Judith F. Brenner's Blog, page 2
October 30, 2022
Dreaming Between Book Signings
Book signing table at a recent Barnes & Noble store “Meet the Author” event
Back Cover TeaseTeasing readers about what it was like to live in the 1940s and 50s has been enjoyable. I learned to trust the back cover description of what is inside the novel, The Moments Between Dreams. Once you read the back cover, you’ll know if it intriguing enough to buy the book. It can sell itself, and if it isn’t a good fit, that’s okay! Authors want to build an audience that is attracted to the genre and the story. When it’s a match, that’s exciting.
Gratitude for Book Event HostsMeanwhile, October was a busy month of events. I enjoyed teaching writers what I learned about plot structure. Then it was on the road to Iowa City for the Iowa City of Literature Book Festival. Next was Rain Taxi’s Twin Cities Book Festival. Wrapping up the month was a book signing at Barnes & Noble’s Maple Grove store. Despite the warm sunny day, book lovers popped in to shop! I signed nearly 20 books that were impromptu purchases after patrons read the back cover. Personalizing an autograph is my chance to express gratitude.
Goodreads Giveaway in the MailEqually exciting is my chance to mail out free books! Thank you to readers who added The Moments Between Dreams on their “Goodreads” shelf to read next. I’ll be mailing free paperbacks to the fifteen winners of the Goodreads Giveaway that took place in October. The book giveaway is my way to honor Domestic Violence Awareness month and World Polio Day, which was October 24th.
Next Book EventIn November, my next book signing event will be on the west coast. I’ll greet readers in the Coachella Valley! Save the date: Nov. 19th, Noon – 3 pm. You can stop in at Barnes & Noble Palm Desert, CA . Address: 72-840 Highway 111, Unit 425, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Tel. 760 346 0725
If you’ld like to keep in touch, join my author mail list to see my Halloween spooky referee costume!
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October 3, 2022
October eBook Sale, Plus a Cheesy Mousetrap Briefing
Meet Authors Debbie Weiss, Gail Olmsted and Janis Daly along with Judith Brenner on Oct. 4.
Dear Readers,Join me and authors Debbie Weiss, Janis Daly and Gail Olmsted on a Facebook live show called “LaunchPad” via Bookish Road Trip on Oct. 4, 1 pm ET! At the end of this blog are more dates to discover other books and meet authors via podcasts or book fests. BOOK SALE! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Disability Employment Awareness month. In the back of the book, and on my website’s RESOURCES page are hotlines for Domestic Abuse Crisis lines and the American’s with Disability (ADA) telephone number where one can reach out to report a problem and seek help.In honor of the Awareness month, since The Moments Between Dreams, the eBook is on sale for only $4.99.Book Club members have asked what I have in common with the characters in the book. I’ll share briefly about how I dreamed them up in this blog post.Growing up, I adored the children’s story, “The Country Mouse and City Mouse.” The story contrasts the lifestyles of two mice. The city mouse visits her friend in the country, and finds rural life to be a bore, sampling bland food choices. The country mouse then visits her friend in the city, loving all the tasty foods that come with urban adventures. However, having to hide from threatening predators and scurry away from deceiving mouse traps causes too much anxiety. The country mouse prefers its rural lifestyle. In my novel, The Moments Between Dreams , I conjured up scenes that show Carol fearing the mousetraps figuratively in her household.I also aimed to show how different the main character Carol’s life is from her sister Polly’s life. Polly is single, has no children, and enjoys a career and her independence to go where she pleases, whenever she pleases. In contrast, Carol’s life is starkly different with responsibilities of raising two children, one who is disabled, and finds her independence limited by her controlling husband.In my own life, the classic storybook tale about mice living in separate worlds reminds me of how my sister and I both have long-lasting first marriages and have each raised two children, but she is comfortable living in a rural community, whereas I love an urban setting where I can walk to shops. I show in my novel how the adult character choices are deliberate, yet the differences in environments don’t change the person’s underlying faith and values. My sis and I are “cut from the same cloth” of determination and values. So are the characters Carol and Polly. Nothing will break their sisterhood bond. Not being able to see her sister is a motivating factor for Carol to make a change. There are scenes when Carol compares her life to her sister’s, and her brother’s, and feels envious. She knows she would not trade anything to be free if it meant not having her children.Carol is the culmination of the women in generations before me, facing the challenges of their time. Carol takes on my mother and grandmother’s pious nature. The character’s reliance on her