Announcing a special holiday offer! It’s my first winter on the east coast, and so I wanted to do a little something to thank the folks who buy my books from near and far away! The offer is this: order a copy of A Place That Used to Be from me, and receive a photo for free!
Pictured above: Order a copy of A Place That Used to Be and receive one of these photo prints free!
What’s so special about a photo, you may ask. Well, the photos are part of a series directly inspired by the novel, and were taken by the incredible Sarah Kivell. She takes these amazing, dreamy film photos of everyday things and people, capturing stories with her camera. If you want to see the kind of work she does, check out her Instagram – I believe she even has a sale on some of her photos at the moment!
Here are all the details about this offer:
What: Order a copy of A Place That Used to Be directly from me (message me through my Facebook or website) and receive a free photo inspired by the book!
When: November 26, 2021 to January 5, 2022 (or as long as the limited supply lasts!)
Where: Anywhere! Shipping cost dependent on where you’d like the book sent.
How much: The book is $15, the photo is free, and shipping is $4 in Canada.
And there you have it! If you have any questions, let me know. To stay up to date with upcoming offers and events, follow me on Facebook or YouTube. Thanks, and take care!
This month is turning out to be a busy one! With packing and giving away stuff in preparation for our upcoming move, I haven’t had as much writing headspace as I would like, but I’m slowly getting through edits on the space novel.
One thing that helped me get back to the novel is the weekend writing retreat I attended! A group of us checked in with video calls twice a day and cheered each other on as we worked on our respective projects. You can read more about it on the Adventure Worlds Press blog!
Myself, Christian Laforet, Ben Van Dongen, and Elly Blake taking a coffee break during the weekend writing retreat!
I’ve also had a lot of motivation from the writing-related groups I’m part of through social media. It helps to know that I can check in with these groups when I’m sitting down to write or need to find another word for coffee table.
A new development is that I’m working on a new short story. Originally, I was hoping to write something for Augur‘s submission period, but now I’m doing it more for fun. It’s about a character from my space novel solving a murder. Did I mention I’ve been watching a lot of Shetland lately?
Peter and I also attended a zoom wedding, which was beautiful. As much as we wanted to be there in person, we were so thankful to have the technology to share in the celebration!
We dressed up to attend the ceremony – through zoom!
Also, if you wanted a signed copy of either of The Patch Project or A Place That Used to Be, please let me know by the end of the month. I’ll be packing up most of my stock for the move at that time. Copies are still available at Juniper Books, Biblioasis, and on Amazon.
For one thing, our landlords have sold the house I’ve lived in for the past several years. We’re being evicted at the end of March, which is extremely inconvenient considering, you know, a global pandemic and all. Thankfully, we have wonderful friends who’ve given us support (and moving boxes!) and have made sure we have a place to live.
Peter and I have decided to move to Nova Scotia. If you’ve known us for awhile, this probably doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. It’s where Peter’s family lives, and we’ve spent some wonderful summer trips by the sea. Plus, Peter’s been accepted to a paralegal program out there, which is really exciting!
[Image description: Red and white lighthouse on a grassy hill overlooking the sea.]
The whole eviction thing has pushed up our moving date, so we’re trying to get on top of things like packing and travel plans ASAP. The stress has gotten in the way of my writing, which I don’t like at all. Still, it’s good to go through our things, reminisce when we find old letters or silly gifts, and give away most of our furniture. If you need any housewares, let me know!
I have been able to write and think about my novel in between all the moving bustle, on good days. I’m getting the space novel ready to send to another reader, and got some great feedback for both it and the other manuscript I’ve got on the back burner. Also, I have some online writing sessions coming up on the weekend with friends, which I’m really looking forward to. Will be nice to set all the life stress aside for awhile and focus on writing.
[Image description: Two books, The Patch Project and A Place That Used to Be, lean against moving boxes.]
