Author Interview with Brynette L. Turner

Today I have the honor of interviewing Brynette L Turner.

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?

Brynette: I admire Michelle Obama. I’ve met her as well as seen her in public roles. She is the epitome of grace under fire. Not only is she brilliant, she’s also insightful, dedicated to her family, supportive of her husband’s ambitions, competent in her own goals and agendas, and classy in her response to unbelievable hostility. By observing her, I’ve been encouraged to stick to my goals and not be distracted by obstacles that are ultimately insignificant.

LaToya: Where are you from? Where do you live now?

Brynette: I’m from East Cleveland, Ohio and currently live in Columbus.

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 

Brynette: Yes, I always wanted to be a writer. As a very young child, reading was my passion and I had a very vivid imagination. When I was 12, the writing bug bit me and I knew that creating stories that people enjoy was what I wanted to do with my life.

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? 

Brynette: I started writing when I was 12 and still have a file folder of short stories and plot ideas from my teen years. About 10 years ago, I finished my first novel but didn’t publish it. That was Time for Tenderness and it was the second book I published, along with its sequel Monica’s Healing in July of 2014. The first book I published was Detour in May of 2014. Since then, I’ve completed a series with the books released in October 2014, June 2015, and September 2015 (currently available to pre-order).

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in? 

Brynette: I’m a true optimist and have always believed in happy endings. Also, there were a lot of unhealthy relationships in my life that encouraged me to imagine that people could actually be loyal, compassionate, and honest with the persons they claim to love. Romance was the perfect genre for me.

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas? 

Brynette: My ideas can come from anything in my life. I tend to visualize situations and songs, and that leads me to imagining scenes or subjects that would make good stories or parts of plots.  

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read. 

Brynette: The Chronicles of Narnia. It examines relationships, motivations, good triumphing over evil, and spirituality. People can actually gain a better understanding of themselves.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author? 

Brynette: I don’t have a favorite author. Since I read most books on my Kindle, the names of the authors and books aren’t constantly visible. I read and compartmentalize the story and move on.

LaToya: Name one book you wish you’d written. 

Brynette: The Autobiography of Malcolm X

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 

Brynette: My newest release is Heart Shadows. It’s the third book in my romantic suspense series. While it’s a stand-alone book, it is the continuation of the love story and partnership between Stephanie who is a psychic and her FBI Special Agent husband, Chaz. In this book, Chaz is increasingly dissatisfied with his job because he’s constantly forced into dangerous situations that cause Stephanie stress because she has visions about the details of his investigations. He wants to quit, but she thinks that would be a mistake. As he is pulled into another complicated investigation, their perspectives drift further and further apart until it causes tension that neither of them are sure how to address.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?

Brynette: I am on Facebook, Twitter, my own website, and I have a monthly newsletter. There are various ways to purchase my book, including stores on my website for e-books and autographed paperbacks.

Amazon (e-books) = http://bit.ly/btlovingnight

CreateSpace (paperbacks) = www.createspace.com/5512047

Website and book for autographed paperbacks = www.brynetteturner.blogspot.com

Amazon Author Page = http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00KMBJVRU

Goodreads Author Page = https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8299348.Brynette_L_Turner

BookGorilla Author Page = http://www.bookgorilla.com/author/B00KMBJVRU/brynette-l-turner.

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/brynettelturnerauthor

Twitter = https://twitter.com/btromancewriter

Email = btromancewriter@gmail.com

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Brynette: I always tell authors to make as many author friends as possible. Join groups, forums, and newsletters. Write reviews and email the links to your posts to the authors you like and maybe you’ll be able to start relationships with them. Add them to your Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest friends lists. These authors have valuable information and many are willing to guide a newbie through the steps of finding publishing and promoting instructions and writing articles. Don’t get discouraged by authors who don’t have the time or desire to be helpful because there are others who will. Engage as much as possible. Ask questions in Facebook groups that are set up for writers. Share the article you find that are helpful to you and others. Network. Network. Network. 

Book Blast: The Dream Catcher Series By Brynette L. Turner

Premonitions: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book 1

Stephanie is drawn to Chaz in a way that she has never experienced—by a connection through dreams that tell her things she isn’t supposed to know.  While those dreams expose Chaz’s secrets and pull Stephanie into his dangerous world, she’s willing to follow the attraction to see where it might lead.

Chaz knows better than to get emotionally attached, but he can’t resist seeing her again. He can’t fight the spiritual force that binds them, and he doesn’t want to.  When his life is threatened, he must make difficult choices and find a way to protect both of them as he handles his mysterious life. 

  

Loving Night: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book 2

Chaz took a desk job at the FBI to protect the woman he loves from the psychic connection that pulls her into the middle of his dangerous investigations. Yet, when he is forced to lead another undercover assignment, she must be the one to keep him safe.

They think they understand how her predictive dreams work; but neither of them anticipates the way her gift is evolving. Nighttime dreams turn into daytime visions. Knowledge of what is happening with Chaz turns into an acute awareness of what other people are feeling. It’s new. It’s unpredictable. Neither of them understands these changes until an old enemy that she fears appears in new dreams.

