Blair Bryan's Blog, page 5
December 8, 2024
The TMI: December 8, 2024
BUT FIRST I NEED YOUR HELP! Please CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE. I only need 840 more people to click the link and hit subscribe so I can make more audiobooks free on YouTube.
Subscribing is a free way to support my work & unlock free audiobooks for everyone.
WHY? I want to make my audiobooks more accessible. Once my YouTube channel is monetized, I’ll begin releasing my audiobooks there for free. This will ensure that those who can’t afford to buy audiobooks—whether due to financial constraints, disability, or living in regions where audiobooks are prohibitively expensive—can still enjoy my stories. And I can continue to write my books because of the support I receive from YouTube. It's a win-win.
My Audiobooks will never appear on Audible. If you're curious why, you can read my blog on the topic. It's a real eye opener. I would rather make them free on YouTube for all, then to support a company like Amazon that is actively waging a war on small businesses.
P.S. I Need Your Help!
More reviews=More visibility.
You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt!
NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
December 1, 2024
The TMI: December 1, 2024
Someone recently commented on one of my Facebook ads: "Why does your ad say it's for women over 50? I've never seen anyone call out an age group like that—it's ridiculous!"
My response? Firstly, Karen, have a snickers. You seem a smidge hostile. But really! It's about damn time! Women in this age group have incredible stories to tell. We've faced challenges, grown through them, and our experiences add layers of depth and meaning. I can't relate to 20-somethings figuring out life in college—I want to read about women my age doing badass things and owning their power. Who's with me?
Currently Cooking: Spicy Italian Penicillin Soup5 carrots5 stalks of celery6-8 cloves of fresh garlic peeled8 cups chicken broth (made with Better than Bullion)1 small onion2 bay leaves1/2 tsp thyme1/2 tsp oreganoSalt and Pepper to taste1/2 c tiny pasta like anci de pepe or orzo1-2 T chili crispRotisserie Chicken Shredded (optional)Chop veggies and onion into 1" pieces. Boil all the ingredients together for 20 minutes until soft, and then remove the bay leaves and blend together until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of tiny pasta. Simmer for 6 more minutes to cook the pasta, and add chili crisp and shredded rotisserie chicken if desired before serving. We couldn't resist adding a bacon grilled cheese for dipping. The perfect comfort meal.
Currently Reading: Pretty ThingsEven though I anticipated some of the twists, it was still an incredibly enjoyable read. I loved how the author delved into influencer culture and the complexities of generational wealth. The characters were richly developed and fascinating, keeping me hooked from start to finish.
Need a hilarious supernatural escape while online shopping this Cyber Monday? Grab your earbuds and dive into Part 9 of the Full Cast Audiobook of Hawt Flash—FREE on YouTube!
Also, find out WHY my Audiobooks will never be published on Audible. Instead I plan to make them FREE on Youtube after my channel gets monetized to make them more accessible to the disabled and those on a fixed income. I relied on libraries as my source of free entertainment when I was a child and now I want to return the favor.
Subscribe now if you want to make this happen.
P.S. I Need Your Help!
More reviews=More visibility.
You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt!
NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
November 29, 2024
Why Many Authors Are Choosing Not to Put Their Audiobooks on Audible—and Why Supporting Them Directly Matters
If you’re an audiobook lover, you probably know Audible, the powerhouse platform for audiobooks owned by Amazon. With its vast library and seamless interface, it’s easy to assume that it’s the best place for authors to share their work and for readers to support them. But for many authors, especially independent ones, putting their audiobooks on Audible is not a good business decision.
Here’s why authors like me are opting out—and why buying direct is one of the most impactful ways you can support your favorite storytellers.
The Hidden Costs of Audible’s DominanceAudible commands an estimated 63% of the audiobook market, and with that dominance comes immense power to set the terms. For authors, those terms can feel less like a partnership and more like exploitation.
