Exciting News for my Hard Wired Trilogy

 

Glitched reality cover 03

As I’m getting ready to sit down and write the third and final installment in my Hard Wired Trilogy, I wanted to give something back to my readers. First, I have a short story, GLITCHED REALITY, told from Marco’s point of view coming out next month exclusively for newsletter subscribers at this time—JOIN HERE. It does have a spoiler if you haven’t read book one, but otherwise will be a great insight to what happens to Marco and his mother during book two.

 

 

hooked 2 book ad 3

Also, I have a couple of sales for my other books in the Hard Wired Triolgy. SYNCHED, book two, is on sale for $1.99 for a limited time  during Aug 29-Sept 3. Check it out on Amazon HERE. And for those who haven’t jumped into the series yet, HOOKED is on sale Sept. 1st -7th. Thanks for the support!

Hope you enjoy! ~DeAnna

HOOKED on Sale for a Limited Time

Fans of Divergent, or Ready Player One have loved HOOKED. On SALE for a limited time or free with Kindle Unlimited. CLICK HERE.

hooked review ad June 14th

When virtual reality surpasses people’s wildest dreams, many struggle to remain in the real world. Sixteen-year-old Ari has watched the financial and emotional cost of virtual reality addiction for years as her father continues barely existing in a VR coma. Unfortunately, her only option to help her family escape poverty is if she studies the one subject she hates and fears: virtual reality programming.

Despite her misgivings, Ari soon develops a rare talent that makes her question everything. Now she must hide her ability or risk becoming a priceless commodity that governments and corporations will fight, steal or even kill to possess. As officials tighten the shackles surrounding Ari, she rebels against her imposed future and searches for a way to save those she loves. Yet, running proves impossible, when the government is always one click away.

Buy on Amazon or read for Free with Kindle Unlimited

Dark Rising Bk 2 is out!!


I released my second book in my Dark Rising Trilogy, UNHOLY SUNDERING, through Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. 

DeAnnaBrowne_UnholySundering_eCover_HRSurvival isn’t guaranteed…

Years ago, dark magicians opened a dimension to another world and unleashed a new power on the earth. Governments toppled, millions died, and magicians became earth’s most feared predator.
After rescuing her younger sister from the clutches of the coven, twenty-four-year-old Becca discovers her enemies have left an unholy gift behind−a demon bound to her sister’s soul. On the run from Ryma and his twisted coven, Becca joins forces with her best friend, Caleb, and a pyromancer who tempts her untrusting heart.
Desperate to protect her sister and her friends, Becca finds temporary safety with a rogue faction she’s not sure she can trust. As war looms on the horizon, Becca is forced to pick sides in a game where survival isn’t guaranteed.

Praise from Bk 1 of the Dark Rising Series, Demon Rising:
“An enthralling new voice gives us a magical world where love leads to dark decisions.”
~ Jami Gray, award winning author
“…extremely well written, filled with wonderful characters, strange happenings, and fast paced action. I, for one, found it very hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.”
~Taylor Jones, reviewer

Purchase it on Amazon or Read it free through Kindle Unlimited

 

 

 

 

$.99 Sale on Demon Rising

Don’t miss out on this LIMITED TIME Sale on AMAZON for Demon Rising. Especially with reviews like this:

“…extremely well written, filled withwonderful characters, strange happenings, and face paced action. I, for one,found it very hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.” 
~Taylor Jones, reviewer 

“This is a new author to me and I will definitely watch for her next book. If you are looking for something new and like urban fantasy/paranormal, then check this one out! I doubt you’ll be disappointed!” 5 Star review on Amazon, Tonya

SALE 0.99 Demon Rising 2.png

BUY on AMAZON

Some sacrifices cost more than death…
Thirty years ago, dark magicians unleashed new power on the earth fueled by demons. Governments toppled, millions died and magicians ended up on top of the food chain.
Twenty-four-year-old Becca survives these dangerous times by relying on her wits, her fists, and the limited goodwill of her boss, a local crime lord. When news comes of a fire back home and the family she left behind dead, she realizes her dark past has finally caught up to her.
On the hunt for her missing sister, she must rely on Darion, a treacherous ex-boyfriend with ties to the local coven for back-up. Problem is he’s a pyromancer that can’t be trusted, especially with her heart. Becca’s forced to navigate a dangerous web of deceit and must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to save her sister.

