Sometimes your past self comes through...

I found this in the pantry, today.

It's like my past self knew that my present self was going to be having a shitty day and was all, "Here. This is for you."

Thanks, past self.

I needed those truffles.

Back from Vacation!

So I went on a writing retreat with Jenny Trout, Kris Norris, Kelsey St. James, Jess Jarman, Emily Love, Mia Watts and Anne (an awesome reader) and it was FABULOUS!  I got lots of work done, laughed until my face hurt and played Cards Against Humanity and laughed my ass off because I'm a terrible person, played in Lake Superior and even ate muffins made by monks. That's right people, Monk Muffins! And they were delicious.

I'm going to share a few pictures and then get back to my story. And also episodes of Hannibal (which is Jenny and Jess' fault) and cleaning my office, because holy hell, that has to happen! It looks like an episode of Hoarders in there. o.O

This was the view of Lake Superior from the deck of the house we rented.

 And this was our home away from home.

 A storm rolling in.

 Our trip mascot! Isn't he adorable? Kelsey knitted him on the way up!

 This is Hunter's Point in Copper Harbor on a particularly misty day.

 Hunter's Point

 This is me playing around in the lake.

 Rock formation at Hunter's Point.

 Great Sand Bay near Eagle Harbor.

 Rocks! No trip to Lake Superior is complete without rocks! At least, it's not if you're me.

Moonrise over Lake Superior in Gay, Michigan.

 Sunrise over Lake Superior in Gay, Michigan.

 Sunlight, rocks and water.

 The Tobacco River in Gay, Michigan

 

The Tobacco River Park in Gay Michigan

 

And this is what Jenny Trout made me and Kris Norris. Because she's awesome.

Best Apology Ever

I know, I know. I'm the worst blogger ever, lately.

I'm so busy I forgot to tell you guys about my new release. I'm also super lame, because it came out 20 days ago. Seriously, that's like almost three weeks ago. (Lame, lame, lame.) Vengeful Shadows is here, if you want to check it out.

But anyway, this is what I really want to share with you. And yep, I've got permission from both of them.

My little brother, Martin, has a new girlfriend. Let me just tell you, I freaking adore her. She's amazing and is a perfect fit for our crazy family. They couldn't be a better team.

Well, Martin screwed up the other day, and because he really wants to be her "knight in shining armor" and also publicly apologize, he did this:

And also this:

and posted them on Facebook.

Spoiler alert: She loves it. And him.

And I'm a happy, happy big sister.

I also can't stop giggling.

(Photos courtesy of my oldest kid who was helping Martin today.)

Things My Husband Says

*blowing the dust off the blog*

Yeah... It's been a while. And also crazy busy, but what else is new? It's been the usual chaos - the day job, writing, volunteering at my kid's school, getting ready for RT and now, this.

Matt's work gave all of the IT department money toward a Kindle or an iPad as reward for going above and beyond the call of duty - basically working 14-16 hour days for an entire month. So Matt got an iPad.

Earlier this week, I pointed out that he could get free kindle books if he wanted to try out some new authors, so he happily downloaded a pile of books and has been reading ever since.

Today, this conversation happened.


Matt: Question?

Me: How am I still so awesome after all these years? No clue.

Matt: No. How do I tell if the books I'm downloading are your kind of books.

Me: By 'my kind of books', do you mean the kind I write? If so, the mostly naked people on the cover should be a big tip off.

Matt: No - I mean books that you read.

Me: I read a lot of different kinds of books.

Matt: I don't know...I girly books. I think this might be one.

Me: Girly books? Seriously? First off, fuck you. Secondly, do you mean romance?

Matt: I guess.

Me: Go to the Amazon page for the book and look at the genre. What does it say?

Matt: It says romance. I'm screwed.

Me: Why? Because you like it?

Matt: No because I'm mostly done with it and now I have to finish it.

(He's never DNFed a book no matter how bad it was or how much he hated it)

Me: *eyeroll*

Matt: *sigh* I guess this explains all the feelings in here.

Yep - this is the one I have.

My Sister-in-Law is the Best One Ever

I've blogged about my awesome sister-in-law, Manda before, and it's time to do it again.

Why?

Because she's freaking awesome.