1. Royalties That Feel Like a Rip-OffWhen authors choose to publish their audiobooks through Audible, they face two main options:
Exclusive Distribution: Authors can agree to distribute their audiobook exclusively on Audible in exchange for a 40% royalty rate. That might sound decent, but here’s the kicker: Audible keeps the remaining 60% of every sale.Non-Exclusive Distribution: Authors who want the freedom to sell their audiobooks on other platforms (or directly to listeners) must take a smaller royalty rate—just 25% of each sale. That means Audible takes a staggering 75% of the profits.Compare that to eBooks, where authors can often earn 70% royalties when selling directly through platforms like Amazon Kindle. The disparity is glaring.
2. Subscription Model DevaluationMost Audible users purchase books through the subscription model, where a monthly fee gives access to one audiobook credit. From an author’s perspective, this devalues their work: they might receive just a fraction of the retail price for their audiobook, even if it took thousands of dollars to produce.
3. Refund and Return PoliciesAudible has also faced criticism for allowing listeners to return audiobooks even after significant portions have been consumed. In some cases, these returns are deducted from the author’s earnings, effectively penalizing them for Audible’s customer-friendly policies.
Audiobooks: A Massive Upfront InvestmentAudiobooks are expensive to produce—really expensive.
For an average-length novel of around 80,000 words (8–10 hours of audio), authors can expect to pay:
$2,000–$4,000 for professional narration and editing.With additional costs for sound engineering, formatting, and quality control.$1000 (or more) each month in advertising to attract listeners to your books.For indie authors, this can represent a significant financial risk. Unlike big publishing houses that absorb these costs across multiple titles, independent authors are often footing the bill themselves, gambling on their ability to recoup the investment.
If they then choose to publish on Audible, where they keep only 10-20% of the total profits, it can take years—or never—for them to break even. For many, the math just doesn’t add up.
The Alternative: Selling Audiobooks DirectAuthors who want to retain control of their work and earn a fair share of their profits are increasingly turning to direct sales. Platforms like BookFunnel allow authors to sell audiobooks directly to readers, offering benefits for both sides.
1. Higher Royalties, Fairer Pay When you buy an audiobook directly from an author, they keep 85-90% of the sale price, compared to the 10-20% they’d get from Audible. This can mean the difference between breaking even and sustaining their writing career.
2. Direct Connection with Readers By selling direct, authors build stronger relationships with their readers. Whether it’s through newsletters, exclusive perks, or personalized thank-you notes, buying directly supports not just a book, but the person behind it.
3. Exclusive Content Many authors who sell directly offer perks you can’t get elsewhere, like bonus scenes, early access, or behind-the-scenes content. You’re not just purchasing a product—you’re stepping into a richer, more intimate storytelling experience.
Why It Matters to Support Authors DirectlyAs readers, we often feel connected to the characters and worlds authors create. But it’s easy to forget that behind every book is a real person with a real family, who relies on reader support to keep writing.
When you buy directly from an author, you’re not padding the pockets of a billionaire CEO or funding a corporate empire. You’re helping someone:
Pay their bills.Invest in their next project.Provide for their family.For many indie authors, this isn’t just a passion—it’s a livelihood. Your direct support enables them to keep creating the stories you love.
But Isn’t Audible More Convenient?Sure, Audible’s app is sleek and user-friendly, but direct alternatives are catching up fast. Services like BookFunnel make it easy to download audiobooks to your favorite device, and some authors even offer step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth listening experience.
And let’s not forget: convenience comes at a cost. Audible’s dominance stifles competition, squeezes creators, and consolidates power into fewer hands. By supporting alternatives, you’re helping create a more equitable audiobook ecosystem.
What Can You Do to Help?If you love audiobooks and want to support the authors who create them, here are a few simple ways to make a difference:
1. Buy Direct Check your favorite author’s website or social media to see if they offer audiobooks for sale directly. Many authors now include direct purchase links on their sites, often with added perks.
2. Spread the Word Share your love for the books you’ve read. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools for indie authors. A simple recommendation to a friend—or a shout-out on social media—can have a big impact.
3. Leave Reviews Reviews are gold for authors. They help books get discovered and lend credibility to the work. Whether you leave a review on Audible, Goodreads, or the author’s direct platform, your feedback matters.