HOOKED is Out!

My new Young Adult Science Fiction, Hooked, is out and the early reviews are great.

Early Reader Lorelei Mote said, “I just finished reading “Hooked” and absolutely loved it. You will not want to put the book down. I wish I didn’t have to wait for the next book in this trilogy. ”

Award-winning Author Jami Gray said, “Browne’s HOOKED delivers a mind-bending ride guaranteed to bring you back for more.”

HOOKED: Book 1 of the Hardwired TrilogyHooked800

When virtual reality surpasses people’s wildest dreams, many struggle to remain in the real world. Sixteen-year-old Ari has watched the financial and emotional cost of virtual reality addiction for years as her father continues barely existing in a VR coma. Unfortunately, her only option to help her family escape poverty is if she studies the one subject she hates and fears: virtual reality programming.

Despite her misgivings, Ari soon develops a rare talent that makes her question everything. Now she must hide her ability or risk becoming a priceless commodity that governments and corporations will fight, steal or even kill to possess. As officials tighten the shackles surrounding Ari, she rebels against her imposed future and searches for a way to save those she loves. Yet, running proves impossible, when the government is always one click away.

Check it out on AMAZON or GOODREADS.

Strong Secondary Characters & A Free Short Story

I was recently asked in an interview about which characters I love. My mind immediately went to some of my secondary characters. While I love my main characters, I enjoy my minor characters because they have so much story left that the readers never see. When I start a novel, I begin with the characters. I write short stories, journal entries, and whatever I need to get inside the characters mind. Then when I began writing, the characters take off. Sometimes they do as expected, but every now and then they take a twist I didn’t see coming and controlled chaos ensues. It’s part of what makes writing fun.

One of my favorite secondary characters is Grace. We meet her halfway through the story, as a product of the magicians’ slave trade. She’s compliant and defeated at first, but she never loses her brazen personality. When she is given a second chance, she fights with everything she has.EvilEtched in Gold (1)

Another character that makes a brief appearance and strong impression is Nevada. He struck me so much that I wrote a short story about him, Evil Etched in Gold. I’m offering this story for a limited time on my website when you sign up for my newsletter (click HERE). Nevada is an illusionist with the power to look like anyone. He is on the run from the local coven and with Nevada, nothing is ever as it seems. We’ll be seeing more of Nevada in book two, Unholy Sundering out with Black Opal Book 2018.

Hope you enjoy!

DeAnna

Peek at my New Release, DEMON RISING

Over the weekend my debut novel, DEMON RISING, was released on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Kobo. One reviewer, Taylor Jones said, “For a debut novel, the story is extremely well written, filled with wonderful characters, strange happenings, and fast-paced actions. I, for one, found it very hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.”

I have the first page below for those that want a sneak peak. Also remember if you sign up for my newsletter (click here to sign up), I have a free short story based on one of the characters from Demon Rising, Nevada. He’s one of my favorites. Hope you enjoy.

2x6_bookmark - side 1 DEMON RISING

The tattoo on Becca’s neck prickled as she walked the crowded path to work. Searching for the possible source of magic, she continued forward, with coffee in one hand and the other resting by the knife at her waist.

She moved amid a throng of people, shuffling along the worn walkways. Heavy clouds were scattered across the sky, while dilapidated buildings surrounded them, a haunting reminder of what once was. A young man pushed past Becca, dressed in blue coveralls. He must be heading to the line. The tattoo on Becca’s neck prickled as she walked the crowded path to work. Searching for the possible source of magic, she continued forward, with coffee in one hand and the other resting by the knife at her waist.

The warehouse traveled up twenty stories high, the tallest building in town with a large fountain in front. It must have once been a beauty. Now the fountain, covered in graffiti, ran dry and the boarded up windows could barely keep the wind out.

A familiar, lanky guard stood watch on the side of the road. Could he have been the source of the magic warming her tattoo? He scanned the crowd with a demon dog at his side, a German shepherd with unnaturally large black eyes.

Turning forward, she let her dark hair fall into her face, not wanting to draw his attention. She stepped past the guard undisturbed. She could handle herself with the guards, but her boss, Nikko, constantly nagged her about keeping a low profile.

