Author Spotlight: Brenda Dyer

UPDATE:
We would like to congratulate Sandy on your win of a free copy of Brenda Dyer's novel Love's Prophecy. I hope you enjoy it, it's  great story. Please send me your contact info to kayla.tocco@yahoo.com and Brenda and I will make sure you get your gift :-)




I would like to welcome author Brenda Dyer to A Whole Latte Romance today. I really appreciate you being here. One lucky commenter here today will receive a copy of Brenda's novel Love's Prophecy! Now onto the good stuff.. 


Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?


I'm married and a mother to two boys: Tyler is 20 and in university, Trevor is 16 and in grade 11. We live on a hobby farm with two miniature horses, chickens, ducks, four cats, a dog, a tree frog, and two budgies. I love chocolate--pretty much anything sweet, I love reading, writing, gardening, and the show Supernatural. 

Oooh a hobby farm, I've never heard of one of those before, can you elaborate a bit? And I'm right the with you on the chocolate, it's my biggest weakness...

A Hobby Farm is a farm that is strictly for a hobby--not a working where farm you grow and sell either produce or livestock.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I like to garden. I love flowers and growing my own vegetables. I like to wander through my gardens on summer evenings with all the solar lights on. The flowers seem to give off a different sort of perfume in the evenings. The only thing I hate is earwigs come out at night. Word of warning to anyone who decides to sit out on their patio furniture during summer nights--check for earwigs. Chances are there will be tons of them. And they do get into your ears.

I guess that's where they get there name, it reminds me of an episode of Twilight Zone my mother told me about, I'd rather not think about it, but walking in the garden on a summer night, sigh, that sounds so romantic, do you use your love of gardening in any of your stories?

I do use my love of gardening in Love's Prophecy. There's a scene where Mel and Breeana walk through the gardens surrounding the base on a beautiful summer evening.

 When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I first started writing back in 2008. I wrote the rough draft for Love's Prophecy--my first full length novel-- in four months. I knew the bones of it were good, but my technical writing needed a ton of work, so I joined an intense writing course. This course lasted over a year. I learned so much.

So, I finished the rough draft in late Fall of 2008, but like I said, it needed work. I think L.P went through no less than ten drafts until I was happy with it. I guess you could say I finished it in 2011.

Wow! You must be so excited to have it finally out there for everyone to read. I for one can't wait to read and post my review of it, I'm sure I'm going to love it.

Excited and scared. It has been mine for so long and now it is out in the public for all to either love or hate.

Where do you get your ideas?

I usually get my ideas for stories by things in my real life. For example, my short story, Zomboro Virus was inspired by my sons. Love's Prophecy was inspired by J.R.R Tolkien and his Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Another story I have written but not published was actually inspired by my neighbor, Angus, lol. And another story I've written but not published yet was inspired by my oldest son and his friends--and the show Supernatural, LOL.

I love using real life to create fiction, it's so much fun to read and write it. And Lord of the Rings huh? That's awesome.

 Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Not really writer's block, but a block on how to write certain scenes or how to phrase certain sentences. I have a crap-load of story ideas in my head. I just need time to write them all. I hope I don't experience writer's block. That would be a huge pain in the butt.

Oh it is trust me, I've suffered from it time and again, but congrats to you for not experiencing that yet and I wish you many many years without it.

 Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

 I made the decision to not look for an agent. My reason for this was simply I'm a first timer and I haven't made a name for myself, so I rationalized I wouldn't get chosen for representation at this time in my career. So I decided to try e-publishers. No luck there. I got one rejection and the rest I never heard back so I took those as the rejections they were.

I'm not the most patient person around, and I had been reading up on self publishing. That seemed like something I would like to try. And the rest you could say is history.

There are definitely many reasons why someone would choose to self-publish, it's something I contemplated myself for a time, but I just didn't have the time to do it, but it seems like it would be nice to have control over the publishing of your own manuscript.

 If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

Nothing about my novel I would change. But as far as publishing goes, maybe I could have tried a little harder to get published through a publisher,..actually, no, I wouldn't even change that. So the answer is I would change nothing about either.

