Sandy Brehl's Blog, page 3

Counting Down the Days: MARI’S HOPE Is On the Way!

The publishing process is nothing if not complex. I found myself on a steep learning curve while working on my debut  novel, ODIN’S PROMISE. Having been through the many stages and nuances of moving a book from manuscript to release TWICE now, I’m better able to predict those stages, including timing. Even so, each element along the way is, well,  no less than thrilling. 

For example, even though the title sheet will eventually be updated with the actual cover art, seeing it in early form takes my breath away. Here’s a screenshot, but you can view it for yourselves on the publisher’s site, here.

Or download it  by clicking here>>>       Maris-Hope-Flyer 

There will be plenty of other exciting moments in the months from now to September. If you haven’t already done so, sign up on the right menu bar to receive newsletters. Since those won’t be sent often, you might also want to subscribe to this blog. As Advance Reader Copies reach reviewers, as the amazing cover artist (Kathleen Spale) completes her work, as additional landmark moments arrive, I’ll be sharing them here. 

Here’s hoping you’ll come along for the ride!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Tuned: Big announcements are COMING SOON!

There are an incredible number of behind-the-scenes steps in preparing a book for publication. Steps that go FAR beyond the writing, revising, editing, and proofing. Three years ago, on May 17, 2014, my debut novel, ODIN’S PROMISE, had completed all of those steps and  was released. Within months of that date I was hearing from readers who expected a sequel, which I never imagined writing. I’ve posted previously about the process I pursued to research, write, explore, and eventually produce a two-part sequel. That became a trilogy.

Now we are down to the wire in prepping the final book, MARI’S HOPE, for release in September, 2017. Within the next few weeks, I’ll be back with updates on getting my hands on a print  copy for Advanced Readers, as well as a potential cover reveal and other goosebump-generating details. At least that’s the effect they have on me.

For now, to celebrate this three-year mark, and to help everyone celebrate Syttende Mai, of course, the editor has created a short-term pricing special on the eBook version of my original book, ODIN’S PROMISE. For the moment, the cost is only

99 CENTS!


Here’s a basic link to all vendors: books2read.com/odins-promise 

But before you click to the link, or copy it to share with someone who might appreciate the discount, pause and consider using the sidebar sign-up tab (right) to have newsletters sent directly to your email inbox. I promise it will only arrive a few times each year as I share important landmarks events, like the ones coming up with the release.


Meanwhile, thank you for your ongoing interest and support.

 

Special Waukesha Event for Children’s BOOK WEEK!

On Saturday, May 6, at 2:00, I’ll join talented artist/illustrator INGRID KALLICK at Martha Merrell’s Books and Toys in Historic Downtown Waukesha. Our program is titled: TROLLS AND OTHER TROUBLEMAKERS from NORWAY.

Ingrid will share insights to her illustrations in the recent  (gorgeous) picture book release, TWO TROLL TALES FROM NORWAY. She’ll discuss her understanding of traditional trolls in Norwegian culture from research and family heritage. She’s planning to do some live sketching, too, and will be offering for sale various pieces from her portfolio as fine art cards and prints.

I’ll follow her presentation with examples of the ways that a trouble-making troll tradition inspired many of the disruptive resistance activities Norwegians developed during the five years of German occupation during World War II.

May 1-7 is CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK, with no better place to celebrate than at Martha Merrell’s Books and Toys. That date, May 6, also marks the seasonal  launch for Downtown Waukesha’s open farmers’ market, with an art crawl in the evening hours. It’s a delightful place to spend time with plenty of places to snack, stretch, browse, and shop throughout the day. Won’t you join us?

 

 

 

Limited Time Special Pricing on eBooks!

Even though there’s been a lull in news recently, I’m finally getting out and about to various events and gatherings. HOORAY!

I’ll be posting some updates about those and future events here and in my newsletter in coming weeks, but this just can’t wait. Both ODIN’S PROMISE and BJORN’S GIFT are currently available in digital formats on additional platforms. This includes a temporary promotional DEEP DISCOUNT:

Special eBook pricing through 4/23:

ODIN’S PROMISE @ 99 cents: https://books2read.com/odins-promise

BJORN’S GIFT @ 2.99   https://books2read.com/bjorns-gift

After 4/23 the digital pricing reverts to 4.99 each.

