Today Debbie Brown, author of Emma opens up about her writing experience! Included below the interview is an excerpt from Amethyst Eyes.
- When did you first decide you wanted to write?
I have always
wanted to write, and in High School I wrote a few short stories, but it wasn’t
until I lost my daughter that I turned to writing as an outlet. I needed to
create a place where people really did care about one another. A place where
hope, love and respect existed, even through the darkest of times…
wanted to write, and in High School I wrote a few short stories, but it wasn’t
until I lost my daughter that I turned to writing as an outlet. I needed to
create a place where people really did care about one another. A place where
hope, love and respect existed, even through the darkest of times…
- What is your favorite genre to read and/or write?
I write
primarily YA with a hint of sci-fi, and not because it’s what I had wanted to write…it
just sort of happened.
primarily YA with a hint of sci-fi, and not because it’s what I had wanted to write…it
just sort of happened.
I’ll read
anything as long as it doesn’t have graphic violence or sex in it. I have more
than enough imagination without searing such images in my mind. My library has a huge spiritual and sci-fi
collection, the rest is pretty much anything, including my kids collection of
Twilight books, which I don’t plan on reading.
anything as long as it doesn’t have graphic violence or sex in it. I have more
than enough imagination without searing such images in my mind. My library has a huge spiritual and sci-fi
collection, the rest is pretty much anything, including my kids collection of
Twilight books, which I don’t plan on reading.
- Do you have a favorite author?
I really do
hate that question….but love this answer I came across on fb…Asking me if I
have a favorite author is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child.
hate that question….but love this answer I came across on fb…Asking me if I
have a favorite author is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child.
- What was it like writing Amethyst Eyes, or
Rebirth?
Writing
Amethyst Eyes was an amazing experience for me because the characters came to
life and created the story before my eyes…all I did was write it down. I remember
thinking ‘wow, that’s cool,’ at one time and ‘Oh, no…I can’t write that’ at
another.
Amethyst Eyes was an amazing experience for me because the characters came to
life and created the story before my eyes…all I did was write it down. I remember
thinking ‘wow, that’s cool,’ at one time and ‘Oh, no…I can’t write that’ at
another.
Rebirth was
written through an advanced writing course. Creating character profiles and a
chapter outline before I started is not something I hope to repeat. Like
Amethyst Eyes, Rebirth came to life and ran away with itself, so I didn’t have
to force any issues.
written through an advanced writing course. Creating character profiles and a
chapter outline before I started is not something I hope to repeat. Like
Amethyst Eyes, Rebirth came to life and ran away with itself, so I didn’t have
to force any issues.
- Is there something you want to write about, that
you haven’t yet?
I am wrapping
up the sequel to Amethyst Eyes, as well as another novel that tells the story
of Tommy’s parents, so it’s sort of a prequel to Amethyst Eyes, though it will
not fall under the YA category.
up the sequel to Amethyst Eyes, as well as another novel that tells the story
of Tommy’s parents, so it’s sort of a prequel to Amethyst Eyes, though it will
not fall under the YA category.
- What is one silly fact about you?
Well, since
it’s been the source of amusement for the other officers I work with, I own an
authentic Star Trek uniform (Next Generation), and I wore it at a ST convention
held in NY city years ago.
it’s been the source of amusement for the other officers I work with, I own an
authentic Star Trek uniform (Next Generation), and I wore it at a ST convention
held in NY city years ago.
- Do you have a favorite character you have
written so far?
I think
Two-Feathers would have to be my favorite character. He first shows up in
Amethyst Eyes, as the Shaman of a nearby Ktunaxa band of Native Americans. He
is a mysterious supporting character, but we find him in all 3 AE related
books, learning more about him as we go along, (we even have some of his
language in Emma, the ‘prequel’ to AE).
Two-Feathers would have to be my favorite character. He first shows up in
Amethyst Eyes, as the Shaman of a nearby Ktunaxa band of Native Americans. He
is a mysterious supporting character, but we find him in all 3 AE related
books, learning more about him as we go along, (we even have some of his
language in Emma, the ‘prequel’ to AE).