Paul Watkins still wants Chaz dead. As Chaz and Stephanie work more closely on this new dangerous mission, it’s clear that there is no room for failure. They must bring this man to justice.

With danger moving closer to home, the threat becomes greater than ever. It only makes Stephanie and Chaz more determined. No one will destroy the life they are building. No one will weaken their bond. Every night they spend in each other’s arms only makes them stronger. But will they be strong enough to survive Paul Watkins and the evil that always surrounds him?

Heart Shadows: Dream Catcher Series ~ Book 3

No one doubts that Chaz is a devoted husband and father, or that he is beginning to resent his job as an FBI Special Agent. As he becomes more and more determined to protect his family from the dangers that always come with his job, he and Stephanie take strongly opposing positions. A horrible tension creeps into the relationship, threatening to destroy a love that is supposed to be unbreakable. How can this be happening to soul mates?

Stephanie whole-heartedly believes that whenever Chaz has a choice, he’ll choose her. She also knows she’ll always help him. However, neither of them knows what to do when his strong instincts and her psychic visions are no longer in tune. The distance between them is gaining a stronger foothold with each new day, and one thing is clear—one of them is definitely wrong about what’s best for their future.

Connect with Brynette L. Turner

Amazon (e-books) = http://bit.ly/btlovingnight

CreateSpace (paperbacks) = www.createspace.com/5512047

Website and autographed paperbacks = www.brynetteturner.blogspot.com

Amazon Author Page = http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00KMBJVRU

Goodreads Author Page = https://www.goodreads.com/btromancewriter

BookGorilla Author Page = http://www.bookgorilla.com/author/B00KMBJVRU/brynette-l-turner.

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/brynettelturnerauthor

Twitter = https://twitter.com/btromancewriter

Email = btromancewriter@gmail.com

The Dream Catcher Series Character Interview with Stephanie Anne Ballard & Chaz Lawson

The Dream Catcher Series by Brynette L. Turner

Interview with Stephanie Anne Ballard, psychic

1.      You’re a psychic. What does that mean?

Honestly, being a psychic isn’t what people think. I don’t read cards or tea leaves and tell people they’ll have a long and prosperous future. My gift is a lot simpler than that—I have dreams that come true. When I remember the details of a dream, it’s important. Many times, I’m able to warn or help someone I care about. Sometimes, I’m guided to understand situations or people around me. My dreams don’t allow me to change the future as much as it helps to keep things in perspective.

2.      What did you think about Chaz when you first found out he was involved in illegal gambling?

I was very disappointed and angry. I was scared for him and worried about his safety after he got shot, but I’d never imagined that he was doing anything illegal. That just didn’t seem like him. My friends and I assumed the shooting was related to a robbery or a jealous boyfriend. So, when that dream showed the private gambling club, I felt betrayed on some level—until he explained what was really going on.

3.      You told Chaz that you’re the Dream Catcher. Can you explain that to us?

Certainly. A dream catcher is supposed to capture bad dreams so that a person sleeps peacefully. I can help people feel calmer and more confident about their choices because sometimes what I have to say clarifies what’s going on. My insight gives them a chance to think about a situation before it happens so that they react in a way that makes their lives better. A negative dream can easily bring positive results.

4.      Where you nervous about how Chaz’s friends reacted when you moved to Cincinnati?

At first, nothing bothered me. Even though there were a couple of people who would rather see me dead than with Chaz, it wasn’t important. Chaz let me know repeatedly that he believed in our relationship, and he made sure his friends knew how he felt. Everything between us felt right, like it really was our destiny to be together. How could I be nervous when he believes that as strongly as I do?

5.      Chaz says that when he’s away from you on FBI business, he feels lost. Do you feel the same even though you know that he’ll come home safely?

Of course, I feel lost. He’s my soul mate, so I’m not complete when he’s gone.

6.      Chaz sometimes thinks that you trust your gift more than you trust him. What do you have to say about that?

If I didn’t trust Chaz wholeheartedly, I couldn’t be with him. I couldn’t love him as much as I do. The trouble is that I’m very comfortable relying on my gift—being able to see glimpses into the future has helped me make great decisions. It has helped him, too. This really isn’t a competition or a sign of my loyalty. He’ll understand that some day.

7.      If you knew how Chaz felt about you and could predict the future, why did it take so long to agree with his plans for your relationship?

Knowing something isn’t the same as being comfortable with it. Sometimes he forgets that not everyone processes information and situations as quickly as he does. Besides, my dreams don’t tell me everything. I have to discover the details of life the same way as everyone else—one step at a time.

8.      Throughout this series of books, you and Chaz face some pretty dangerous situations. Do you think that the dreams will always be a way of keeping him safe?

This is going to sound funny coming from me, but I really don’t know what the future holds. It unfolds for me when it gets ready, not when I want it to. Naturally, I want my dreams to always help him. But we’re both realistic that maybe some things just aren’t meant to be known, they’re meant to be lived.

