If you don't know Brenda, you are in for a treat. A native of opulent, affluent, Orange County in California, she lives an enviable existence and writes about her life, warts and all, in a genre called faction, real stories transformed into works of fiction.
I love her stuff and Brenda and I have become big pals from seven and a half thousand miles away.
Funny, effervescent, incredibly hard working and a massive supporter of Indies, I caught up with Brenda on the Wizphone as she picked ripened olives from the vines surrounding her boulevard Hacienda, and that. Here's what she had to say...
Brenda's previous chats with Wiz Green can be found HERE, on the Wizard's Cauldron Index
http://wizardscauldronindex.blogspot.co.uk/
Brenda, tell us about your new novel, Fractured Vows.
Fractured Vows is the first book in the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles told from Bo’s point of view. Getting a guys perspective paints a bit more of the picture. This book is a love story to Brooklyn but it’s also Bo’s coming-of-age story and all the obstacles he survived to get to this point. It was not an easy course as it was filled with attorneys and on going fighting with his soon to be ex-wife Ruth.
What does Bo think about the book?
“Bo” (not his real name) is very excited about this publication. He acts as if HE wrote the book. Haha. He is very invested in “his story” especially. He also doesn’t mind that his high school graduation photo is on the cover. ;-)
Can you share an extract with us?
Here you go.
“I have had a real-life indoctrination into the legal system of family law after filing for divorce from Ruth. I was on my second attorney and had spent well over one hundred thousand dollars, having to pay numerous experts to prove my case. There have been forensic accountants, prenuptial agreement experts, real estate specialists, and the list goes on. What a fraud the legal system can be! It is set up solely for lawyers by lawyers. Everything has to be followed by the letter of the law, which often gets a bit off point.”
Listen to Brenda Perlin as she discusses her work with Phil Naessens on The Writers Show
http://thewritersshow.wordpress.com/2014/02/26/shattered-reality-and-burnt-promises-by-brenda-perlin/
What's been the reaction to your work overall so far? Are you pleased with it?*
I am surprised how many people have related to this series and have not been ashamed to say so. I mean, it’s all out there in the open. I honestly expected people to be more judgmental of a story based on adultery because I didn’t hold back.
People say I am brave. I don’t see it that way. I had a story to tell. It happened so why not share? Plus, what do I have to lose? Most of my people are gone though. I wish they were here to see all that I have accomplished.
I feel very good about how my books are reading. Our friend Mary Ann Bernal took out the red pen and boy was she bold!!! Haha. Good thing I could take it. She found so many repetitive words and phrases it could give you a headache but I am glad to say those are a thing of the past and the books sparkle in my humble opinion. Did I tell you I was humble? Maybe not humble but I am honest. I want these stories to read as well as they can. I feel good about these three. Now I can go ride into the sunset with my honey. Well, not by horseback. I am not built for that but you get my point. I am pleased. :-)
*In the US, Brenda has 100 5* reviews for Ty The Bull and 68 5* for Shattered Reality, her first published novel.
Follow Brenda Perlin on Twitter - Twitter
https://twitter.com/BrooklynandBo
I understand you were once assaulted in a supermarket by Bo's ex-wife for something you wrote.
Actually, Mark, it was at the gym. I wrote about that assault in all three books but her insults have continued. Just the other day Bo got a scorching email because she was not pleased being the STAR (as she calls herself) of my books.
My feeling is, she started it. Had she not gone after me in such a profound way I would have let it go. She gave me the reason to write this saga.
"By the way, I do have a restraining order because with her you just don’t know what her frame of mind is going to be from one day to the next".
What do the characters you write about think about your work?
Well, obviously Ruth (the STAR) is not too pleased. My best friend was insulted by something I wrote though it was written with love. My ex-husband is hiding quietly behind the scenes. Knowing him, he is waiting for the perfect time to attack. He is not one to just let things go. He will seek his revenge. In the meantime, we can sit back and enjoy the moment of calm.
What next for the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles? Are you planning more work or is Fractured Vows the end?
Even though I have more material accumulating as Ruth feeds into my story, I am happy to let it ride. I accomplished enough in these three books. I love having my coming-of-age story out there in the public. I think there are plenty of things girls can relate to.