- Do you get influenced by people in your life?
Personally, I
don’t think I am easily influenced by others. I have pretty much always walked
to the beat of my own drum.
don’t think I am easily influenced by others. I have pretty much always walked
to the beat of my own drum.
The biggest
influence in my life would have had to have been my Russian grandmother. I love
her and miss her dearly.
influence in my life would have had to have been my Russian grandmother. I love
her and miss her dearly.
- Anything you want to say to the readers of my
blog?
I you have
ever dreamed about writing, don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way. Few
people give any thought to what goes on behind the scenes to get a book onto
the bookstore shelves. It’s a long, complicated process…
ever dreamed about writing, don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way. Few
people give any thought to what goes on behind the scenes to get a book onto
the bookstore shelves. It’s a long, complicated process…
Waking
up in the hospital from the car accident that claimed his mother’s life,
15-year-old Tommy is told his father is on his way. Unaware of his father’s
true identity or the reason he left so long ago, the teen is unprepared for the
reality of the life he must now lead. In the blink of an eye Tommy finds
himself on an alien vessel…his father is not from Earth!
The challenges Tommy face go beyond
adapting to a new home and school. But first, he has to survive Jayden…the
reluctant, unsympathetic tutor, tasked to help him fit in. When he finally
thinks things are getting better, things come crashing down as he learns that
being born with amethyst eyes has made him the target of some very unfriendly
beings.
up in the hospital from the car accident that claimed his mother’s life,
15-year-old Tommy is told his father is on his way. Unaware of his father’s
true identity or the reason he left so long ago, the teen is unprepared for the
reality of the life he must now lead. In the blink of an eye Tommy finds
himself on an alien vessel…his father is not from Earth!
The challenges Tommy face go beyond
adapting to a new home and school. But first, he has to survive Jayden…the
reluctant, unsympathetic tutor, tasked to help him fit in. When he finally
thinks things are getting better, things come crashing down as he learns that
being born with amethyst eyes has made him the target of some very unfriendly
beings.
Excerpt
“Hold
on!” Tommy’s mother yelled as she tried to steer their old Cherokee from the
truck’s path. Tommy never saw it coming. It was just there, on the wrong side
of the road and out of control.
on!” Tommy’s mother yelled as she tried to steer their old Cherokee from the
truck’s path. Tommy never saw it coming. It was just there, on the wrong side
of the road and out of control.
“Mom?”
Closing his eyes tight, he grabbed hold of the arm she placed across his chest
to shield him from the crash, and as suddenly as the truck had appeared, his
world went black.
Closing his eyes tight, he grabbed hold of the arm she placed across his chest
to shield him from the crash, and as suddenly as the truck had appeared, his
world went black.
The
smell of the smoke was the first thing he noticed. Opening his eyes, he saw
that they were still in the jeep. What was left of it. His entire body screamed
with pain as he tried to move. “Mom,” he called. She was pinned to her seat by
the steering wheel. A trickle of blood ran from the corner of her mouth.
smell of the smoke was the first thing he noticed. Opening his eyes, he saw
that they were still in the jeep. What was left of it. His entire body screamed
with pain as he tried to move. “Mom,” he called. She was pinned to her seat by
the steering wheel. A trickle of blood ran from the corner of her mouth.
“T-om-my,”
she managed.
she managed.
Tears
filled his eyes. Don’t die, he thought to himself. Removing his seatbelt, he
attempted to slide closer to her. A sharp stab of pain surprised him, releasing
a wave of dizziness. Sweat beaded on his forehead. “Mom…”
filled his eyes. Don’t die, he thought to himself. Removing his seatbelt, he
attempted to slide closer to her. A sharp stab of pain surprised him, releasing
a wave of dizziness. Sweat beaded on his forehead. “Mom…”
Stirring
ever so slightly, she tried to speak. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Join…the…p-pen-dant.”
The effort seemed to cost her greatly. She coughed and let out a small cry as
she slipped into unconsciousness.
ever so slightly, she tried to speak. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Join…the…p-pen-dant.”
The effort seemed to cost her greatly. She coughed and let out a small cry as
she slipped into unconsciousness.