deep faith is a survival method to persevere when conflicts arise.Carol refuses to act like a victim, and I love that about her. I also show her flaws, as her good girl nature, a rule-follower, puts her in further danger. Being resilient is something Carol and I might have in common, but when one is writing, an author may not realize the vulnerability on the page is coming from deep within. Expressing vulnerability is authentic and delicate and risky. That’s why storytelling, songwriting, painting, and sculpting are wonderful forms of art to convey dilemmas. Having researched what happens to contemporary women in unhealthy, abusive relationships helped me form what happens to Carol in this book, factoring in the era of the 1950s. I explain more about this in two podcasts and interviews airing this month. There are several in-person events in October where I look forward to meeting readers. You can check my author website EVENTS page and PRESS page to view the links on this list below.Oct. 3 – History Through Fiction podcastOct. 4 – Live show 1 p.m. ET Bookish Road Trip, a Facebook readers group. Join here!October: The History Author Show podcastOct. 8 – Writers Conference – WOW – I’ll present a writing craft class on plot structure using outlines and storyboards.Oct. 9 – Iowa City Book Festival Author FairOct. 15: Twin Cities Book FestivalOct. 29 – Barnes & Noble book signing in Maple Grove, MN BOOK SALE! ONLY IN OCTOBER , the eBook is on sale for only $4.99. There is a paperback and an audiobook format, too! P.S. OCT. 24 is World Polio Day as Rotary International continues its campaign to #EndPolio. This book has you covered on all of October’s Awareness themes! Click HereThe post October eBook Sale, Plus a Cheesy Mousetrap Briefing appeared first on Judith F Brenner.
August 30, 2022
September and October Brenner Author Events
Oct. 8 – Writing Craft Class – Storyboards, Outlines, Structure Plans, Oh My! – Edina, MN
Are you thinking about writing a book or in the process? Or do you know someone who has been struggling to get a book organized? I’ll be teaching a class on writing using storyboards and outlines that consider a book’s arc and structure. You can find out more about this October 8th class here. It is in-person in the Twin Cities.
Oct. 29, Saturday 1 – 3 pm at the Barnes and Noble Maple Grove, MN bookstore, meet and greet, get your book signed, and hear a Q&A with Judith and CornerstoneMN’s Program Director, an advocate for ending partner abuse and providing safe shelter.
View the latest issue of the author newsletter here to enjoy photos.
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August 13, 2022
Book Signing August 27th
Photo Caption: The Moments Between Dreams is stocked at most independent book stores and 23 Barnes and Noble stores. Grab a copy in Edina this month. Brenner will sign books August 27 in The Galleria B&N store.Join me Saturday, August 27th to hear a reading from The Moments Between Dreams, and have your copy signed! Read more about the event here. Starting at noon, I’ll sign books at a Meet and Greet. Afterwards, around 1 pm, I’ll read a chapter about the polio epidemic. Because polio was recently discovered as contagious in New York and London, the polio vaccine has been in the news. The resurgence means unvaccinated people are at risk of catching the polio virus. My mother was a polio survivor, and my novel shows how a Chicago family struggled during the epidemic with a backdrop of fear about its source while men were drafted in WWII. The book shows what polio can do to people, and the shame of using walking aides while facing discrimination afterward.
The novel is being talked about as a book that makes one think. The story uncovers a time when society failed to provide a safety net for the survivors of polio, and survivors of domestic violence. Situations and resources have improved over the decades, but discrimination against the disabled goes on today. Also, the issue of domestic abuse is still a problem behind closed doors. For that reason, I’ll be joined by a program director of CornerstoneMN who will answer questions about domestic violence and how people in crisis can find resources. I’m excited to answer questions you might have.
I hope to meet you in person soon! Thanks for reading.
Brenner will sign books on Aug. 27 and read from her novel at 1 pm at The Galleria B&N store.The post Book Signing August 27th appeared first on Judith F Brenner.
July 9, 2022
Minnesota Stories – 28 Short Stories in One Book
In the mood to read a short story? Add this new book to your stack which features 28 fiction stories set in or about Minnesota. My writing friends in a network, Women of Words, are sharing their works compiled by judges who chose these selections to be published. You can read more about it and purchase it on this link.
Minnesota Stories – 28 Short Stories in One Book by Judith Brenner | Jul 9, 2022
July Blog In the mood to read a short story? Add this new book to your stack which features 28 fiction stories set in or about Minnesota. My writing friends in a network, Women of Words, are sharing their works compiled by judges who chose these selections to be...