4. Engage with the Author Many indie authors are active on social media or via newsletters. A kind message or comment about their work can mean the world—and remind them why they do what they do.
The Future of Audiobooks Is in Your HandsAs readers, you have more power than you realize. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of creative world you want to live in. By choosing to buy audiobooks directly from authors, you’re not just supporting their work—you’re helping to build a future where creators are valued, independent voices thrive, and billion-dollar corporations don’t get the final say. The next time you listen to an audiobook and feel transported to another world, take a moment to think about the person who created it. Your choice to support them directly could be the reason they’re able to write their next great story.
A Plan for Accessibility: Free Audiobooks on YouTubeTo make audiobooks more accessible to listeners of all backgrounds, I have a plan: once my YouTube channel is monetized, I’ll begin releasing my audiobooks there for free. This will ensure that those who can’t afford to buy audiobooks—whether due to financial constraints, disability, or living in regions where audiobooks are prohibitively expensive—can still enjoy my stories. By leveraging YouTube’s ad revenue, I can make these audiobooks available to everyone while still earning enough to support my work. This approach is a win-win: listeners get free access to my books, and I can continue creating for a global audience without giving away the lion’s share of profits to corporations. It’s an exciting step toward greater inclusivity in storytelling, and I’m thrilled to make my work accessible to more people.
SUBSCRIBE HERE NOW AND CHECK OUT MY CHANNEL.
November 24, 2024
The TMI: November 24, 2024
Over the next 6–9 months, CJ (the professional narrator I contracted to bring the entire series to life) and I will create a professionally narrated, fully dramatized version of the series, with sneak peeks and updates along the way. Meanwhile, I’m sharing AI-narrated chapters of Hawt Flash on YouTube!
My long term goal is to make all my books free on YouTube once I hit 1,000 subscribers and monetize the channel. Subscribe today and help make it happen!
Your Mom Called. She wants Aura Cove for Christmas!The Midlife in Aura Cove Complete Series is the ultimate escape into a world where women over 50 discover their own power and embrace life’s second act with humor and heart. Whether it's for a mom, grandma, or your favorite mother-in-law, this collection will enchant any fantasy reader!
Currently Reading: This Time TomorrowTime Time Tomorrow is a heartfelt time-travel tale centered on a touching father-daughter bond. Though the pacing is slow, it’s an easy, memorable read.
P.S. I Need Your Help!
More reviews=More visibility.
You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt!
NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
November 17, 2024
The TMI: November 17, 2024
This summer, I poured my heart and soul into creating the first audiobook for the Midlife in Aura Cove series. For three intense months, I worked in a recording booth, stitching together a full-cast production featuring layered voices over my own narration. While the result was solid—an audiobook that captured the heart of Aura Cove—it came at a steep price: it completely derailed my writing schedule. I realized something important: as much as I love this series, sacrificing new stories wasn’t the way forward.
Then, a publisher approached me about purchasing the audio rights. For a moment, I thought this might be the perfect solution. But after negotiations broke down, I knew I needed a different approach. That’s when I found CJ Locks.
After listening to countless auditions, CJ’s performance stood out in every way. Her voice doesn’t just tell the story—it becomes the story. Every character comes to life through her remarkable talent, and the sample chapter she shared gave me actual goosebumps. It’s the dramatic, immersive audio experience that the Midlife in Aura Cove series deserves.
Over the next 6–9 months, CJ and I will work together to create a professionally narrated, fully dramatized version of the entire series. I can’t wait to share sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes updates as we bring Katie, Frankie, and the rest of the coven to life like never before.
In the meantime, I’m sharing chapters of the version I made of Hawt Flash—the first book in the series—on YouTube, brought to life using cutting-edge AI voice technology.
Subscribing to my channel directly supports our mission to fund CJ’s incredible production, with the full series slated for release in 2025.
The shotgun cocked again and I felt another shower of pellets explode as I fell forward onto the cage disengaging the lock on the door in one fell swoop. There was a metal clang as the shotgun fell to the ground and then a heavy thud when Sheila landed next to it. She was clutching her chest and moaning, her skin pasty and white. I staggered to my feet again, both hands covered in blood that was now dripping from my mouth.