Today, Manda and I were talking about what we're bringing to Easter dinner. She's recently switched to a gluten free diet and has been doing quite a bit of experimental baking. She was trying to decide between Dutch apple pie and strawberry shortcake. Then she said,

"The neighbor kids can't tell the difference. I test them out with gluten and dairy free cupcakes and muffins. I'm so bad! Dessert testing on humans!

I'm cracking up and she adds,

"I use less sugar and almond milk all the time so it tastes normal now to my kids. It's funny, sometimes I feel like the evil Hansel and Gretel witch that give kids treats. I'm watching their faces to see what they're going to do. So far, so good. No one has spit anything out yet!"

Everyone wins here. Manda gets guinea pigs I mean, taste tasters, and the neighborhood kids get treats - and healthy ones at that.

What's not to love?

I've said it before, I'll  say it again, I have the best sister-in-law on the planet.

How is this possible?!

Today, my baby turns 16. Well, actually, he turned 16 at about 4:10 this morning. Today, I'll be wandering out to pick up his favorite doughnuts, because he doesn't like cake and ice cream. I know...he's an odd one, but I love him anyway.

Happy 16th Birthday, Corwin!

Misread of the Day

So I was at Barnes and Noble the other day, just minding my own business and I happened to catch sight of a book on one of the end caps.

It was a cookbook called:

Gluten Free Baking

Only, I read:

Queen of Freebasing

I immediately thought of my friends Chaos Chris, Sommer Marsden and B.A. Tortuga.

For the gluten free-ness.

Not the freebasing.

We Have a Winner!

Worst. Blog. Host. Ever.

I've been so crazed with the day job, I totally forgot to draw a winner.

*Deep Shame*

But...better late than never.

And the winner is...


...


...


...


Sommer Marsden!!!

Please Welcome A.R. Von!!!

The internet is a pretty magical place. I've had the opportunity to meet some of the greatest people, and one of them happens to be the super adorable A.R. Von! She's one of the sweetest people I've had the pleasure of meeting and she kindly allowed me to interview her and she's giving away a copy of her brand new ebook book, Wunder! So please leave a comment and a valid email address. If you'd prefer not to leave an address on my blog, please comment on the blog then send the email address to me at brownyn@brownyngreen.com with A.R. Von in the subject heading. A winner will be drawn at 7pm, Friday, March 8th.

How did your writing path evolve?


I’ve always loved writing from when I was young; even just jotting down nonsense that popped into my head or thoughts of my day (or a boy crush) in my journal(s). I wrote poems for my mother every chance I had. I don’t recall if they were all that great. I DO remember most of them based on the rhythm of “Roses are red…” lol- What brought me to bring Wunder to life was a ‘request’ for writers to submit a zombie story for an anthology on Halloween to help raise money for Diabetes, it caught my eye and had me thinking. I LOVE scary movies and always had fun watching zombies dragging their feet letting us know they wanted “BRAINS”. I did not want to go that way though. Not everyone enjoys gore like I do. I needed to do something different, that I've never seen, heard of or read. So I wrote Wunder (Originally titled “Because I Am”). I had it sitting around on my desk; just staring at me for some months and finally an author friend of mine (the one and only Leanore Elliot) pushed me, really hard. She told me how good it really was and to put it out there and share it with everyone. Now here it is. A start to a series that I had the most amazing time writing and am even more excited to continue.

What type of research do you do for your books? 

It depends. For some I only make sure of spelling and word usage, others I look up origins, background, language and things of that sort. I have a TON of books at my disposal. It also depends is any research is needed for what’s brewing in my mind. I’ve found myself mostly relying on what’s in my head.

From what or where do you derive the most inspiration for your stories? 

Deep within my heart & mind.

What are you working on at the moment? 

I’m working on two things right now. The next in the Wunder series/serial and a short for a WOCA anthology (doing edits now). It’s nothing at all like Wunder. It’s more “based on a true story” and a bit emotional. I’m unsure of its release date as of yet, but I’m sure updates will post on the site: http://writingoutchildabuse.wordpress.com/origin/  .

What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like least? 

What I like best is I get to allow my imagination run wild/free (which is normal) but the kicker is I get to share it with others to enjoy instead of keeping it all to myself. What I like the least so far… When I draw a blank, get stuck and stare at my computer screen at the flicker of the pointer wanting, no needing to strangle it (I’m normally not a violent person) he he.

What would you do if you weren’t a writer? 