It's good to be confident in your decisions, it's how you know you made the right ones so great job :-)

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

I use Twitter, Facebook, the generosity of others who are featuring me on their blogs and doing a review of Love's Prophecy--hey, like what you're doing, LOL. I have a week long blog tour scheduled to start on the 19th of March. I'm in the beginning stages of promoting so I'll let you know how it all works out.

Well, good luck to you and I'm glad I can help you get the word out for your story :-)

 Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

My upcoming book is book two in The Prophecy series. It's called Prophecy's Child. This story is about Kal and his heroine. Poor Kal has a lot coming up. LOL, he comes across as a devil-may-care guy, but really he has a lot of regrets buried inside.

OOOH sounds good, I do so love a tortured hero. Can't wait to read book number two. 

 Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Most of it is purely imagination, but there are certain character traits that come from people I know in my real life. In fact, out of all my characters in Love's Prophecy I am the most like Kal. I love playing pranks on people--especially my husband. I love joking around. Breeana is a veterinarian which is what I wanted to be when I was younger. Also, Breeana can sing. I've  always wanted to sing in a band, but my voice is gross. Carol--Breeana's friend--is like my older sister.

That's really cool, in a way it makes your writing that much more personal that you're able to use traits like that in your stories.

 What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

My favorite chapter to write was the chapter where Mel tells Breeana it is safe for her to return home. Breeana's reaction was hard yet easy to write. I felt her pain, her anger and frustration.

Can't wait to read that scene :-)

What project are you working on now?

I'm working on book 2 in the series and also editing a couple of short stories I'd like to publish.

  Will you have a new book coming out soon?

I'm hoping to have Prophecy's Child ready to be published this coming Fall. But in between, I'm hoping to publish a few short stories. I'm not the fastest writer in the West.

I hear you on that, writing definitely takes time, discipline, hard work, and the support of others. I have no doubt you'll make your goals.

 Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I'm going to miss Mel and Breeana terribly--they will always be my first love. Probably because they were my first. But they will be making appearances throughout the series. As for themes, I will still be working on the same series and it has the same theme throughout. The backbone to the series is The Prophecy.

I love series like this where you can see your favorite characters throughout the story line it helps ground you in the characters because you get to see them actually living their happily ever afters.

Same here. I get attached to characters in books and I feel sad when the book is over, but when I know I may see them again in the next book, then I run out and buy it, LOL.

 What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Oh cripes, I have had some pretty harsh criticism from a few people. I've had one critter flip her lid for how I reworked religion to fit vampires in. LOL, I was a little shocked by how upset she was. After all, this is strictly a work of fiction. But there was one person whose criticism bordered on mean. Hell, I'm all for helpful criticism because that's how we improve, but this person absolutely ripped not only my story to shreds, but my self confidence along with it. But ultimately, I learned to trust my instincts about what was best for me, my story, and my characters. I'm not going to leave details about what this person said, but suffice it to say, her words almost made me scrap this story for good. Glad I didn't listen to her garbage.

As for compliments, well I have had some nice ones. One that sticks out in my mind was from a lady who belonged to this crit group I did about a year ago. On this crit group you could only post a chapter of your story for crits once a week. Anyway, I had no idea this woman was reading my story because she didn't crit it. But one week I received a message from her. She said the highlight of her week was reading a new chapter of Love's Prophecy. She said she loved it so much. I saved that message and had it in my inbox for ages, but I must have deleted it when I was cleaning out old messages. Too bad, because her message saw me through some pretty tough and doubtful times with my writing.

Criticism can definitely be hard to deal with but it's learning to take the kernals of usefulness out of even the meanest crits and learning from them that makes you a good writer. It's a tough business. What a sweet sweet compliment, I would have read that letter every day before I started writing just to push away any doubts, something like that would definitely help you get through your own self-doubts about the story.

  Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Yes I would. To all who read Love's Prophecy, I hope you enjoy it and I hope you feel the intense love between Mel and Breeana, because ultimately, it is a love story. 