Tommy’s
mind raced. The pendant, the pendant. He knew what she meant, he just never
believed it. He thought she was joking when she said it was their 911 line to
his father. Forcing himself to focus, he pulled on her chain until he located
the clasp. Sliding it open and removing the chain, he secured it around his
neck. Then he proceeded to join the two stone halves. Would his father come?
Where was he? What had Mom meant when she told me ‘you will know your father’s
world soon enough’?
mind raced. The pendant, the pendant. He knew what she meant, he just never
believed it. He thought she was joking when she said it was their 911 line to
his father. Forcing himself to focus, he pulled on her chain until he located
the clasp. Sliding it open and removing the chain, he secured it around his
neck. Then he proceeded to join the two stone halves. Would his father come?
Where was he? What had Mom meant when she told me ‘you will know your father’s
world soon enough’?
A
burst of coloured light filled the car. Tommy dropped the pendant as if it had
suddenly become too hot to handle. Before the pendant hit his chest, the
molecules shifted, rendering it invisible. He knew now that his father would
come. Another wave of dizziness hit as he gazed one last time at his mother.
burst of coloured light filled the car. Tommy dropped the pendant as if it had
suddenly become too hot to handle. Before the pendant hit his chest, the
molecules shifted, rendering it invisible. He knew now that his father would
come. Another wave of dizziness hit as he gazed one last time at his mother.
“I
love you, Mom,” he whispered as darkness claimed him.
love you, Mom,” he whispered as darkness claimed him.
Tommy’s
stomach knotted as he recognized the antiseptic smell that could only belong to
a hospital. Opening his eyes, the memory of the accident came slowly back. He
began to cry. The heart monitor raced in response to the sudden onrush of
emotion, and he couldn’t control the sobs that took hold of his body. He didn’t
try to either.
stomach knotted as he recognized the antiseptic smell that could only belong to
a hospital. Opening his eyes, the memory of the accident came slowly back. He
began to cry. The heart monitor raced in response to the sudden onrush of
emotion, and he couldn’t control the sobs that took hold of his body. He didn’t
try to either.
A
nurse stepped in to check on him. After a quick evaluation, she wrapped her
arms around him tight, and without saying a word, let him grieve over his loss.
nurse stepped in to check on him. After a quick evaluation, she wrapped her
arms around him tight, and without saying a word, let him grieve over his loss.
When
the tears were all but spent, Jenna (according to her name tag) brushed the
hair from his forehead. He felt so empty and alone, even in the comfort of her
arms. His breaths caught sharply when she gently repositioned the brace around
his shattered leg, but he said nothing.
the tears were all but spent, Jenna (according to her name tag) brushed the
hair from his forehead. He felt so empty and alone, even in the comfort of her
arms. His breaths caught sharply when she gently repositioned the brace around
his shattered leg, but he said nothing.
“I’m
so sorry for your loss,” she said in a soft voice. She helped him settle back
in the bed, stood and checked on his various tubes and wires. “Your father has
contacted us
so sorry for your loss,” she said in a soft voice. She helped him settle back
in the bed, stood and checked on his various tubes and wires. “Your father has
contacted us
and will arrive in a few days.” Pulling a pad
from her pocket, she checked her notes.
from her pocket, she checked her notes.
“You
aren’t due for more pain medication for another hour.” She shoved the paper
back in her pocket. “But if the pain is too intense, I can-”
aren’t due for more pain medication for another hour.” She shoved the paper
back in her pocket. “But if the pain is too intense, I can-”
“I
don’t want it.” He cut her off.
don’t want it.” He cut her off.
She
smiled in a gentle manner. “Well, we’ll wait and see, ok?”
smiled in a gentle manner. “Well, we’ll wait and see, ok?”
On
the day of his father’s arrival, Tommy stood in the bathroom with the help of
his crutches and examined his features closely. He wondered how much he looked
like his father. Did he have the same amethyst eyes, or the strange gold
highlights in his hair? The glow of the overhead bulb seemed to accentuate the
unearthliness of his most prominent features.
the day of his father’s arrival, Tommy stood in the bathroom with the help of
his crutches and examined his features closely. He wondered how much he looked
like his father. Did he have the same amethyst eyes, or the strange gold
highlights in his hair? The glow of the overhead bulb seemed to accentuate the
unearthliness of his most prominent features.
