Interview: Brandy L. Rivers

Author Interview of the Week

Meet Brandy L. Rivers, author of the Others of Edenton series.

Photo: Brandy L. Rivers

What made you want to be an author?

An overactive imagination. I've always loved to read, but oftentimes I sit there after I'm done, or even sometimes while reading, thinking well what if? So it only made sense to write my own stories. I can see my characters so clearly, I figure I may as well put them on paper. I love to delve into their heads and figure out motives and what make them tick.

Who has inspired you the most?

I'm not sure I can say just one person. My Mom always supported my books, and yes she reads them. My grampa  read In Too Deep as well, now he pimps it out at the bingo hall. 
As for authors, some of my early faves were ones I probably shouldn't have read. I think I started reading Stephen King's The Stand (unedited version). Then I moved on to Anne Rice by 12. My grandma use to watch horror movies with me when I was 5 too. I read a little over everything, but my current faves are JR Ward, Gena Showalter, Lauren Dane, Laurell K Hamilton, F Paul Wilson and a ton of others.

Can you tell us about some of your earlier days of writing?

I wrote a lot of poetry, and started stories when I was in high school. I stopped for awhile, then after having kids, I started writing again. I have about 15 manuscripts in various stages. I'm going to be busy for a good long time.

How has your life considerably changed since you've been published?

I'm on Facebook and twitter a lot more than I use to be. Social Media certainly helps get the word out about books and authors. I've met a lot of great author friends and it's great to get to know them. Other than that, not much. I'm a stay at home mom with three kids, so it's probably a good thing tat I rock at multitasking.

What made you choose the Paranormal Romance genre?

I've always had a fascination with monsters, magic, the supernatural and paranormal. I love all that stuff, so it made sense to write it. I know people say write what you know, but I'd rather write what I love, and I do love that. I love to be able to mix and match all the paranormal together. That's why Edenton is sort of a haven for all Others.

What can readers expect from the Others of Edenton series? 

So far, I have about 10 planned, but I keep coming up with more ways to expand as I write. I didn't really write In Too Deep with the intention of a series, but before I knew it, it was. I just have all these people in my head, waiting for me to share their stories.
I have a whole werewolf pack to explore, a druid, a handful of fae, some witches, Shaman, werecats, mages and I can keep on going. I'll get to everyone's story eventually.

What has been the best experience so far on your journey as an author?

I love, love, love hearing from the readers. That's another great thing about the social media. I get to connect with people who love In Too Deep and Edenton. The readers are amazing, I get excited when I see a great review, or someone takes the time to send me a message. 
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I hit publish back in April. I knew the story was good, but it's not exactly everyone's cup of tea. I didn't write it for anyone but me, but I wanted people to like it. Even if it was just a few. So far, a lot of people love it which validates me.

Can you give us some insight on any upcoming projects?

The prequel to Others of Edenton comes out July 29th. It's Slater and Jess' story. It was supposed to be a short, but I've found that i have a hard time writing a short. So, it's shorter than In Too Deep, the story is based around the werewolves this time around and takes place two years before Fallon moves up in her book. I get into the wolf lore, and Brody's back story a bit more too.
Shadows of the Past is the third book. Yes, I know, out of order. I apologize. That book will cover Hayden and Amethyst. So you'll have an Earth fae and water nymph. It gets a little creepier and will be a longer book. My Mom has challenged me to have it out on her anniversary since In Too Deep came out on my grandparents anniversary, and New Beginnings is coming out on mine. So I'm shooting for November 24th, but we'll see how that works out. It might be too soon, but it's about 3/4ths written. I like challenges, so I'm going to try.
I have the 4th or 5th one over halfway written, I just don't know for sure where it will fall yet. I know what the other one will be, and then a have ideas for more. I even have a spinoff in the works that is connected, but mostly takes place in Seattle. I figure Seattle is big enough I'd go with a real city. I'm avoided using a real town for Edenton since it's mostly Others there. I know right where it would be on the map though.

What advice can you give to any upcoming authors?

If you are going the self-publishing route, make sure to have a few people read your book early and give you real feedback. You may think you caught all the holes, but a lot of times, I find that I thought I explained something well that I didn't really. Feedback is awesome, as long as you can take a little constructive criticism. I always take what my betas tell me and address it, just not always how they want. 
In an early version of In Too Deep I was urged to take out Jess because she didn't make much sense. So I gave her a couple scenes and got in her head. It worked out really well. A lot of people claim Jess is their favorite.
So the point is, sometimes criticism will make you find a better way to get your point across in a better way. And it's always great to have an extra set of eyes on your work ;)
Thank you again for having me on here.
Brandy L Rivers

Thanks so much, Brandy for interviewing with us! Don't forget to follow her outlets listed below!

Brandy L. Rivers Website

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All Rights Reserved to Brandy L. Rivers

Brody is a talented motorcycle mechanic and werewolf stuck in his painful past. On yet another depressing night, he is viciously attacked by vampires.

Fallon is a brilliant tattoo artist with inherent magic. Tired of men and their games, she climbs onto her Harley and leaves her old life behind.

Running for his life, Brody crashes into Fallon and sparks fly. She ends up stranded in the Northwest with her ride out of commission.

With no ride and nowhere to go, Fallon allows her best friend to convince her to stay in Brody’s apartment. He’s determined to claim her heart and keep her safe from the shadows in her past. Fallon prides herself on her independence and would rather keep him safe, even from herself.

With the impending danger from the group of vampires and dark mages, they will have to work together. The closer they get, the harder it is for her to fight her attraction. 
Be prepared for monsters, magic and lots of ink.

Want to get your hands on In Too Deep, book 1 of the Others of Edenton series? Click below!

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Keep an eye out for the next book: New Beginnings

All Rights Reserved to Brandy L. Rivers

Jess knew her life would never move forward if she remained a part of Gregory’s pack. Some Alpha’s just don’t know how to take care of their wolves. She had managed Gregory’s bar for years but she knew he would never sell it to her.

After one giant mistake, he went from bad to worse. As a psychic, she knew it was a downward spiral.

Taking her future in her own hands, she contacts the Alpha in Edenton. He is happy to sell the empty bar no one has the time, nor desire to renovate, much less run.

Their attraction is unexpected and the last thing either want, but they find the only thing they need in each other.

There is just one problem. Slater’s second in command is plotting against him. Liam will use anything to take over as Alpha.

Plenty of werewolves, an old vampire flame, plus a paranoid second, and don’t forget the

psychic with a whole lot of attitude.