The crowds pressed together, and a large man knocked into Becca’s side, tripping her. She stumbled, spilling the remains of her coffee all over her black jeans. Someone swore as the crowd surged forward, and she stepped to the side.

At five-foot-five, she was on the small side, but strong enough to cause pain and scrappy enough to avoid it when she could. The crowds weren’t her problem, though. That would be the presence behind her, causing her tattoo to burn.

Cover Reveal: Demon Rising

I’m excited to announced my debut novel, Demon Rising, will be released with Black Opal Books mid-August 2017. As this is my first book baby, I’m a ball of nerves. But I’m already done with book two and it’s under contract. So ready or not, here we come.

DeAnnaBrowne_ADemonRising_eCover_1400

Thirty years ago, dark magicians unleashed new power on the earth fueled by demons. Governments toppled, millions died and magicians ended up on top of the food chain.

Twenty-four-year-old Becca survives these dangerous times by relying on her wits, her fists, and the limited goodwill of her boss, a local crime lord. When news comes of a fire back home and the family she left behind dead, she realizes her dark past has finally caught up to her.

On the hunt for her missing sister, she must rely on Darion, a treacherous ex-boyfriend with ties to the local coven for back-up. Problem is he’s a pyromancer that can’t be trusted, especially with her heart. Becca’s forced to navigate a dangerous web of deceit and must decide what’s she’s willing to sacrifice to save her sister.

 

 

 

Image

The Demons in the Writer’s Mind

I recently signed my first writing contract. When people learn of my accomplishment they often congratulate me and ask how happy or excited I am. I always reply positively, which in the first moments of learning about the contract offer I was truly happy and excited to begin my journey as a professional author.  Sadly, I don’t think the feeling lasted twenty-four hours before those dark thoughts crept in: the publisher must have made a mistake, or everyone I know will hate the book. Initially, I felt alone. Other authors published easily with a smile on their face−see their Facebook photo for proof.

But slowly I found this topic coming up more and more with authors, and I think it is worth repeating. Writing maybe a solitary activity, but we’re not alone−and many people fake their Facebook photo (see my super smiling one for proof). A lot of my author friends experience the doubt and demons, even after publishing several books. At the ANWA 2016 Conference, J. Scott Savage spoke about how after seventeen releases, he still experiences the gut wrenching fear before each book release.

So how do we fight these demons that can threaten to take us down?

The first step is to RECOGNIZE THE NEGATIVE THOUGHT. Acknowledge it is a fear, an opinion, but not a fact.

Then QUESTION IT/MOCK IT even. Discredit it to give it less power.

Finally, REPLACE IT with an empowering thought, a mantra maybe. Personally, I don’t go around saying how wonderful I am. I’m not there yet, but I start with what I know to be true: I love to write. I write every day, and I write for a reason. The rest isn’t as important.

I hope this helps along your journey in writing or in life. I’ve love to hear any of your tips or experiences.

DeAnna

Three Truths and A Lie: Creating Characters that are Believable

Do you remember the game three truths and a lie? It is a group game often played to get to know one another. A person tells three truths and one lie, and the other people have to figure out what is the lie.

This game is a great example of creating believable characters. In the game people try to create truths that may appear out of character and a lie that is ordinary.

As authors we can often create truths for our characters that don’t align with the world we have created for them. I currently am struggling with one of my characters that is flat in my story. Here are a few tips that have helped me along the way.

*Character’s Journal: I have to go beyond the standard character questioner we often see, and write in their voice. Even if the story is not from their point of view, I write a scene or more in the character’s point of view.

*Motivation: Know your character’s motivation. Not only the motivation that drives them to accomplish their goals, but possible unconscious motivation that drives their personality, speech, and actions.

*Avoid Stereotypes: Most characters can be easily categorized-which is fine. Go beyond the stereotype though. Make yours unique and realistic by giving them a history, a motivation, and a voice all their own.

Delve into your inner Freud and create characters that are complex and interesting. And just for fun I added below my three truths and one lie. Feel free to join in.

  1. 3-truths-a-lieI am prepared for a zombie apocalypse.
  2. I find being underwater peaceful.
  3. I have eaten a cricket.
  4. My first pet was a five foot snake.