Jenna
poked her head into the room. “Are you ready?”
poked her head into the room. “Are you ready?”
He
avoided her gaze. “I still have a few things to pack.”
avoided her gaze. “I still have a few things to pack.”
“To
meet your father, I mean.” Without missing a beat, she walked over to him,
placed his hair quickly and proceeded to escort him to the door.
meet your father, I mean.” Without missing a beat, she walked over to him,
placed his hair quickly and proceeded to escort him to the door.
“I
can’t.” He stopped before stepping out into the hall. “He left almost thirteen
years ago. I don’t even remember what he looks like. I was only two…” his
voice trailed off.
can’t.” He stopped before stepping out into the hall. “He left almost thirteen
years ago. I don’t even remember what he looks like. I was only two…” his
voice trailed off.
Jenna
placed a comforting hand on his arm. “He’s as nervous as you are, and I don’t
think you’ll have any trouble recognizing him. Let’s go, gorgeous.” She winked
at him in an attempt to lighten the mood, but her support and reassurance were
genuine.
placed a comforting hand on his arm. “He’s as nervous as you are, and I don’t
think you’ll have any trouble recognizing him. Let’s go, gorgeous.” She winked
at him in an attempt to lighten the mood, but her support and reassurance were
genuine.
Jenna led Tommy to a private lounge where a
tall, uniformed man stood by the window, looking out over the city. Tommy
didn’t recognize the blue-and-black uniform but thought nothing of it. The
commander turned at the sound of the door opening, and two sets of amethyst
eyes met for the first time in years. A silent exchange of acknowledgement
passed between the two.
tall, uniformed man stood by the window, looking out over the city. Tommy
didn’t recognize the blue-and-black uniform but thought nothing of it. The
commander turned at the sound of the door opening, and two sets of amethyst
eyes met for the first time in years. A silent exchange of acknowledgement
passed between the two.
Jenna
stood, hands on hips. “Now don’t tell me you’re one of those cold military
types who can’t risk an emotional display by hugging a son you haven’t seen in
years.”
stood, hands on hips. “Now don’t tell me you’re one of those cold military
types who can’t risk an emotional display by hugging a son you haven’t seen in
years.”
Jenna’s outburst caused the commander to blush
ever so slightly. He made his way over to his son. Tommy let his crutches fall
to the floor as he held tight to his father.
ever so slightly. He made his way over to his son. Tommy let his crutches fall
to the floor as he held tight to his father.
“Leave
us,” the commander ordered with no room for discussion. He lifted Tommy’s chin
and examined him closely. “I am saddened at the loss of your mother. This was
not how we had planned it.”
us,” the commander ordered with no room for discussion. He lifted Tommy’s chin
and examined him closely. “I am saddened at the loss of your mother. This was
not how we had planned it.”
“What
do you mean?” Tommy’s could barely get the words out.
do you mean?” Tommy’s could barely get the words out.
“Come,
sit.” A strong arm held Tommy by the waist, and guided him to the couch. Taking a deep breath the commander
continued, “As you know, your mother and I are of different origins. She chose
not to follow me but to remain here and raise you until the age of eighteen. At
this point, I was to return and give you the choice of worlds.”
sit.” A strong arm held Tommy by the waist, and guided him to the couch. Taking a deep breath the commander
continued, “As you know, your mother and I are of different origins. She chose
not to follow me but to remain here and raise you until the age of eighteen. At
this point, I was to return and give you the choice of worlds.”
“The
choice of worlds?” Tommy repeated. “I’d never even thought about a military
career.” Why would his father talk about this now? “How far were you stationed that you couldn’t
even write?” Painful questions Tommy usually avoided were beginning to stir
inside.