I like that my life is on paper even though there were far too many twists and turns that I would have preferred to have done without. It feels like a good place to end. Now I can write about my other passions like I have with Ty the Bull, a children’s short story on bullies and divorce and my latest Alex the Mutt, another short story for the love of my dog.
The bigger picture is for the love of dogs. There are too many wonderful animals sitting at shelters who need to be rescued. People should know they don’t have to go to a breeder or buy a dog at a pet store. They can find their favorite breeds at a shelter instead and make a great difference in a dogs life.
I hear on the grapevine you are writing a book about romance in the OC? Is this true?
Haha. Now I know you are playing with me, Mark!!! Even though I watch those silly shows as they are entertaining they are what is wrong with society. What have the Kardashian’s ever done for world? Vapid!!! It’s embarrassing but as long as we watch them, they will continue to make their millions on their reality shows.
 |
| Just down the road from Brenda and "Bo". The real housewives of OC. |
What music do you listen to when you write? Are you still into the eighties?
I love so many kinds of music. I used to mix my own CD’s. Everything from Stevie Wonder to Creed and then a bit of George Winston. I like most music. Not a big fan of country even though it keeps getting more popular. I am passionate about my music and a good song inspires me.
Do you still go to the gym? Or are you too busy writing.
It is getting harder and harder these days to make it to the gym. There is never enough hours in the day with social media and such but my workouts are a priority. Don’t want to get fat over these books. Now that would make me miserable!
The consequences of too much writing
and not enough bicep curls.
And finally, what next for Brenda Perlin, the author?
Well, let’s hope nothing strikes a chord with me or it could end up in print. You just never know.
Actually, I am pretty happy with my latest work and when something strikes me again I might have a sit down and write about it. In the meantime, I am happy with my life. I have great friends like you and Mary Ann and we have travel plans! I am ready to see what’s next.
 |
| Super editor and noted historical fictionist, Mary "Concordia" Ann Bernal |
Mark, you are always so kind and know how to make me laugh! I hope one day to be venturing off to your side of the world. We could have a spot of tea, mate!! ;-)
 |
| Here's my favourite, in Trafalgar Square. My mate Alf makes a stonking pot of tea, Bren. :) |
Ha ha can't wait! Brenda, it is, once again, a massive pleasure to have you around the Cauldron and all the Wizardwatchers and I wish you all the best with Fractured Vows.
Ha ha. Thank you for always being so supportive Mark - I love being around the Cauldron.
Fractured Vows (Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles: Book Three)
-001.jpg)
Brenda Perlin is an independent adult contemporary fiction author. Brenda evokes emotional responses in her readers by using a provocatively unique writing style. Her latest book, Burnt Promises, captures the soul-wrenching conflicts of a personal struggle for emotional fulfillment.
Ever since Brenda was a child she has been fascinated with writing. She draws her biggest inspiration from Judy Blume. This sparked a passion in Brenda to pursue personal expression through writing. Once she was old enough to go to coffee shops alone, Brenda recalls losing herself in the world of writing, all while documenting her ideas on paper napkins.
"There is really no creative process, I just write," - Brenda Perlin
Links
Blossoming Press Website http://www.blossomingpress.com
Facebook
Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles
https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynandBoChronicles
Blossoming Press https://www.facebook.com/BlossomingPress
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Perlin/e/B0088M542Q/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1409443919&sr=8-1
Buy Link
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MYF379A
Alf's legendary fried breakfast
to help wash down the tea, Bren
 |
| Little known James M Cain potboiler |
Amazing beautiful people show,
feelgood playground at "The OC".
Great interview guys - and good to get to find out a bit more about you Brenda. I love the thought of writing faction - it's on my to do list:-) so I shall be checking Fractured Vows out sometime - cheers Georgia x
ReplyDeleteThank you Georgia. It was Mark's great mind that came up with faction and that is a fact! I have been hearing all about YOU on Twitter. The girl is getting around ;-)
DeleteAs always, you did an awesome post for my Mark. Sheer brilliance! Thank you. You are a great mate!! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely comments about me Brenda and great Wizard. Great interview as always. Best of luck with sales, Brenda.
ReplyDelete