book three delay

Although the Patch Project Fan Art Contest is well underway, I’m a little behind on finishing up the final draft of Where Long Shadows End.

But it’s all good! I’m still on track to release the book this summer, so stay tuned for a release day! I’m hoping for sometime in July, barring other weird changes to my schedule or major life events. This past year has been a lot about being gentle with myself and adapting!

Weekends are when I write the most! Here’s a photo of me drinking all the coffee during a writing session. This week’s goal is to finish filling in the chapters in the second half of the book!

Speaking of, it’s been one year since I moved to Nova Scotia! With summer just on the horizon, I’m starting to get excited for cottage visits and ocean adventures. The winter here was very hard-I’m thankful for my wonderful friends and family and the life-giving experiences that got me through the worst of it.

Are you going to enter the Patch Project fan art contest? All you have to do is make a piece of art inspired by the series and post it to social media with the hashtag #ThePatchProjectFanArtContest by June 30th! You could win a free copy of book three!

That’s the update for now! Between working full time and settling into a new space, there’s been a lot to get used to, but writing continues to bring me a lot of joy and clarity. As the Patch Project series comes to an end, I’m starting to get excited for new ideas and projects-but that’s another post for another day!

Book three title announcement and more!

Alright! Finally back on the blog for an update! Things are going really well with first reader feedback on Book Three of my series. I’m expecting to hear from a few more readers by the end of the month, and after that, I’ll be reworking the book and getting it ready for a final draft!

Speaking of Book Three, the title was announced on Adventure Worlds Press’s site this past week: it’s going to be called Where Long Shadows End!

No release date as of yet, but I’m hoping it’ll be available sometime this summer. Of course, that all depends on how revisions and layout go, and what printing times are like. So stay tuned!

Books 1 and 2 of The Patch Project series – what will book 3 hold?

And in the meantime, you can get your art skills ready – about a month before release, I’m going to run a fan art contest! Draw, animate, or create something based on a character, relationship, or scene from the Patch Project series so far – or, what you’d like to see in book three! Ship your favourite couple, imagine what the S.U.s really look like, or whisk your favourite character away on an adventure of your choosing! The winner will receive a free signed copy of Where Long Shadows End!

I’m really excited for this book and I can’t wait for you all to read it!

If you want to keep up to date on release dates, giveaways, and events, you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. My website has been having a lot of problems lately, so it will be down for the foreseeable future.

Oh! And I wanted to mention a couple of books that I’ve been reading this month, including Bugs from the Black Box! by the weird and wonderful mind of Alexander Zelenyj and The Beginning Place by the incomparable Ursula K. Le Guin. I also had a list of some of my favourite science fiction published online, including the incredible Broken Earth trilogy by N. K. Jemisin.

Bugs from the Black Box! by Alexander Zelenyj published by Foxhill Press

The month continues to be busy, but I’ll try and have another post up soon! If you have questions about the book or the fan art contest, let me know!

Thanks for reading!

some moments of rest and joy

How’s 2022 so far? I keep writing “2021” when I’m dating things – that’s normal right? Time is even more wonky this year. In any case, hope you all had a gentle and lovely holiday.

We were very lucky to spend a couple days with family, and to visit my favourite place in the world – the ocean! I’ve now been to the Northumberland Strait in every season, and will be writing a short addition to my Notes at Low Tide blog about that experience. For now, I’ll just say it was very cold, and very wonderful.

Happy to be visiting my favourite ocean (don’t tell the Pacific)

After relaxing so much, I was excited to get back to writing! I tweaked an older manuscript to submit to an open call with a big publisher, did a beta read of Ben’s thrilling new novella, and got a rejection from a horror magazine. But I’m not letting it get to me. Book Three of the Patch Project series is filling out to be a mid-sized novel featuring some simply devastating encounters, but also some moments of rest and joy. Writing about the future, there’s gotta be some hope!

Speaking of, I started reading a fantastic collection of essays: An Ecotopian Lexicon mindfully borrows words from other languages, fields, and genres to help us imagine a better future and a better relationship with our planet. A few essays in, and already my mind is being blown. As someone finishing up a post-apocalyptic series, it’s causing me to reassess how I use the genre: do I challenge or support the tropes we’ve come to expect from such books? Are there ways I can highlight community more through my writing, portraying mutual aid and environmental themes with hopeful solidarity?

My first read of 2022: An Ecotopian Lexicon!

I’m hoping to be better at sharing what I’m reading this year and keeping my Goodreads list updated! What’s your first read of 2022?

Wishing you all the best for a new year!

metaphorical cup of coffee

So, the floor desk I wrote about last time has been replaced by a more standard set up; being over 30, it turns out it’s uncomfortable to sit on the floor for more than twenty minutes at a time! I have a table and a swivel chair now, which is helping me get more on top of this author thing.