A look of surprise crossed the
commander’s face. Releasing the breath he had been holding he said, “I see your
mother has not prepared you for this at all.” He passed a hand over his mouth
and then tapped his watch twice.
choice of worlds?” Tommy repeated. “I’d never even thought about a military
career.” Why would his father talk about this now? “How far were you stationed that you couldn’t
even write?” Painful questions Tommy usually avoided were beginning to stir
inside.
A look of surprise crossed the
commander’s face. Releasing the breath he had been holding he said, “I see your
mother has not prepared you for this at all.” He passed a hand over his mouth
and then tapped his watch twice.
“Yes,
Commander?” A man’s voice filled the room.
Commander?” A man’s voice filled the room.
“Molecular
transport, on my mark.” Standing, he helped Tommy to his feet and collected the
crutches. “I will show you my world, and I will explain.”
transport, on my mark.” Standing, he helped Tommy to his feet and collected the
crutches. “I will show you my world, and I will explain.”
Confused,
Tommy nervously accepted his father’s support.
Tommy nervously accepted his father’s support.
Holding
his son tight, the commander gave the order.
his son tight, the commander gave the order.
Tommy
blinked as everything around him faded. He was no longer in the hospital lounge
but on a raised platform at the back of a square, unadorned room. A shimmering
glass wall separated them from the two men who sat at some kind of computer
console. He froze in place. This was not possible. “Father…” Tommy whispered.
blinked as everything around him faded. He was no longer in the hospital lounge
but on a raised platform at the back of a square, unadorned room. A shimmering
glass wall separated them from the two men who sat at some kind of computer
console. He froze in place. This was not possible. “Father…” Tommy whispered.
“All
clear, Commander,” one of the two men said.
clear, Commander,” one of the two men said.
His
father nodded to the officer. “Follow me,” he said to Tommy.
father nodded to the officer. “Follow me,” he said to Tommy.
Tommy
couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. He was trying to process what had just happened,
but his mind wasn’t able to accept it. His heart rate shot up and his legs felt
weak.
couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. He was trying to process what had just happened,
but his mind wasn’t able to accept it. His heart rate shot up and his legs felt
weak.
“Do
you require assistance?” his father asked.
you require assistance?” his father asked.
Forcing
himself to focus, Tommy shook his head ‘no’ and hobbled forward.
himself to focus, Tommy shook his head ‘no’ and hobbled forward.
“We
will take it slow, one step at a time.” His father helped him down from the
platform, and they stepped out of the room into a brightly lit, ice-blue
corridor. “Are you able to walk, or would you prefer we-”
will take it slow, one step at a time.” His father helped him down from the
platform, and they stepped out of the room into a brightly lit, ice-blue
corridor. “Are you able to walk, or would you prefer we-”
Tommy
cut him off. “I can walk.” He took a few unsteady steps forward. “A bit.”
cut him off. “I can walk.” He took a few unsteady steps forward. “A bit.”
“Do
you know where we are?” his father asked as they moved slowly down the
corridor. The answer came as they made their way to the large, oval port hole
at the end of the corridor. It showed Earth in all her glory, directly below
them.
you know where we are?” his father asked as they moved slowly down the
corridor. The answer came as they made their way to the large, oval port hole
at the end of the corridor. It showed Earth in all her glory, directly below
them.
A little about me
For
as long as she can remember, Debbie has been creating stories in her head. She
hated to go anywhere without a pen and paper, just in case. As a graduate of
the Institute of Children’s literature, while pursuing yet another writing
course, she finds herself doing what she loves . . . learning and writing. The
course gives her an excuse to just sit down and write. Over the years she has
worked as a nurse, a teacher, a martial arts instructor and a CIC officer in
the Canadian Forces. Her hobbies have varied from woodworking, to
auto-mechanics, with music, painting, karate, holistic medicine, gardening and
camping thrown into the mix. Let’s not forget reading. Debbie’s perfect cure
for a long winter’s night is curling up in front of a fire with a good book
while snowflakes drift slowly past the window. Never having been much of a city
girl, she lives with two of her four children, her husband Jean-Pierre and their
pets in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. She couldn’t imagine life without
the beauty found in the trees, mountains and lakes that surround her.