“Are you seriously going to have a heart attack right now? Why couldn’t this have happened five minutes ago?” I let out an ironic chuckle as my blood dripped onto the floor. The only kind of luck I’d ever had was bad and in my last moments as the circumstances became almost comical my exasperated giggles became more unhinged.
“Uh-Oh!” The gray bird squawked taking in the scene of his caretaker on the floor as if he could understand what was happening. “Sheila is dead.” He crowed. “Sheila is dead.” He flapped his wings and perched on top of the toppled cage. His eyes unblinking.
Copyright © [2024] Blair Bryan Teal Butterfly Press. All rights reserved.
This excerpt is provided for promotional purposes only. No part of this text may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written permission from the author or publisher.
The Midlife in Aura Cove Complete Series is the ultimate escape into a world where women over 50 discover their own power and embrace life’s second act with humor and heart. Whether it's for a mom, grandma, or your favorite mother-in-law, this collection will enchant any fantasy reader!
Currently Reading: Garden SpellsGarden Spells is a charming dive into whimsical magical realism, with a touch of sweetness that defines Sarah Addison Allen's writing. While the novel is over a decade old and reflects the early stages of her growth as an author, it still holds its own as a delightful read. Comparing it to her more recent works highlights just how much she’s evolved. My favorite character was the meddling apple tree, it added such a playful, enchanting vibe to the story.
P.S. I Need Your Help!
More reviews=More visibility.
You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt!
NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
November 10, 2024
The TMI: Nov 10, 2024
For my next series, I'm introducing Nevermore—a neurodivergent time traveler with a feathered sidekick: an African Grey Parrot with a razor-sharp vocabulary and the street smarts of a con man. This feisty parrot, with a talent for well-timed zingers, was inspired by a social media post about a zoo that had to separate its parrots for cursing at guests. Imagine the possibilities when a bird like that teams up with a time-traveling hero!
858 Away from Our Goal!
I’m sharing chapters of Hawt Flash on YouTube, the first book in the thrilling Midlife in Aura Cove series, brought to life with AI voice changing technology.
Subscribing helps fund our ultimate goal: producing a professionally narrated dramatic version of all 6 books by a talented voice actor coming in 2025!
Dive into a world where powerful women over 50 tackle karmic rebalances, friendship, and heartwarming moments.
Part 5 was just released yesterday. Don’t miss out!
Treat 'Yo Self! to the Perfect Gift!The Midlife in Aura Cove Complete Series is the ultimate escape into a world where women over 50 discover their own power and embrace life’s second act with humor and heart. Whether it's for a mom, grandma, or your favorite mother-in-law, this collection will enchant any fantasy reader!
Currently Reading: Hell BentHell Bent, the eagerly awaited sequel to Ninth House, picks up right where we left off, with Alex and Dawes gathering an unlikely crew to attempt the impossible: opening the gauntlet to hell to rescue one of their own. The magic in this book is nothing short of masterful, with layers of dark academia, intense stakes, and complex characters that draw you in completely. I’m a huge fan of this author, and Hell Bent absolutely delivers on the rich, eerie world she’s created!
P.S. I Need Your Help!
More reviews=More visibility.
You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt!
NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
November 3, 2024
The TMI: Nov 3, 2024
Enjoy this exclusive first draft (unedited, be gentle ;) ) excerpt from book one of my new series, Nevermore.
"Buckshot. It is excruciatingly painful when it rips through your torso. First is the impact that sends you sprawling and into shock, then the pellets scatter their hellfire through your body. They are like a thousand little stabs ushering in a wall of agony. Your blood rushes through your fingers first warm and wet, a sensation that is not altogether off-putting as it blooms a crimson stain through your clothing. It’s kind of beautiful and oddly satisfying to watch the sea of red slowly claiming inch by inch of your cotton t-shirt.
My downfall was underestimating a little old lady. Technically, little wasn’t accurate either. For an obese woman over seventy, Sheila was surprisingly spry and moved through her cluttered home with the silent stalk of a feline.
Sheila was a good shot, I’ll give her that. On second thought, maybe that is giving her a tinge too much credit. After all, with a shotgun all you have to do is point in the right direction and hope for the best."