Also, I love to hear from readers. If you ever want to contact me, please feel free.

That's great, can you provide an email/twitter/facebook user name for readers and fans where they can reach you at?

Of course.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendaMDyerTwitter: twitter.com/brendaMDyerWebsite: http://www.brendamdyer.comMy email is on the home page of my website.

 Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

LOL...LOL...LOL...oh man, LOL, yes I have gone out in public with my shirt on backwards. And yes, when I realized it I did just say, ah, screw it! LOL, I always wear two different socks. 

I have too, no worries lol. Inside out and backwards for that matter, and one time I went to work and realized that I had one brown shoe and one black shoe on and didn't realize it until the end of the day lol. It's nice knowing I'm not the only one who does weird things like that lol. 

 Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

I make my bed every morning. I'm pretty anal about my house. I like it tidy. If it is messy, then I can't concentrate on my writing. 

It's interesting to see how everyone's minds word. I know some people who thrive in chaos as well. I'm a little of both I must say. I'm not anal (though my husband is) about keeping everything perfect, but at a certain point messes drive me crazy.

Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide?

No, I don't go out of my way to kill bugs--most bugs. Spiders and earwigs I will kill if I see them in my house, but I don't kill them when they are outside. I even go so far as to not run slugs and caterpillars over with my car when they are on the road. They are so small, and to run over them seems sort of cheap. Also, they are living creatures just as I am. But again, if I see a spider in "my house" then all bets are off. I don't trust spiders. They are sneaky and they will get on you one way or another. When people say they are more scared of you than you are of them--that's complete horse s%*t!

That's too funny. I'm the same way, but I don't do the killing I usually will sit and keep my eye on the perpertrator until my husband gets home and kills it for me lol. 

Have you ever secretly wished you were a character in a book? If so, which character did you wish you were and why?

LOL, good question. And yeah, I have. I wish I was Arwen from The Lord Of The Rings. I'm in love with Aragorn.

Who wouldn't be in love with aragorn when they chose viggo mortenson to be his character? YUM!  lol 

What's your favorite color to paint your nails?

I don't paint my nails anymore. I keep my nails really short because I'm outside a lot with the horses or gardening and I can't stand having dirt under my nails. I Hate it with a capital H!

That's the main reason I paint my nails, because then you can't see the dirt :-) 

What beauty product do you refuse to leave the house without?

Hmmm, foundation, blush, mascara, eyeliner and lip gloss. I don't leave the house without make-up on.

I hear you there, even when the husband says I look great without make up I still can't do it, makes me feel like crap if I don't have anything on.

Do you have a smart phone? If so exactly how addicted to it are you? Be honest :-)

LOL, nope, and that's because I'm not smart enough for one, hehehehe.

I upgraded from my crackberry to my iphone, let me say it's probably a good thing you don't have one, you'd never get any writing done lol.

What are you're must haves and do's before you sit down to write? Ie coffee, tea, favorite blanket, exercise etc.


Quiet and a cup of coffee and four cookies.


 Is there a reasoning behind the number four?


The reason behind the four cookies is one isn't enough, or even two. Three is good, but may as well make it an even number, LOL. I hate it when someone only leaves two cookies in the bag. Who does that? It's like leaving an empty milk carton in the fridge.

 Are you an early bird or a night owl?


Total early bird. I'm useless after 9pm.

Lucky, I wish I was I usually get up around 9am and go to bed around 1am. I thrive at night though I wish I could be a morning person.

It's been sooo so great having you on my blog. Thanks you for being a part of it and good luck to you on getting published and getting sales. 

Thank you so much, Kaycee for having me on your blog. I appreciate the opportunity very much.

Brenda's book Love's Prophecy is available now through Amazon, Smashwords, and All Romance Ebooks  and I'll post your website as well. Also, Stayed tuned for my review of Love's Prophecy which is scheduled to be posted on February 26th right here on A Whole Latte Romance. As a reminder, one lucky commenter will receive a copy of Love's Prophecy! Below is an excerpt of Love's Prophecy.