as long as she can remember, Debbie has been creating stories in her head. She
hated to go anywhere without a pen and paper, just in case. As a graduate of
the Institute of Children’s literature, while pursuing yet another writing
course, she finds herself doing what she loves . . . learning and writing. The
course gives her an excuse to just sit down and write. Over the years she has
worked as a nurse, a teacher, a martial arts instructor and a CIC officer in
the Canadian Forces. Her hobbies have varied from woodworking, to
auto-mechanics, with music, painting, karate, holistic medicine, gardening and
camping thrown into the mix. Let’s not forget reading. Debbie’s perfect cure
for a long winter’s night is curling up in front of a fire with a good book
while snowflakes drift slowly past the window. Never having been much of a city
girl, she lives with two of her four children, her husband Jean-Pierre and their
pets in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. She couldn’t imagine life without
the beauty found in the trees, mountains and lakes that surround her.
Contact info:
Facebook Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amethyst-Eyes/169207996492385
Goodreads Author Page:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5370747.Debbie_Brown
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5370747.Debbie_Brown
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaSQLuUkHeo
Author Page: http://bookpromo.weebly.com/debbie-brown.html
Buy Links:
Chapters Indigo: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Amethyst-Eyes-Debbie-Brown/9781462050154-item.html?ikwid=amethyst+eyes&ikwsec=Home
SONY Reader Store: http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/debbie-brown/amethyst-eyes/_/R-400000000000000563319
The book is available
through over 100 online bookstores worldwide; you just have to Google it to
find it!
through over 100 online bookstores worldwide; you just have to Google it to
find it!
If you like the book,
feel free to LIKE its facebook page.
feel free to LIKE its facebook page.
If you have any
questions feel free to ask and I promise to get back to you. Feel free to post comments and reviews.
questions feel free to ask and I promise to get back to you. Feel free to post comments and reviews.
Thank you for reading!
*Most of all, I just
enjoyed spending time in this book which gave me a warm and comfortable feeling
as it carried me along. Luke Benoit
enjoyed spending time in this book which gave me a warm and comfortable feeling
as it carried me along. Luke Benoit
*The characters are
deep and the action sequences are exciting. Kimberly
deep and the action sequences are exciting. Kimberly
*From the first moment when you are dropped right into the action, through the
different developments in the story, from the emotional journey to the physical
one, the book grabs hold of you and won’t be put down. Ursula Walter
*A story weaved with intrigue and emotion. Jacques Ouellette
*The beginning draws you right into this amazing adventure that is filled with
discovery and intrigue. Blair
*I found myself always wanting to turn the next
page to discover, with Tommy, the new world he had been thrown into. Andy
*The Author did a beautiful job at connecting real life emotions and drama to
an imaginary world. Milaine Chaumont
*A definite page turner that keeps you wanting more. K.F. Ridley
*Impossible de fermer le livre…il a été littéralement dévoré! Krisztina B
*Oh, this was like a breath of fresh air from
the books I’ve been reading recently. Loved it. Cecilia Roberts
*It has all the ingredients in it to keep you bound and reading on. Pragya
*I was impressed and surprised at every turn.
*You can’t help but be drawn into this amazing
story. Karey
*Amethyst Eyes brings you fast paced action, heart felt moments and pretty much
everything in between. John
*Captivating story with very engaging characters…!… liked it a lot…!…
and I crave for sequelssssssss…!…Gilles
Beauregard
*From deep inner turmoil, to an adrenaline rush, or a truly touching moment,
you will find it all here. The world created is impressive yet believable. Debbie Ashton-Mills
I didn’t feel like I
was on the outside looking in at all. With each word, I became part of the
adventure. Liz Davis
was on the outside looking in at all. With each word, I became part of the
adventure. Liz Davis
i like the godie that you ar e giveing way and then the stuff you have is great
Thanks for the post!
Definitely like the premise and will be checking out more. Thank you for sharing with us 🙂
I enjoyed reading the interview with Debbie Brown. Thank you for the giveaway. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thanks 🙂 I think the authors participating are really awesome 🙂
Thanks for reading 🙂
Np! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
You too!