The Dream Catcher Series by Brynette L. Turner

Interview with Chaz Lawson, FBI Special Agent

1.      When you first met Stephanie, you didn’t know about her premonitions. What did you find most attractive about her?

Her confidence. There is nothing sexier than a woman who is comfortable with herself and not timid about saying what’s on her mind. Add that to the fact that she has gorgeous warm brown eyes and a bright smile—she’s pretty irresistible.

2.      When your best friend didn’t immediately like Stephanie, were you worried about your relationships?

My relationship with Sylvia is based on years of trust. We worked together as FBI agents for a long time. In fact, she’s a little like a bossy older sister who thinks she knows what’s best for everyone. Unfortunately, she couldn’t understand that my destiny wasn’t something she could figure out for me. Stephanie is my destiny. She’s my soul mate. Nothing and no one will ever come between us. So, I wasn’t worried at all.

3.      Stephanie doesn’t always go along with your plans. Wouldn’t your relationship be easier if she trusted you more?

Of course it would be. But let me clarify something—Stephanie and I are exactly where we need to be. All relationships have bumps in the road. That’s always been okay. I don’t expect a strong and confident woman like Stephanie to become a follower. Well, actually, sometimes that would be nice. But that’s not her personality. We’ll work things out. Eventually.

4.      When you first met Stephanie, you were undercover and her dreams contributed vital information to your investigation. When you decided to tell your team leader about her, what did you expect to happen?

I had known Steve McDaniels for a while; we’d worked together on another case. He’s a level-headed and very analytical person. I expected him to do exactly what he did—evaluate the details and weigh the options. Thankfully, he trusted my judgment and didn’t laugh in my face. Instead, his decision made it possible to correct Stephanie’s perception of me. We might not be together if Steve hadn’t cooperated

5.      Your priorities changed after you met Stephanie. Can you tell us a little about that?

Sure. Being a law enforcement officer was my life. I loved being undercover. Then, I met Stephanie, and she quickly became more important. There’s no way to really describe the strength of the connection between us or explain why it was so immediate. All I knew was that my world would be empty if I didn’t keep her in it. When she said that it was our destiny to be together, that was the perfect word.

6.      If you could see the future, what would you want it to be?

My future can be anything, go in any direction, and accomplish any goal—as long as Stephanie is by my side. We can survive anything together. Yeah, yeah, I know that sounds corny. But unless you’ve found your soul mate, you can’t understand.

7.      Stephanie takes her job of keeping you safe very seriously. Are there times you’d like for her to back off?

It’s not her job to keep me safe. She shares her dreams because she loves me, and I listen to what she says because I respect her. I would never squash something so important to her. But at the end of the day, it’s my job to love her enough to protect her. She’ll figure that out.

8.      Throughout the series, there is a lot of talk about your aura color. How do you feel about that?

Talking about auras is the same as talking about zodiac signs. They don’t define me; they’re simply ways to describe my personality and preferences. I love for things to be right, have order, be balanced.  I’m pretty analytical and organized; chaos and dishonesty don’t belong in my world. That’s why I love being an FBI agent. Phailin, Karen, and Stephanie all say I’m green. So, that’s all right with me.

Book Blast: SEPTEMBER (The Christina Dandridge Story - a Been So Long Companion Novel) by Adrienne Thompson

Title: SEPTEMBER (The Christina Dandridge Story - a Been So Long Companion Novel)

Release date: 9/1/15

Blurb:

Born to an interracial couple in Arkansas circa 1960, Christina Dandridge’s life was tumultuous from the start with things only growing worse as the years passed. Wrought with abuse and abandonment, Christina’s life is a journey of ups and downs and trials and triumphs.

This is a companion novel to the Been So Long series, chronicling the life of Mona-Lisa’s mother and setting the stage for the dysfunction that plagued the lives of both Mona-Lisa and her sister, Cleo.

Except:

Prologue

2012

I am dying. That is a blunt way of putting it, but it’s the truth. I’m dying from lung cancer. I’ve basically smoked myself to death. I’m responsible for my own demise, to be honest. So, I’m not angry; there would be no sense in it if I were. No, I’m not angry, but I’m very aware that my time is running out, and at the same time, I feel like there is too much time on my hands. Too much time for me to think, to remember, and to regret. My life keeps playing over and over again in my mind like an old raggedy video tape that skips some parts and repeats others.

In an attempt to delete the images and silence the voices in my head, I began to write my story and hid it between the jackets and spines of some of my favorite books. If you’ve found this particular part of my story, you’ve found my deepest secrets, the ones I didn’t intend for anyone to ever know about. I omitted some things from the other journals—parts that included my brother—because it was too painful for me to write about him at first, but this journal tells my story in its entirety—my story and his story. I left this journal with my dear friend, Dulcina, for her to keep apart from the others. For her to keep from my daughters, from everyone. But if you’ve found it, then you must be meant to read it. Read it carefully. Learn from it. Tell others about my life.

Links:

Amazon pre-order link: http://amzn.com/B013EQ4HLO                  

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25939072-september

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