This week was pretty busy! For one, I did a vlog post for the first time in forever. It’s a touch longer than I usually like to do, but there was a lot to cover: moving to a new city, querying agents, projects that I’ve finished and am starting. It was also really fun to edit some video/ audio material again! I used to put together a weekly podcast, and my husband and I used to make short films pretty regularly, so it’s kind of nostalgic.

My current mug of choice, a white ceramic cup with a slim handle, featuring a painted rosemary plant.

I also started a Ko-fi page. It’s a platform where people can buy creators a metaphorical cup of coffee. I have a few friends who use it, so I thought I’d give it a try. For every donation to my page, I’ll drink a cup of coffee! And maybe film it. We’ll see!

Two versions of The Patch Project (2020 and 2018 printings) and two button options, one featuring the original cover, the other a picture of the character Pinot. Both covers designed by Peter Brinn.

If you’re interested in reading The Patch Project, now is the time to order a copy! Each order comes with a free copy of the original printing of the book or a limited edition Patch Project button, your choice! Only copies ordered directly from me, not Amazon, come with this offer. The book is $15 CAD + shipping.

And that’s about all the happenings going on this week! Hope you’re all enjoying the last few weeks of summer!

back to it

Hello from the East Coast! Since my last post, my husband and I have relocated to a cottage near the ocean. Our two week quarantine was full of around the house projects and getting used to starting a fire in the woodstove every morning! It’s been a good time, and a wonderful break after the month of moving prep.

We also have been going on nature walks!
[Image description: Tree in the woods with three shelf mushrooms growing up the trunk.]

Now that we’re settled, I’m excited to get back to writing! I jotted down the beginning of a short story last week, and have been slowly doing last edits on my space novel. I’m most looking forward to setting up a workspace at the kitchen table and finding out which times are best to block off for writing.

I don’t know about you, but I simply cannot write early in the morning. I’ve tried enough times to know that my body doesn’t work that way. I need time to sync up with all my dreamstate thoughts, have coffee and breakfast, maybe go for a walk. Now that I’m an hour ahead of one of my writing groups in Ontario, I have a little bit of extra time to get ready for our weekly morning writing session 🙂 Afternoons are usually good for writing, unless there are errands or things to do. Evenings are good some days, and nights are special. Night time writing is usually for a purpose, like a deadline, or word count, or if I’m feeling inspired. Night time writing has a magic about it. Generally, I’m too tired at the end of the day to make the commitment to it.

All this to say, I’ll probably carve out writing time when I can, with preference for late morning or early afternoon. And days we go into town for groceries or laundry may be busts writing-wise. I have the summer to figure it out, and some ideas brewing, so I’m not too worried. As long as I spend some time every week working on something, I’ll be content.

My morning routine usually involves coffee, breakfast, and some time outside.
[Image description: a woman with short brown hair and glasses, wearing a multi-coloured scarf, purple shirt, and black hoodie, holds a mug and stands in front of a yellow forsythia bush.]

Also, I’m very much looking forward to the release of Far, Far Away, a Sci-Fi/Fantasy anthology from Mirror World Press! My story “Field Notes From the Unknown Planet” won a spot in the anthology last summer, and I’m excited to see it in print along with six other awesome stories. You can pre-order the paperback or ebook here until its official release on June 17th!

Far, Far Away cover reveal!

Today is the official cover reveal day for Mirror World Publishing’s anthology, Far, Far Away!

Read all about this amazing collection of science fiction and fantasy coming out on June 17th, 2021!

About Far, Far Away:

“In a land far, far away… In a distant galaxy… Once upon a time…

These are all ways to begin fantastical tales of love and adventure. Gateways into the realms of imagination. In this anthology, we bring together authors from all over this world to transport you into the worlds they’ve created.

Travel through space and experience infinity three hours at a time. Explore dangerous caverns for the source of a deadly disturbance. Get stranded on a mysterious island from which no one returns, then learn to survive on a distant planet while you hope for rescue.

In this far-reaching, magical collection love allows you to see in colour, time is vast but fragile, and changing minds and hearts in Ancient Rome is only one stop on an epic journey across time, space, and reality.”

Stories Included in the Anthology:

“Piece of Mind” by L.R. Braden

“Songs and Superstitions” by Shana Scott

“Black Spire Isles” by Barend Nieuwstraten III

“Field Notes from the Unknown Planet” by Brittni Brinn

“The Colour of Roses” by Kelly D. Holmes

“The Prime Crusade” by Buddy Young

“Fatestorm” by Justine Alley Dowsett and Murandy Damodred

From Mirror World Publishing:

“It’s 2021. The pandemic drags on and we’re all stuck inside. Blegh. Reality sucks.

So why not take this opportunity to escape into fiction?

A year ago we ran a contest and we asked writers to submit stories set in other times, places, and versions of reality.