As a side note, I still have quite a few signed copies of The Patch Project and A Place That Used to Be available. I’m happy to send you a copy before we move, if you’re interested!
This past week, an article I wrote was featured on local author Regan W. H. Macaulay’s blog! It’s all about celebrating the holidays in two households when I was growing up. Writing about my family isn’t something I do very much, and it was a moving experience to reflect on how all of my parents made Christmas something special for my sister and I. I hope you give it a read!
[Image description: Two books on a bed of fall leaves. The Patch Project and A Place That Used to Be.]
In book news, I will be taking a break from book deliveries until January 2nd, 2021. You are still more than welcome to order a copy of The Patch Project or A Place That Used to Be from me before then, I’ll just get it to you after the holidays. Copies are also available at Juniper Books, Biblioasis, and on Amazon!
In terms of writing, my current work in progress is a space novel, the same one I was working on during NaNoWriMo last month. I’m hoping to finish edits by the end of January so I can send it out to my first readers and start working on another book!
Thank you for all of your support this past year! Wishing you all a peaceful and hope-filled holiday season!
Oh, hello! It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged. Partly because although there is a lot of stuff going on with A Place That Used to Be and writing in general, most of it’s every day tasks like putting together spreadsheets and mailing out orders. Part of the process for sure, but not super exciting for you to read about!
So this post is going to be more of a mini-photo album of what I’ve been up to the past couple of weeks!
A box of A Place That Used to Be
A new batch of books arrived! It’s such a thrill to receive these deliveries from the printers and wrap up each book to send off into the world!
Afternoon writing session in the backyard!
I’ve been working outside a lot, which has really helped with the social distance blues. The weather’s been perfect for walking by the river and finding a bench to sit and write on (or sketch!). I’m currently picking away at a 30 000 word space novel but am actually kind of stuck. Hopefully, the next couple of weeks will bring some new inspiration!
Artist Trading Card by Dawn Supina
Speaking of inspiration, I’ve been getting back into visual art as a way to relax and be creative! I’m part of an art swap group, and we’re currently trading circus-themed ATCs. I’m also participating in an online workshop series featuring various artists and styles, and I try to doodle daily pictures based on Inktober prompts.
Inktober, Day 2 Prompt: Wisp
Working through my to-read list, I finished The Black Veins by Ashia Monet, a YA urban fantasy about magical Guardians on a road trip rescue mission! It was wonderful to read about an ensemble of LGBTQ+ characters who had well-defined personalities and goals. The character interactions are by far my favourite part of the novel and I highly recommend it if you like YA fiction! “It’s the “no-love-interest”, found family adventure you’ve been searching for.”
The Black Veins by Ashia Monet
Although I am inconsolable about Dune’s release date being delayed until next year, I’m enjoying the book. I can’t help but imagine the David Lynch film (which I love in the way great bad movies should be loved) while I’m reading, but the world and the characters are way more fleshed out. I have thoughts, but I’m going to wait until I finish the book to discuss 🙂
Sci-fi classic Dune
Although our household is staying pretty close to home, we occasionally venture out to pick up coffee from The Green Bean Cafe (which is now open limited hours)! Here’s a picture of me wearing a mask and holding a View-Master from my friend Sarah!
Hope you enjoyed this brief overview of what’s going on in my creative life! Some days, I feel like I get nothing done and I’m definitely feeling the self-quarantine cabin fever – probably why I’m trying to get outside as much as I can before winter arrives. Trying to listen to what my creative self needs, and stay connected with people. I would love to hear about the everyday things you’re doing to stay creative and stay grounded!
Thanks for reading!
Did you like this post? Many of these photos were featured on my Instagram account, if you’d like to read more!
Follow me on Goodreads to see what I’m reading and share what you’re reading! What should I read next?
If you’re interested in a signed copy of A Place That Used to Be (or its companion book, The Patch Project), let me know! Copies are also available at Juniper Books, Biblioasis, and on Amazon!