Pre-order your copy for July 2025 delivery here.
I’m taking the leap and going all in on myself. After much deliberation, I turned down the publisher's offer and committed to producing my audiobook series independently. It’s the biggest investment I've ever made in my business, and I won’t lie—it's terrifying.
To make it happen, I’m cutting expenses to the bone, planning a modest Christmas, and picking up extra shifts at my part-time job. I believe it will all be worth it in the end, but right now, your girl is in the corner shaking and second guessing.
Here's where you can help. Subscribe to my YouTube channel. You’ll help me get closer to the 1,000-subscriber milestone needed for monetization. Once monetized, I can start earning ad revenue that will go directly toward funding my audiobook production.
To kick things off, I’m sharing chapters of Hawt Flash on YouTube, chapter by chapter. Not only will you get early access to the audio, but you'll be part of this journey in a way that truly makes a difference.
The first two parts are ready and waiting for you, with Part 3 going live tonight at 7 p.m. CST. Don’t miss out!
The Perfect Gift for a Magical Mom or Fantasy Lover!🎁 Surprise the special women in your life with a gift that’s full of magic, laughter, and empowerment! 🎁
The Midlife in Aura Cove Complete Series is the ultimate escape into a world where women over 50 discover their own power and embrace life’s second act with humor and heart. Whether it's for a mom, grandma, or your favorite mother-in-law, this collection will enchant any fantasy reader!
Currently Reading: Remarkably Bright CreaturesThis heartwarming, delightful read is just what you need right now. Reminiscent of Fredrik Backman’s writing style, it follows an unlikely friendship between a cleaning lady and a brilliant, aging octopus named Marcellus. Their bond transforms both their lives in unexpected ways. If possible, listen to the audiobook—the voice actor for Marcellus brings his character vividly to life.
P.S. I Need Your Help!
More reviews=More visibility.
You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt!
NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
October 13, 2024
The TMI: October 27, 2024
A few days ago, I received an opening offer from a publisher interested in acquiring the audiobook rights for my entire Midlife in Aura Cove series. It felt amazing to get a contract offer from a traditional publisher—complete with an advance!
For over a year, I’ve wanted to produce the audiobooks to make the series accessible for those with disabilities and for readers who love listening to their stories. However, professional narration for the full series requires a significant upfront investment, around $15,000 to $20,000, and comes with its own risks. The alternative is to accept the advance and give the publisher exclusive rights for 7-10 years. It's a big decision with long reaching ramifications and is a lot to consider.
I thought I could handle production myself and spent that last three months of my hiatus recording the first audiobook, Hawt Flash, but after seeing how labor-intensive the process was to get it just right, I realized I’d have to put writing new books on hold for at least a year.
Admitting I couldn’t do everything was tough, but I know my focus needs to stay on creating new stories. So, the audiobooks will need to be delegated. Stay tuned to see which path I choose!
"Refreshing with in-depth characters!"Experience the adventures of three generations of powerful women redefining life after 50. They’re tackling karma for those who deserve it and proving that life only gets better with age!
Currently Reading: The FamiliarA mesmerizing blend of magic, history, and high-stakes intrigue, this book swept me away to 16th-century Madrid. With unforgettable morally gray characters and perilous twists, this spellbinding story explores the thin line between ambition and survival in a world haunted by the Inquisition.
Gluten-free pasta that actually tastes good? I was skeptical about switching to a healthier pasta option, but this one completely changed my mind. The texture is a bit different, but it’s the closest thing I've found to traditional white flour pasta in both taste and consistency—so close I don’t even mind the small trade-off. We stocked up with a big box from Costco, and it’s been surprisingly delicious!
P.S. I Need Your Help!
More reviews=More visibility.
You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt!
NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
The TMI: October 13, 2024
Check out the full itinerary and photo diary! Travel with me and see this beautiful part of America. Along with stunning photographs of the coast, I share some of the best places we refueled with delicious food along the way!
Readers are Falling in Love with Flash of Love!