Author Reading A Sceneby Judith Brenner | Jun 16, 2022
As part of the Bookish Roadtrip, a Facebook private group page, I read a two-minute scene from the novel, The Moments Between Dreams when Ellie hit a boy for being "fresh." Question: Have you ever helped a person seek safety at a shelter? Listen to see why I...
It’s a Women’s World TV Talkshowby Judith Brenner | Jun 15, 2022
A group of amazing, accomplished women asked deep, intriguing questions that are answered candidly during a talkshow, Where Women Talk TV, to discuss themes in my novel, The Moments Between Dreams. We talked about red flags pointing to an unhealthy, possibly dangerous...
Women’s Fiction Day 2022 June 8by Judith Brenner | Jun 7, 2022
Excited to offer a promo deal! To celebrate Women's Fiction Day, I'm offering ten free Audiobooks of The Moments Between Dreams novel! Join my Author mail list on the home page for a chance to win! I will email winners after June 15. Good luck! Also, please check out...
MN and IL bookstores stock The Moments Between Dreamsby Judith Brenner | May 31, 2022
I'm thrilled independent and chain book stores are stocking titles for historical fiction readers. If you'd like to pick up my novel, you'll see The Moments Between Dreams on shelves or tables from Chicago to Rochester to the Mall of America inside the Barnes and...
Exerting Power over a Partner with a Lawsuitby Judith Brenner | May 21, 2022
Experts say abusers will have a new way of exerting power over a domestic violence survivor. The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation lawsuit Trial may frighten abuse victims from coming forward. The Moments Between Dreams, is especially timely considering the power...
Audiobook; 5/24 Event Newsby Judith Brenner | Apr 27, 2022
Audiobook Released May 3! I’m excited to announce the May 24 book launch event is where I will be ready to greet you online or in-person! Read more about how you can join the event below. Also, the audiobook for The Moments Between Dreams releases next week! The...
Spring Book Launch, The Moments Between Dreams, Plus an Excerpt from Novel!by Judith Brenner | Apr 9, 2022
Tulips can be subtle or showy like words on a page with a message between the lines. Spring always holds a special place in my heart, because it kicks off a renewal spirit in the season and new beginnings. I turn a year older each spring, and during that occasion, I...
When a Romantic Request to Dress Goes Too Farby Judith Brenner | Feb 14, 2022
The Ego Stroke of Being Asked Out Boosts Self-Esteem That loving, longing look your way from a potential partner is flattering, but if you are craving attention, having missed it during the pandemic, you might be vulnerable. It's ok to let your guard down, as long as...
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June 16, 2022
Author Reading A Scene
As part of the Bookish Roadtrip, a Facebook private group page, I read a two-minute scene from the novel, The Moments Between Dreams when Ellie hit a boy for being “fresh.”
Question:
Have you ever helped a person seek safety at a shelter? Listen to see why I ask. Please leave a comment.
This month, I’m offering an AudioBook Giveaway of The Moments Between Dreams to honor Women’s Fiction Day. Starting June 8, newcomers to my mail list are entered into a drawing on June 22! Refer a historical fiction book lover to enter the giveaway! If you are already on my mailing list, click below before June 21 and you are in the drawing! Enter “Audiobook Giveaway” as the subject line.
Enter GiveawayBuy the Book "The post Author Reading A Scene appeared first on Judith F Brenner.
June 14, 2022
It’s a Women’s World TV Talkshow
A group of amazing, accomplished women asked deep, intriguing questions that are answered candidly during a talkshow, Where Women Talk TV, produced by Nadia Giordana. She’s a talented poet, author and video show producer, who put together a panel of co-hosts to discuss themes in my novel, The Moments Between Dreams. We talked about red flags pointing to an unhealthy, possibly dangerous relationship, and a subplot in my novel about the poliovirus, plus a Q&A about post-polio syndrome, and where polio cases are happening today.
The novel weaves threads of a young couple in love that turns ugly, to the possibility of a new romance in a more healthy relationship. When a child contracts polio, chaos ensues, so we discussed the poliovirus epidemic in the 1940s, to isolation and fear of a virus that parallels precautions taken during the recent pandemic, from school closings to movie theaters shut. The conversation flowed to provide a snippet of what is post-polio syndrome, how Post-Polio Health International is helping polio survivors, and more deeply to what constitutes domestic abuse. We covered what forms of abuse are possibly present in a controlling relationship, plus helpful resources to seek safety.
Listen when you have 30 minutes to hear my fascinating conversation with Barbara La Valleur, a host of a TV show and author, Candy Pettiford, an author and performer, Dr. Susan Strauss, Consultant and author, and producer and author Nadia Giordana. Here’s a link to the episode.