Before you close here and click over to the links to check out our special pricing, please consider signing up for the newsletter. (Right there, at the top of the right margin on this page.) I promise I won’t flood your email inbox, since these newsletters are quarterly-ish, but we’re getting closer all the time to updates about the final book in this Norway trilogy, MARI’S HOPE. You won’t want to miss those details, like a release date, preview of the cover, and more.  Thanks!

 

 

Getting Back On My Feet, Literally!

The past two months have been frustrating to me, because of a broken leg.  

Oh, it would be nice to attribute this situation to something dramatic or colorful or even interesting. Sorry, but no such story exists.

The sad truth is that I was putting on my shoes and lost my balance, in my own carpeted hallway. The audible C-R-A-C-K! clued me in that this time it was not “just” a bad sprain. An X-ray, one that even I could read, showed why it would take eight weeks instead of six to heal. And it was my right leg, which meant no driving, even after I was off crutches.

 

During those eight weeks I had to cancel appearances and volunteering at a half dozen events. It was the first time in a decade that I missed out on one particular favorite, the annual WISCONSIN STATE READING CONFERENCE.

But I survived, and I send my deepest gratitude to ALL who have helped me deal with daily needs, like walking the dog and grocery shopping, as well as those who have shuttled me to appointments, schlepped books and supplies to  substitutes at those events, and to all the well-wishers who offered to do even more, if needed. 

My difficulty in the past two months would have quickly become a disaster if not for such generous friendships. But my time on one foot has finally expired!

On Saturday I’ll be joining others at the First Annual Author Fair at New Berlin Public Library. So, if you’re in the area on Saturday, please join me and an array of other outstanding authors to talk about books! I’ll bring the cookies!

 

 

Updates. An Important Date. Undaunted

UPDATE…

A quick note here, responding to the question I’ve heard often during the holidays and the start of the new year.

“When will the next book be out?”

The final book in the Norwegian resistance trilogy has undergone a series of revisions, refinements, readings, and re-readings. It is now in the hands of my editor. The next phase will be copyedit readings before an advance reader copy goes to print. Then it’s on to reviewers, more corrections.

So, although there are still many steps underway, including cover art, things are on track to release MARI’S HOPE in 2017 as planned. As the pieces fall into place you can receive further details by signing up for my newsletter in the side bar >>>..

AN IMPORTANT DATE:

January 27 is the 72nd anniversary of the day that Russian forces liberated Auschwitz. This annual Holocaust Remembrance Day is an important day to reflect on the consequences of allowing the darker side of human nature to gain power. Few of even the youngest survivors of the concentration camps are still with us, and their voices must never be forgotten. Now, more than ever. I wrote some thoughts about this and recommended books on the topic in a post on my picture book blog several years. It is not too harsh a topic for any age if discussed opening and honestly. Check the post HERE.

UNDAUNTED:

In school visits I discuss the category “historical fiction”, an apparent oxymoron. History is a tabulation of facts: verifiable, able to be authenticated through reliable sources. Fiction, on the other hand, is constructed out of the imagination. Labeling a work of literature as historical fiction is an open acknoweledgement, a warning of sorts, that readers should approach it with the clear understanding that they have a responsibility to take what is read with a grain (or truckload) of salt. If the novel is well-written, every word will appear to be true. The historical facts and events will be woven into the fabric of the story in ways that reinforce the credibility of the work. 

The designation as historical fiction is a directive to the reader to pursue the “actual facts”, if so inclined; to read the backmatter and authors’ notes, to explore referenced works and resources. If unwilling or unable to do so, the only option is to view every aspect of the book as fictional.

I’ve been thinking about this a great deal as new labels are applied to public media: “alternate facts”,  “fake news”, and others. Facts are facts. They can be proven or disproven. When statements are made that are in clear conflict, reliable sources can be used to determine which reflect reality. Which do not. The statements that cannot be proven are not facts at all, alternate or otherwise.

Like the label “historical fiction”, anything labeled “alternative facts” should be viewed as suspect and essentially fiction until and unless due-diligence and research are completed to confirm them as ACTUAL facts.

“News” may not always get the facts right, but credible journalists avoid making those errors at all costs and publish corrections promptly. “Fake News” is not news at all; it’s propaganda. It intentionally blends facts with fiction to make it appear entirely true, not to entertain but to distort, confuse, and manipulate the reader. Again, the burden falls to the reader to consider the entire “news” as false/fictional unless and until each element is verified though reliable sources. 

