The Mirror by Karla Brandenburg

Please welcome Karla Brandenburg author of The Mirror.

Karla Brandenburg author of The Mirror will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

The Mirror

by Karla Brandenburg

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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Note: The book will be on sale for only $0.99.

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INTERVIEW:

• How did you come up with ideas for your books? I’ve always had a vivid imagination. Everything I did brought out an adventure that no one else could see. The first book was inspired by a special on Mount Vesuvius (In the Shadow of Vesuvius) followed by watching Raiders of the Lost Ark. In my mind, the two meshed together and I found a premise no one (to my knowledge) had explored before. Once I set my muse free, everything inspires me. From houses, to settings, to people.
• As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans? Writing is a part of who I am—it always has been. There is always another idea waiting for me to explore. I’m currently finishing my Epitaph series, which has at least two (and more likely three) books. After that, I’ll have to see what comes next (but I’m sure there will be something!)
• If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why? A little piece of me goes into all my characters, and during the time I’m writing a particular book, they get all of my attention. Once the book is finished, they become good friends that I can go back to visit. With that being said, I don’t think I’d want to restrict myself to being any one particular character.
• If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your leading roles? This is always a fun question! I’ll be honest and tell you that I don’t always have movie star models for my characters (although I had a couple stand up for the novel I’m current working on!). In The Twins, I would cast Josh Stewart as Jared. I love the way he talks on Criminal Minds, and he was the model for Jared. Emma Stone might make a good Siobhan.
• Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing? I do belong to a critique group, and let me tell you, they are tough! They keep me focused and on track. They’ve made my writing stronger (they don’t let me get away with filler words or wandering prose). There are days they frustrate the life out of me with demanding I write cleaner (I thought I DID show that!), but in the end, I respect their opinions greatly. We have an acronym “RWIM” which stands for Read What I Mean. So often as a writer, I can see something clearly in my head and it doesn’t make it to the page. They throw out the RWIM and I know I need to add more detail to get it on the page for a reader to see.
• When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step? I hit a turning point in my life when I divorced. I had been writing my first book during the dark days of the end of my marriage, and it wasn’t until I remarried that I found the confidence to take all the lessons I’d learned on my writing journey and carry them to the next step. I haven’t looked back since.
• What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)
• Do you outline your books or just start writing? A little of both. I know where I’m going, generally speaking, although sometimes I still write those disjointed scenes. If I find the story I’m writing isn’t going anywhere, that it’s just characters going about their day, I will stop to assess their GMC and to give them a path to follow.
• Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you’ve gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of your books? I was a competitive tennis player for a large part of my youth. In fact, that was my first career goal. I learned early that an injury can stop you dead in your tracks. I brought that knowledge and experience into one of my books, the drive and the disappointment, and the knowledge that life goes on. When one dream dies, you find another one.

10. Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book? I’m working on Number 4 in the Epitaph series, Kathleen’s story. She’s finished college and ready to take on the world. One of the surprises to me as an author (spoiler alert if you’ve read Epitaph!), she broke up with the guy I set her up with in the first book. In a highly competitive field, she has to prove herself to a new boss, a man who may or may not have allowed a subordinate to get fired for a mistake he made. He has a reputation as a jerk, but Kathleen is determined not to let him get the best of her. Can she do it without losing her job?
11. Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like to write a series. My first series happened sort of accidentally. In hindsight, I wish I’d mapped it out better, because I had so much fun working with continuing characters once I discovered their bond. I moved on to write a trilogy (on purpose), but I found a continuing story a little more difficult to maintain momentum with. Loved my characters, but I was glad when their arc came to a conclusion. I found my stride with the Epitaph series – I mapped it out ahead of time to follow the siblings from two families (brothers and sisters of the main characters in book 1 – Epitaph). I love the sense of community, the sense of family, and knowing the characters that flow through from one book to the next. They are each standalone books, but knowing the families the way I do, it helps me know the backstory and provide a strong supporting cast.

BLURB: The Mirror

When Sandra Meyer’s violent ex-boyfriend returns to sleepy Edgarville, Illinois, she turns to the man who stood up to Nick Benedetto back in high school. If brawny Garth Benson will pose as her boyfriend on social media, maybe Nick will leave her alone. Sandra adores Garth, but she doesn’t want any more ties to Edgarville. Now finished with a decade of dedicated service as her mother’s caregiver, Sandra is planning her exit from this one-stoplight town.

Garth is firmly rooted in Edgarville with the family monument business and a trophy shop that will need a “mom” to his “pop.” Garth has wanted Sandra ever since he slugged Nick more than ten years ago. Her secrets run deep, as do the strengths that he admires within her, but whenever he tries to move their casual flirtations from talk to dating, she backs away.

Small town life has strangled Sandra as effectively as Nick tried to when they were in high school. Garth might be the one man who can protect her from Nick, but what he expects in return is too much. On top of that, her deceased father’s unexpected appearance in the mirror of her new home exposes long-held secrets that will change Sandra’s view of her family and hometown forever.

When the last tie holding her to Edgarville is cut, Sandra runs as fast as she can, but the world outside her small-town community isn’t all she expects.

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EXCERPT: The Mirror

“Why do you care what happens to me?” Sandra asked.

Not the question he was expecting. How honest should he be? He considered the safe answer but figured the truth would be best. “Why does the warmth of the sun make you feel good? What makes the moon and stars so fascinating? And yet some people don’t even notice a clear night sky.” He leaned over the table. “I notice you, Sandra. The person you are. You might try to hide from everyone, might think they only see the girl you’re rumored to be, but I happen to know I’m not the only person who sees the real you.”

“Garth…”

He shook his head. “No, you asked. And in case you decide to be embarrassed about kissing me, in case you think that was a mistake,” he paused to decide if continuing down this path would be a mistake. He’d gone this far. “We joke around, tease each other, but truth is often hidden behind a joke. What I feel for you, Sandra, is no joke. I’d like to think I understand you, which means I’m not going to betray your trust in me by taking advantage of you. But if you want me,” he spread his arms. “I’m all yours.”

“Garth,” she said again. Her pupils were dilated, and her eyes reflected the heat he knew was buried deep inside, but she didn’t make a move. “You mean a lot to me,” she said softly. “I’d hate to lose that.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Karla Brandenburg is the author of contemporary romance, including her award-winning paranormal MIST series. Raised on the gothic romances of Victoria Holt and the horror of Stephen King, she is an avid reader and is a member of the Romance Writers of America. Karla is a card-carrying cookie-holic, enjoys baking and travel.

Connect with Karla:

Web page: https://www.KarlaBrandenburg.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarlaBrandenburg

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AuthorKarlaB

https://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Epitaph-Karla-Brandenburg-ebook/dp/B073F58LTQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499805295

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mirror-karla-brandenburg/1126655059

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Karla Brandenburg will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f2373