Today is the Adventure Worlds Press Virtual Book Launch! From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST), we’re posting all kinds of sweet book content on the Facebook event page. If you just came from there, welcome! I’m going to give you a brief intro to A Place That Used to Be and talk about a special offer and an upcoming giveaway!
I’m Brittni Brinn, by the way. I like coffee and reading and old neat things like typewriters. I’ve written two post-apocalyptic books, The Patch Project and A Place That Used to Be. I also have a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Windsor, and believe that you don’t need a degree to be a great writer! My friend Sarah Kivell took this photo the last time we met at a coffee shop. Remember when sitting in coffee shops was a thing? I miss that.
Anyway, more about A Place That Used to Be! It’s a post-apocalyptic novel featuring an ensemble cast, a wasteland, and a restaurant in a forest. The book is technically a sequel to The Patch Project (you’ll recognize some of the characters if you’ve read the first book) but also reads just fine as a stand alone story. It’s introspective and character-driven. I’m really excited for people to read it! Christian Laforet designed the stunning cover!
Here’s the part you were waiting for! If you order a copy of A Place That Used to Be from me directly today before 8 pm (EST), your book will come with a sticker featuring the cover! (Only 25 copies available, one sticker per person). You can comment below, or message me on Facebook.
Also, be sure to visit the Facebook event page around 3:00 pm (EST) as I’ll be posting about a giveaway!
If you have any questions, or want to hear the first chapter of A Place That Used to Be, I’ll be hosting a Facebook Live discussion at 7:00 pm (EST) tonight! Hope to see you there, and throughout the day as we celebrate Adventure Worlds Press and some really awesome books!
Coming up this Friday, August 21st, 2020, Adventure Worlds Press is hosting a virtual book launch! Celebrating The Space Between Houses, Broadcast Wasteland, and A Place That Used to Be, this all-day event will take place on Facebook, featuring readings by the authors, Q and As, and more!
I’ll be posting throughout the day, including details about the Patch series giveaway! Also, if you order a copy of A Place That Used to Be from me directly during the event, your copy will come with a sticker featuring the stunning cover designed by Christian Laforet!
I’ll also be hosting a FB Live reading and Q and A at 7 pm (EST). If you can’t make it, feel free to send questions beforehand!
Hope to see you there for a day of books and cool things!
Adventure Worlds Press will be hosting an online day-long celebration of the three books they’ve released this year – including A Place That Used to Be!
Image from Adventure Worlds Press
After a couple of date changes, we’ve settled on FRIDAY, AUGUST 21st, 2020 as the day for the book launch. The launch will be held online through Facebook, with posts throughout the day, readings, and a giveaway! I’m also planning a FB Live Q and A around 7 pm. For more updates, follow my Facebook page.
Thank you so much to everyone who has contacted me about buying a copy of A Place That Used to Be! Your support has absolutely blown me away. Signed copies will be available on August 21, 2020 as part of the Adventure Worlds Press book launch celebration.
Copies are currently available at Juniper Books and Biblioasis if you’re in the Windsor-Detroit area!
If you have any questions about the book, or publishing, or whatever, let me know in the comments and I’ll answer it during the book launch! Hope to see you there!
A Place That Used to Be is now available for online order! Before you order from Amazon, please consider the following:
See if you can order the book through your local bookstore! Many businesses are offering curbside pick-up or other social distancing options.
Request the book through your local library!
Wait a few weeks: I’ll be getting an order of books to sell by hand, and I would be happy to sell you a signed copy!
The test copies just came in last week and they look amazing! You can watch the unboxing video here.
I’m still working on the audio book of The Patch Project. It’s been a lot of fun to spend a couple hours a day recording and editing the audio! Hoping to get that up on bandcamp in the next few weeks!
Also, stay tuned for news about an online book launch for A Place That Used to Be! Can’t wait to share more about the book with you!
brittni in ink 