On the air since 2007, It’s a Woman’s World has spoken with hundreds of successful, strong, and enlightened women who are actively seeking their own place within the American dream of justice and equality. We continue to strive to provide a platform for issues of interest to women worldwide. IAWW is produced by Michael Rossberg and Nadia Giordana.
It’s a Women’s World Talk Show, Episode on the novel, The Moments Between Dreams and its theme of a controlling, unhealthy relationship and a woman’s struggle to find safety and an escape. Source: iawwtv.orgThe post It’s a Women’s World TV Talkshow appeared first on Judith F Brenner.
June 7, 2022
Women’s Fiction Day 2022 June 8
Excited to offer a promo deal! To celebrate Women’s Fiction Day, I’m offering ten free Audiobooks of The Moments Between Dreams novel! Join my Author mail list on the home page for a chance to win! I will email winners after June 15. Good luck! Also, please check out my wonderful fiction writing friends on the website womensfictioinwriters.org to explore what other women are writing about, and discover your next read, and maybe a book deal!
The post Women’s Fiction Day 2022 June 8 appeared first on Judith F Brenner.
May 31, 2022
MN and IL bookstores stock The Moments Between Dreams
I’m thrilled independent and chain book stores are stocking titles for historical fiction readers. If you’d like to pick up my novel, you’ll see The Moments Between Dreams on shelves or tables from Chicago to Rochester to the Mall of America inside the Barnes and Noble stores and independent book stores. Look for it in stock in June at Magers &Quinn in Minneapolis, Unabridged Bookstore, The Book Cellar and Women and Children First in Chicagoland, and inside Barnes and Noble stores across Minnesota. Thank you booksellers for your support of an indie author.
The Moments Between Dreams signed copies on display at Barnes and NobleThe post MN and IL bookstores stock The Moments Between Dreams appeared first on Judith F Brenner.
May 21, 2022
Exerting Power over a Partner with a Lawsuit
Experts say abusers will have a new way of exerting power over a domestic violence survivor. The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation lawsuit Trial may frighten abuse victims from coming forward. The Moments Between Dreams, is especially timely considering the power trip of the #DeppVsHeard case. Over the decades, #domesticabuseawareness gets a sad bump by celebrity court cases. A story reported by The 19th News Organization shows why people in abusive relationships are about to face a flurry of lawsuits if they tell people about the abuse. A person will be forced to lie. A friend might say, “I tripped and that’s why I have this bruise” In my novel, Carol says, “The spring door closed fast on me.” I’ll be discussing this during my Author Talk May 24.
Order The Moments Between Dreams book today!Celebrity cases of domestic violence push the issue on society’s radar, but this defamation case between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard is going to cause a ripple effect, preventing a partner from reporting domestic violence. This is frightening. When you read The Moments Between Dreams, you’ll notice before Carol does how Joe is exerting power and she doesn’t fear domestic violence. She doesn’t notice the red flags in an unhealthy relationship. Read how a Navy man returns home from WWII and starts a war at home by loving his family too intensely. His jealousy and control left no space for the women in his life to enjoy liberties.
Feminism made inroads each decade since the 1920s. Women began to work, drive cars, and enjoy freedoms until they were forced back into the kitchen post WWII, raising children as their only job. Sexism returned to the Homefront. Worse, domestic violence went unreported.
When the OJ Simpson case about his ex-wife’s murder was in the news, Nicole Simpson was sadly not a domestic violence survivor. Society was appalled there could be more victims at the hands of their scorned jealous ex-lovers, and so the government set up the National Domestic Violence Hotline. This became a resource. I put these help lines in my book for the US, CANADA and the UK where my novel is being sold. Today, we need our friends to not feel threatened by a defamation lawsuit should they report domestic abuse!
Notice How Society Gets ComplacentRead The Moments Between Dreams novel to see how Joe is exerting power over Carol in this 1940s story. His threats to tamper with the breaks of their car was emotional abuse. This realistic fiction book reveals situations pulled from true stories, and these stories need to stay on the forefront after celebrity cases such as the Amber Heard / Johnny Depp trial fades. Abuse happens down your block, among your congregation, and possibly within the Parent/Teacher Association. Outstanding people act outlandish behind closed doors. Read more in the link about how the celebrity lawsuit case is giving abusers another weapon in the courts to force a partner to stay in an abusive relationship. If you see something, say something! Victims need a safety net when their partner stacks the deck against them.
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