If elementary students can understand these concepts, and apply the processes to sort and verify fact from fiction, then our adult population can do the same. As a teacher I never accuse a child of lying. As multiple traditional news agencies have decided, we can’t read the minds of others to determine their intent. Instead I point out when a student is “misrepresenting reality”- making statements that conflict with the real world. Enough euphemisms. Things that are not real are not any kind of facts or news.

I for one won’t give up on the human capacity to recognize right, wrong, and reality.

 

Holiday (and Everyday) Gratitude

I’ve been “missing in action” here for several months, for a variety of reasons. 

All good ones.

 

The launch of BJORN’S GIFT has been a wonderful experience. First and foremost, I’ve been relieved to hear positive reactions from readers of ODIN’S PROMISE. Visits to bookstores, special events, and other promotions allowed me to meet lovely folks, many of whom shared personal or family stories of Norway’s occupation years. 

Of course, preparations for the holidays absorbed much of my time in the past weeks:

With packages wrapped and shipped, the tree lights glowing, and snow falling on cue, it’s time to pause and say THANK YOU. That’s why I managed to put together an end-of-year newsletter before kicking back and relaxing. If you haven’t signed-up for email delivery of my newsletter, it’s easy to do. Just slide your eyes to the right margin and add your email. I promise they won’t arrive often, but it’s the best way to make sure you learn about news: book releases and events, giveaways, special offers, etc.

And THANK YOU, for reading this, for supporting and encouraging me, and for reading– anything and everything. 

“READING IS TO THE MIND
WHAT EXERCISE IS TO THE BODY.” Joseph Addison

 

Counting Down to Launch Events- October 1 and 2

This is just a quick update about the pending release of BJORN’S GIFT. 
The official release date is October 5, but this week included a special surprise:

That means I’m all set to join artist/friend INGRID KALLICK in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, on Saturday from 11:00-2:00. Hope we’ll meet loads of folks at the annual fall art/harvest festival that afternoon.

Lots more organizing is involved for the official celebration on  Sunday, October 2, at the Ben Hunt Meeting Room of Hales Corners Public Library at 2:00. I’m nearly ready, including preparing the TWO door prizes:

<<


A book basket- including a copy of BJORN’S GIFT, The Boy in Striped Pajamas, Twenty and Ten, and The Devil’s Arithmetic, all stories of Europe during World War II.>>>
If you know someone who might want to join the celebration, pass the details along, okay?

 

 

News Keeps Coming…and It’s All Good!

When the time came to send BJORN’S GIFT into the “cold cruel world” I reminded myself that: 

a) Readers are NOT “cold, cruel” people.

b) Readers of ODIN’S PROMISE  wanted this book; they already cared about Mari, her family, and her village. They would start on page one WANTING to like it. 

What’s the worst thing that could happen?

Disappointing readers is just about THE WORST THING an author can do- at least this author. Which is why my knees were knocking and I was popping antacids as advance copies went out to bloggers and reviewers. With a bit of further worrying I realized that readers might harbor a teensy bit of the same concern… that they’d waited two years for this book and it wasn’t worth the wait. It turns out some did have those a worries, even if they didn’t want to admit it. 

But Suzanne Warr, honest and upright woman that she is, did admit it, in this review.(Here) Even so, she and others have been truly gracious in their reactions and reviews so far, which has cut down my antacid consumption considerably.

As the official release date nears, plans for appearances, book signings, and the  book-launch party continue. (Think c upcakes.) As a bonus, I’m extra-excited to be joining artist Ingrid Kallick at OPEN HOUSE IMPORTS in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin for their FALL HERITAGE FESTIVAL. Here’s hoping some of you will be there, too!

 

 

 

Norway Wasn’t Too Small (Irene L. Berman): A Review

I hope you’ll  take a few minutes to read my review of a recent novel for teens and adults, NORWAY WASN’T TOO SMALL: A Fact-Based Novel  About Darkness and Survival by Irene Levin Berman. While writing my own books I relied on her earlier family history for details and insights to the history unfolding in Norway during 1942, particularly as regards the small Jewish population. 

Last year she wrote this novel in order to weave her personal and national story into an accurate-though-fictionalized tale that will bring history to life for readers. I struggled with the pain of that history in reading both books, but my review should make clear why this novel merits everyone’s attention. see what you think.