that she is everything he hates long enough to realize she's just what he needs? Or will the sacrifice be too great in the end for either of them?
It's an adult Paranormal Romance (rated R) that I had worked on as my NaNoWriMo last year and finally I have gotten it as perfect as I think I can get it. I can't wait for your reviews and comments and I will probably continue to lose sleep for the first couple of days after it's release, but I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I have writing it!
Other works by me, Brenda Franklin
The Pulse Trilogy
Flat Line (Coming soon)
-Brenda Franklin
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