If I was not writing and doing what I always dreamed of doing. I’d probably be in the Army, Navy or Marines. Most likely a drill Sargent, training many to be their best. Or in reality, I’d be bartending like I’ve done for over 16 years. One of the best jobs ever!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? 

I love to exercise, hike, dance, listen to music, read, write reviews (I know it’s still writing, but it relaxes me), paint some crafty things, and dream. When I’m not doing that, I’m spending time with my family, learning about the newest video games my boys are playing and “learning the ropes” of Magic (the card game).

Of all of the characters you’ve created, who is your favorite and why? 

So far, Wunder. She’s bad ass and someone I can/would look up to if she was out here in the real world.

Do you find it difficult to keep love/sex scenes fresh and interesting? 

Actually, they are the easiest part. It is a known fact that if you are writing, write what you know. I know me some good lovin’ ;)

What genre of books least appeals to you and why?  

Hmm, I’d say Crime fiction. It just does nothing for me. 

Do you listen to music when you write or do you need quiet? If you listen to music – what kind?

OMG! I have to have the music on. Writing or not. Anyone that visits my home will tell you it’s always on. I listen to and enjoy all but country music. My current favs are The Kills, Scars on Broadway, Static-X, Gotye, Florence and the Machines, The White Stripes, Death Cab for Cutie, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Innerpartysystem, Skrillex, a majority of old school hip hop, some freestyle, Deftones, Metric, Black Keys, Yael Naim, dance music… I have an enormous list!

What makes a man sexy? 

His eyes and sense of humor.

Do you family and friends know you write erotic romance – if so, how have they reacted? 

Yes, they know. Well those that are a part of my life. I’ve had no reactions as of yet. Just my hubby. LoL- He says “OMG, my wife writes porn! So cool!”

What’s your favorite food? 

Is hot sauce considered a food? I LOVE Frank’s Red Hot! On a more serious note. I love chicken. I’ve yet to find a chicken dish I did not enjoy :)

Do you have any bad habits?

I was a smoker for many years. I quit four months ago and have no plans on ever looking back.

If you were stranded on a desert isle, what five things would you want to have with you? 

Water, a man (or two), my ereaders, tooth brush and music (even if it’s just an instrument). Who needs food?

Do you have any pet peeves? 

I despise bullies, judgmental people (I feel no one has the right) and cruelty (of any way shape or form).

What do you like about where you live? 

It’s quiet, peaceful and surrounded by nature. Coming from the Bronx and all of the noise… It’s a wonderful change.

If you could travel back in time, would you? If so, what time period would you visit and why?

Oh! I want to go back to early prehistoric times. I would love to see what it was like and if humans were really as animalistic as I’ve heard them to be. I also was to try and fly on a pterodactyl back :)  Weee!

What’s the best book you’ve read lately?

Hmm, I’ll go with Aura by M.A. Abraham. It was a different type of reading experience for me and a very enjoyable one.

What was your favorite childhood storybook? 

Oh! I got this one… The Poky Little Puppy. I even had the puppy bank!

Here are A.R. Von's links!

Goodreads
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Page
Twitter
Blog

An Open Letter to February

Dear February,

We need to talk.

You've been a busy, busy month. So far you've brought me work stress, frustration with WIPs, the damn flu, a nightmare experience at the dentist which resulted in possible over medication and honest to god hallucinations and an increasingly fucked up wrist thanks to carpal tunnel.  We won't even talk about the mammogram in  a blizzard. Yep, still sore, btw, thanks for asking.

I know, I know - you've worked really hard what with all the snowstorms, ice storms and bitterly cold temps. You probably need a break just as much as I do. But I've noticed that you seem somewhat hellbent on dumping another giant pile of snow and freezing rain on us. That's an ingenious little mix you seem fond of, and I see you've got yet more snow and ice lined up for us next week.

Here's the thing, I know your shift isn't up for another six days, but you've been working really hard. Too hard, really. And I understand that being the shortest month, you probably feel like you've got something to prove to the other months, but you've done your fair share. More than your fair share. Some (not me, of course) might even go so far as to call you an overachiever.

So here's my thought, why don't you go ahead and take off early. Just clock out, and let March take over. I've heard he's bored. Might as well take a well-deserved vacation and let your slacker brother handle things for a while.

No?

Are you sure?

You know...there's a reason no one likes you.

Disgruntledly  Yours,
Bron