Then we had our judges pick the best ones to include in this anthology. Therefore, the seven stories you are about to read are windows into other worlds, but also into the minds of eight extremely creative and talented individuals. We’ve included their bios and a few words from each of them so you can get to know the people who have created such imaginative stories to take us far, far away, if only for a little while.

So pack your bags, or don’t because you won’t be needing them for this journey. Instead, sit back, relax, and turn the page to find distant galaxies, alien cultures, mysterious magical islands, unknown planets, the value of colour, the fragility of time, and the fickle nature of fate.”

Far, Far Away comes out on June 17th, 2021!

The anthology is now available for pre-order on Mirror World’s website!

http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/

a short story

I’d like to tell you the tale of a short story that will be appearing in Mirror World‘s Far, Far Away anthology!

The story is called “Field Notes from the Unknown Planet.” I started writing it back in 2019, when I was working as an admin assistant in a law office. Although the job was good, and the people were great, sometimes the stress was really intense. On my breaks, I’d scribble away or type up things on my super slow tablet. It was a kind of escapism, diving into a world completely outside of the cubicles and file folders and red binders piled up on my desk. I remember typing out the first scene of “Field Notes” and getting completely absorbed by the character stalking through a strange world. How did she get there? What were her goals? What would happen if she discovered another person after being alone for so long?

It was a story that expanded beyond its initial vision, and eventually grew into the space novel I’ve been working on. But for the Mirror World anthology, I edited the first section of the book, gave it a name, and submitted it. I’m still blown away that it was accepted!

I’m very excited for the anthology, and hope you all are too! The anthology launches June 17th, 2021, and includes several science fiction and fantasy stories based around the title Far, Far Away. Stay tuned for the cover reveal later this month!

the cover, revealed!

It’s here! The Patch Project has a new look thanks to Adventure Worlds Press and cover designer Peter Brinn!

A couple things to note about the revised edition:

1. If you already have a copy of The Patch Project, you do not need to buy this one as well – the story is exactly the same, I’ve just tweaked a bit of the grammar and sentence structure to enhance the reading experience!

2. If you’ve discovered A Place That Used to Be and want to get to know the characters and their backstories, The Patch Project takes place earlier in the timeline, but can be read afterwards! I’m starting to think of them as companion books, rather than as a first novel and its sequel.

3. The book will be available on Amazon and through me on November 17th! Join the Facebook release event for a chance to win a free copy!

And without further ado, here is the beautiful and mysterious cover of The Patch Project!

[Image description: A copy of The Patch Project (Revised Edition) surrounded by fall leaves. The book cover features an evergreen forest, the top half of which is swathed in mist. The cover text reads: The Patch Project, Brittni Brinn]

I absolutely love the cover! If you want to see more of the book in all its glory, stop by my YouTube channel after 12:15pm today, as I’ll be posting a video showing off the back cover and a sneak peak of the interior as well!

So excited for the release on November 17th! Hope to see you all there!

far far away

Mirror World Publishing has announced the winners of their Far, Far Away Anthology contest – and my story “Field Notes from the Unknown Planet” made the list!

The stories that will appear in the upcoming anthology! (Image from Mirror World Publishing)

I’m so thankful and honoured to have a story featured in a sci-fi/fantasy publication! I also want to express gratitude to the judges who read all of the entries – I know from experience how much time and work goes into reading submissions. So thanks to them, and thanks to Mirror World for providing this opportunity! I can’t wait to read all of the stories in this anthology!

Although it’s going to be a bit of a wait for the anthology (which is expected to come out next summer), the tentative release date for the revised edition of The Patch Project is mid-November 2020! The fantastic folks at Adventure Worlds Press have finished layout, and we’re just waiting on the cover design to be completed.

Stay tuned for updates on that, including the cover reveal! Peter Brinn is designing it, and it’s going to be quite different from the last edition!

Hope you all have a wonderful long weekend!

revised edition

Now that the sequel is out in the world, I’m turning my attention to the upcoming reprint of The Patch Project.

The first edition of The Patch Project was published by EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing in 2018. Although there are still a few copies in circulation, that edition has gone out of print.

To make sure that the first book in the Patch series is attainable for readers interested in the sequel, Adventure Worlds Press is releasing a revised edition of The Patch Project this fall!

I just sent off the manuscript for review. Most of the changes are minor: things like ellipses (why so many ellipses, Brittni-of-the-past?), grammar, word choice, and phrasing. The story, chapter order, and characters all remain the same. So if you have a copy of the first edition, you aren’t missing out. The revised edition is essentially the same book just with a few tweaks. The revised edition will have a new cover, however, designed by Peter Brinn.

That’s about all I can tell you about it for now! We’ll set a release date in the next little while and hopefully have the revised edition available before the end of the year.

In the meantime, the audio book of The Patch Project is up on Bandcamp for a limited time. Listen for free on the album page or download on a pay-what-you-can basis!