Thursday, October 5, 2023

Blog Tour: IF THE SUN SPARES US by Brenda Marie Smith

 

IF THE SUN SPARES US

by Brenda Marie Smith

 

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GENRE
:  Post-apocalyptic thriller

 

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BLURB:

 

 

Two years ago, a solar pulse destroyed modern life. Bea Crenshaw organized her starving, suburban neighbors into a farming community. But now Bea’s gone, and her grandchildren must carry her legacy forward.

 

In the post-apocalyptic pressure cooker of Austin, Texas, 19-year-old Keno and his younger cousins struggle to ensure their community’s survival even as they’re forced to relocate to safer grounds. Northern Lights that don’t belong this far south grow increasingly intense, making Keno fear what harm the sun will cause next.

 

Even worse, a marauding militia called the Raiders is closing in, led by a deranged woman who preys on teenage boys. Despite Keno’s debilitating flashbacks from a firefight, he and his wife have a new baby to protect. Though Bea is dead, her spirit desperately searches for ways to shield her grandkids. When Raiders target two neighborhood members, the only hope lies in the community’s strength, Keno’s ingenuity, and the family’s fierce love for one another.

 

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Excerpt One:

 

In the next second, thick neon bands of green light shoot into the sky like they’re spewing straight out of the earth at the horizon, the aurora pulsing and soaring hundreds of feet into the air toward the stratosphere. This is nothing like the tame Northern Lights we’ve had off and on over the past year, but crazy-bright and thick and enormous. None of it belongs in Texas. I stare at the lights, getting dizzy from their movement and intensity.

 

The guys out on the street whistle and shout… I close my eyes to get my bearings.

 

Residual streaks of light burn my eyeballs and flash across my eyelids, then mutate into the recurring, overly-vivid memories I can’t shake: flaming, screaming boys, falling fiery trees, bursting Molotov cocktails, strafing assault rifles—a hand slaps across my mouth and covers my nose, and Richie’s behind me, yanking me to the ground, hissing, “Shhh! Shhh! Don’t scream.”

 

“The End of Days is upon us, and we’ve got work to do!” shouts the woman from the street. “Head back north.” The feet start tramping around. “Jonesie, north’s the other way.”

 

Richie’s pressing so hard on my mouth and nose he’s gonna suffocate me. My tears run over his hand. Flaming bodies still flash before my eyes while green lights burn in the sky overhead…

 

I grab his hand to yank it off, but he presses harder. I panic. Dude’s gonna kill me.

 

 


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:



BRENDA MARIE SMITH is attracted to stories where everyday characters transcend their limitations to find their inner heroism. She lived off the grid for years in a farming collective where her sons were delivered by midwives. A lifelong community activist, Brenda has managed student co-op housing, produced concerts, and raised a small herd of boys. She and her husband live in Kyle, Texas. They have more grown kids and grandkids than they can count.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website: https://brendamariesmith.com

Blog: https://brendamariesmith.tumblr.com  

Twitter: @bsmithnovelist

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJlLSnORIyoaygvZ1j49ZKw  

 

Buy Links for the Braving the Light Series:

IF DARKNESS TAKES US (Book One): https://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Takes-Brenda-Marie-Smith-ebook/dp/B07WK9BQHN?ref_=ast_author_mpb

For IF THE LIGHT ESCAPES (Book Two): https://www.amazon.com/If-Light-Escapes-Braving-Novel-ebook/dp/B09CMZZRKZ?ref_=ast_author_dp   

IF THE SUN SPARES US (Book Three): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTHY55H/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

 

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GIVEAWAY 

The author will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

17 comments:

  1. What inspired you to start writing in the first place?

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    1. It's just a bug I've always had in me. I wrote my first story when I was six years old, and have had the itch ever since.

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  2. Thank you so much for hosting my book here today. I'd love to chat with your readers and will keep checking in all day.

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  3. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

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    1. Thanks for the question. It's a good one.

      First of all, you have to read, read, read. Read classics and books in the genres you intend to write in. Also, read craft books, do the exercises, get feedback on your work, and don't be defensive. Writers have to grow tough skin. Often, what we think we've written isn't coming through on the page. Most of all, be patient and don't give up. Get good critique partners and editors, and stay in touch with your own emotions. It will help you pump emotion into your characters. And write as often as possible to keep your skills honed. Good luck!

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  4. I love the post-apocalyptic/dystopian genre! I purchased this book and series yesterday and I can't wait to start reading!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the purchase. I hope you love the series and will spread the word to your friends. Much appreciated!

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  5. The cover looks great. The story looks really interesting.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Marcy. Olivia Hammerman is the amazing cover artist. She designed the covers for all three books. My husband says this book is the best one yet. I hope you get a chance to read it.

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  6. Sounds like an interesting read.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sherry. I hope you get a chance to read it.

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you, Marisela. I hope you get a chance to read the book.

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  8. It's been a real pleasure being here today. Thanks so much for hosting my book!

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  9. This looks like a fantastic read. Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunity.

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  10. What drew you to the thriller genre!

    —Elizabeth

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