"5.0 out of 5 stars I wasn't ready for it to end, but what an ending!"Loved this series SO much. The themes of empowered (figuratively AND literally) women taking on current social issues (with help from Karma!) was so satisfying. The characters came to feel like friends, the setting came to feel like home (I want the Island!) It was hard knowing that this was the last book, but if it had to end, I'm so glad this was the way. Blair Bryan, you are such a rock star!"
If you enjoy reality dating shows like Perfect Match and Love Island, you’ll find plenty to love in this book. These cringeworthy shows are my guilty pleasure, and I find them entertaining for character building. It’s a solid thriller with a satisfying ending.
When crafting a series with intricate characters and complex timelines, a lot of pre-planning and plotting is essential. This upcoming series is shaping up to be my best work yet, and I’m beyond excited to dive into the drafting process next month. But before that, I need a rock-solid outline—without one, it's all too easy to get tangled in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture!
P.S. I Need Your Help!
More reviews=More visibility.
You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt!
NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
October 6, 2024
The TMI: October 6, 2024
“By the power vested in me, by the great state of Nevada,” drawled with a southern twang from the lips of a chubby Elvis, startling Katie from her spiraling thoughts. She’d barely registered a word from Frankie and Harry’s quickie wedding ceremony after being introduced to Harry’s mother, Rose, a few minutes prior. With one brief brush, Karma delivered her next unexpected assignment. Katie’s latest rebalance involved finding Harry’s twin sister, Jessica, who’d been abducted when they were only seven.
The delightfully tacky wedding chapel where they’d all gathered on the first of April was wedged between an In and Out Burger and a pawn shop a few blocks off the Las Vegas strip. Inside, the center aisle had been lined in green astroturf, and a collection of dusty, silk flowers balanced precariously from a rickety brass arch behind a polyester and rhinestone-clad Elvis.
“You may now kiss…” Elvis’s words were cut off as Harry took matters into his own hands, dramatically sweeping Frankie into his arms and dipping her to the ground before planting an enthusiastic kiss on her lips.
A raucous EDM rendition of The Wedding March pulsed through crackling speakers, drowning out the smattering of applause. It vibrated off every surface of the chapel as an exuberant light show transformed the space into a kaleidoscope of dancing colors. On cue, two older women adorned with sequined jackets and jaunty pillbox hats, their lips painted a garish red, materialized on either side of the couple. With the precision of trained marksmen, they launched a full-scale floral assault at Frankie and Harry, smacking them in the face with silk flowers that fluttered down like confetti. Several petals clung to Frankie’s bare skin as the photographer stepped forward to snap the first photos of the newly married couple.
Strobe-like flashes from the relentless light show punctuated each snap of his camera, adding to the dizzying spectacle. Frankie and Harry, intoxicated with joy and adrenaline, cheesed to the camera with exaggerated grins and playful poses, their laughter echoing above the booming music.
READ MORE. ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE FINAL BOOK IN THE MIDLIFE IN AURA COVE SERIES HERE.
Production on Hawt Flash is officially 2/3's complete! This project has truly been a labor of love, with my mornings spent in the recording booth and my nights devoted to mixing on my laptop. I can’t wait to share it with you—especially for those who are visually impaired, have difficulty reading, or simply love immersing themselves in an audiobook experience.
LISTEN TO THE FIRST SEVERAL CHAPTERS HERE.
This book begins with a strong, engaging premise but gradually settles into a more everyday rhythm, enhanced by its fascinating Indigenous characters. The plot is an unusual mix, weaving together elements like a haunted bookstore, the COVID pandemic, and the impact of George Floyd’s death. Though at times slow-moving, the story is punctuated with moments of brilliance that make it well worth the read. It’s a unique narrative blend that, while unconventional, shines through with creative sparks and compelling characters.
When crafting a series with intricate characters and complex timelines, a lot of pre-planning and plotting is essential. This upcoming series is shaping up to be my best work yet, and I’m beyond excited to dive into the drafting process next month. But before that, I need a rock-solid outline—without one, it's all too easy to get tangled in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture!
P.S. I Need Your Help!
More reviews=More visibility.
You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt!
NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
