2012 – Page 5 – Author Bryna Butler

It’s All English, Ain’t It?

Several months ago, I helped a fellow indie author with some final proofreading on her novel. When I opened her draft, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe all the spelling and grammar errors from an author that had been listed in at least one of Amazon’s top lists. Then, I realized she had not lost her mind, she’s British.

As an American author, I knew that there were some differences between American English and English across the Pond. However, I was blissfully ignorant to the extent of those differences. I write this today in the hope of helping other American indie authors find their way when writing for British audiences. I am not an expert on the subject, but here are some things that I’ve noticed along the way. Please research local style guides before making your final edits.

Don’t forget the U

We’ll start off with an easy one. Most Americans realize that several words Continue reading “It’s All English, Ain’t It?” →

Cover Love, YA Indie Carnival

Cover Reveal: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw by Suzy Turner

A couple of weeks ago, fellow indie author Suzy Turner emailed me to share her latest project, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, a Morgan Sisters Novel. And it gave me chills. Then she made me promise not to tell anyone about it until September 1st. Yeah, bummer, but it is now one minute into September in my time zone and I’m spilling everything I know.

Here’s the scoop…

Adopted sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane are polar opposites, but when the same strange ‘tattoo’ suddenly appears and winds its way up their bodies within days of each other, they realize there’s more to their relationship than they could ever have imagined.

Sent off to London for two weeks of work experience, the Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural.

At the same time, Lana Beth and Emma Jane must also investigate why the sweet but sometimes pesky ghost of Josiah Grimshaw just won’t leave them alone.

Hooked yet? She had me at the cover. Isn’t it gorgeous? Suzy says The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw will be released November 14th. In the meantime, if you haven’t picked it up yet, check out her Raven Saga series. Specifically, The Lost Soul where you’ll see yours truly credited for some dinosaur identification help. Really. I can’t make this stuff up. Well, I write fiction, so yes, technically, I can make this stuff up, but I really didn’t this time. Really.

http://suzyturner.com

Have a ridiculously fun and safe Labor Day weekend. ~Bryna

Midnight Guardian series, Shadows Rising

Update

Getting asked about Book 4 in the Midnight Guardian series is a daily occurrence now, so I thought I would give everyone a quick update.

The title’s going to be Shadows Rising. I haven’t set a tentative release date except for “Fall 2012” because I’m sort of a freak about deadlines (comes from my journalism days). I absolutely refuse to miss a deadline. So here’s my crazy logic—if I don’t have a deadline set, there’s not one to miss and you benefit from a story that’s properly “baked”.

At this point, I had hoped to be in final edits with a release Continue reading “Update” →

Random Ramblings, YA Indie Carnival

YA Randomness: Off to College

I leaned in to wedge the dry erase board directly between my video gaming chair and the suitcase grandma gave me for graduation. All had to be readjusted before I could close the trunk. Maybe that’s why I didn’t hear Josie come up behind me.

“Boo,” she giggled. Messy blond strands fluttered across her red punch-stained face. Being the awesome big sister that I am, I faked a startled jump and hit my head on the top of the trunk for real.

The thud made her eyes go wide. “You kay, Sissy?”

“I’m okay,” I said, rubbing my head. “All ready to head off to college.”

Over the last few weeks, many had attempted to Continue reading “YA Randomness: Off to College” →

Midnight Child, Midnight Guardian series, Of Sun & Moon, Random Ramblings, YA Indie Carnival

Shock & Giggles: Most Memorable Fan Experiences

This week in the YA Indie Carnival we were asked to write about our most memorable fan experience. I am fortunate to have a few.

I recall a little brown eyed, brown haired girl that attended the Midnight Child launch party. She couldn’t have been more than ten or eleven and looked a lot like I did at that age. She giggled when she asked me to sign her book and giggled again when she told me that William was her favorite character. She asked me if I had read Twilight and if I was Team Edward or Jacob. When I told her Continue reading “Shock & Giggles: Most Memorable Fan Experiences” →

Top 10 Lists, YA Indie Carnival

Beat the Heat: My Summer TBR

The YA Indie Carnival assignment for this week is to give our summer book recommendations just in time for Labor Day weekend in the US. It’s been a busy summer. Despite the heat, I’ve been able to consume a few cool books. Yet, I still have a number of promising tomes on my TBR list.

I know what you’re thinking. No, I didn’t read it. You know the one that I’m talking about. The one with the colorless cover and the flurry of Continue reading “Beat the Heat: My Summer TBR” →