Unease pulsed through Mel. He sensed it from Breeana as well. “Any particular reason why you were still up? I thought for sure you would have fallen asleep as soon as I left.”

She shrugged. “I couldn't sleep.”

Guilt ate at his stomach like acid.

“I can imagine. With your world turned upside down, knowing a demon is on the hunt for you; yeah, that'd be enough to keep the sandman at bay.” Mel cleared his throat and slid off the stool. He stood in front of her. “I know I said it already, but I'm so damn sorry for putting you in this predicament.”

She raised her head and looked deep in his eyes. “And I said already it's not your fault. And that's not why I couldn't sleep.”

He ran his knuckles over her cheek. “Care to tell me why?”

Color rushed to her face. “Ah...I was...never mind.”

“You were what?” He bent his head and brushed the side of her neck with his lips.

“I was...thinking about...you,” she finished with a sigh.

He straightened. “You were, huh? What exactly was it about me were you thinking?” He planted his hands on the counter behind her, trapping her with his body.

She placed her hands on his chest, smoothed them over his shoulders, then down his arms and back. “Nothing, really.”

He leaned in, stroking his tongue up her throat and over her jaw before he captured her lips with his.

She moaned, pressed herself against him and wound her arms around his neck.

The taste and feel of her exploded through him. When her tongue brushed against his, once again he was powerless to stop.

Groaning, Mel broke off their kiss and turned her so she faced the counter. He bent her forward and leaned in until his chest was flush with her back. His eyes latched onto the satiny skin on back of her neck. A low growl rumbled from deep in his chest as he gently nipped the delicate flesh on the side of her throat.

Breeana arched her back and tilted her head to the side, giving him better access to what he wanted, needed.

“I dreamt of this all night.” He bit her harder and then soothed her skin with his tongue. “It took all my self-control not to flash myself back here.” He kissed the underside of her jaw and tilted her head back a little further. “Visions of you filled my head until I thought I would burst.” He ground his erection against her round backside.

She turned her head slightly. Her tongue darted out and danced with his, wringing another moan from them both.

“I couldn't stop thinking of you either.” She captured his bottom lip with her teeth. “I could hardly wait for you—” she kissed him, a deep, passionate kiss, “to come home.”

Mel nudged her legs apart with his knee. From behind, he reached around and slid a hand over her belly, her hips, coming to rest between her legs. He rubbed her through her jeans in a slow rhythm. Knowing the answer, he asked anyway, needing to hear her say the words. “Why could you hardly wait?”

She rocked back and forth, grinding herself against his hand. She leaned the back of her head against his shoulder. “That feels so good.”

“Breeana.” Her name came out in a breathy whisper. He nuzzled the back of her neck up to the base of her skull. The fresh smell of shampoo—nectarines and berries—tantalized his senses. He had to slow down, he was losing control; wanting to strip her down and drive himself deep into her body. He needed to take her slowly, savor her, but he was way past the gentle stage. His arousal pounded through him like a living monster, demanding to be satisfied.

He bit down, pinching her skin between his teeth. “Was this why you could hardly wait, sweetheart?”

She rocked harder. He could tell her orgasm was close by her frenzied movements.

“Yes...Mel...yes.”

“Sweetheart, I could hardly wait myself.” He slowly pierced her skin with his fangs. Her warm blood filled his mouth with its intoxicating flavor. He drank while stroking between her thighs.

She stiffened in his arms, shouting his name. She collapsed against the counter, held up by his arm around her waist.

Once again, I'd like to thank Brenda for stopping by A Whole Latte Romance and don't forget to check out my review of Love's Prophecy, coming this Sunday! 

Author Bio

Brenda Dyer lives in the small town of Sooke off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, two teenage boys, and an assortment of animals. She is a graduate from LongRidge Writers group. When she isn't writing you can find her out in her gardens or working with her two miniature horses. Brenda loves to hear from readers. If you would like to contact her, visit her website. http://www.brendamdyer.com