Happy Tuesday! Today we’d like to welcome E. Kelly to Sugarbeat’s Books!
I have recently read her newest release, Bronwyn’s Stand. I posted a review for this book yesterday. To see my review, click here. I loved this book. Bronwyn is the survivor of childhood abuse by her father. It’s fascinating to read about her various facades and how much she lets various people see her.
While reading Bronwyn’s Stand, I was really taken by the character of Bronwyn. She survived horrendous childhood abuse while protecting a younger sister. She is a many faceted character that is ultimately a very strong woman. The question I posed to E.Kelly is where did the character Bronwyn come from? Is she someone created in your head?
Where did the idea for the character of Bronwyn come from?
I’ve heard this question from my readers before and have never been quite sure how to answer. Obviously, Bronwyn Barrister is a character of my own making. She does not represent any one specific person. But instead, is a little bit of every woman who has ever struggled with the horrors of her past. Not to give too much of the story away, but Bronwyn spends her childhood trying to stand against a monster. Alone. And through sheer will and determination, she survives and puts it all behind her. She forges a new life for herself, one of her own making. And she does this alone as well. It was important to me to write the story of a woman who relies only on herself to make a life out of nothing. She is not rescued or saved by some outside force. Bronwyn’s life is a direct result of her own resolve. I like that about her. I think other women will like that about her. The bottom line is – I wanted to write about a woman readers could relate to. Maybe not the actual events of her life, but her struggles and dreams. Bronwyn is not a perfect woman with a perfect life. Just a woman doing the best she can for herself and those she loves.
Doesn’t this make you want to read this book?? I’d like to thank E. Kelly for her thoughts today!
When E. Kelly first wrote and released Bronwyn’s Stand, it was a book that had lived in her head for 20 odd years. She thought of it as a standalone novel. She didn’t realize that readers would ask for more. Us readers want to hear more about Preacher, Poet, Caveman and Hollywood – I mean, with those names, aren’t you curious?? So, because we readers asked for it…..here’s the list of books to come out in the “Choosing Love” series!!
Book 1: Bronwyn’s Stand (Einstein’s story) February 2010
Book 2: Anna’s Strength (Preacher’s story) Summer 2011
Book 3: Jacqueline’s Desire (Poet’s story)
Book 4: Sophia’s Courage (Caveman’s story)
Book 5: Katharine’s Resolve (Hollywood’s story)
I found out yesterday when I posted my review that E. Kelly didn’t want me to post a link to the paperback version of Bronwyn’s Stand at Amazon. I, of course, asked why? So, here’s her answer:
I have been asked to share the successes and difficulties of my first self-publishing experience. I want to start by saying that, although the process was not a smooth one, I did indeed end up with a published book. That, for me, was worth the minimal investment. Since Bronwyn’s Stand was my first book, the process of publishing was new to me. I began by literally ‘googling’ self-publishing companies and comparing the services offered to authors. I chose what seemed to be a reasonable option for me. Self-publishing appealed to me for two reasons. One: I couldn’t be turned down. I would end up with my work in print. Two: I would be able to control each step of the process. Publishing began simply enough. I was able to manage the cover and interior design. The problem came with approving the final draft. Unfortunately, the book went to print BEFORE I finished editing and revising it. Essentially, the rough draft went to print – a rough draft I have never been able to retrieve. So – the long and short of it is this: Bronwyn’s Stand is available in ecopy for Kindle and Nook. But an accurate paper copy can only be obtained from Barnes and Noble. And for my future books? I have already used Create Space to publish my second book and was very pleased with both the process and the product. I plan to use Create Space to publish, Anna’s Strength, the sequel to Bronwyn’s Stand, in early June.
Add these books to your wish list! To keep up to date with what’s going on, E. Kelly can be found on Facebook, and her Blog. Like her and follower her, and of course buy her book! I’ve included the link to the kindle version at Amazon below and as an e-book and paperback at Barnes & Noble.
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sugsboonoo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0038VZILY&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr