National Day on Writing

In honor of the recent National Day on Writing, I was honored to be chosen as a panel speaker at The College of Saint Rose's evening event on October 20th. Not only was I honored to have been selected, but I was also privileged to sit among fellow alumni and staff authors who, not only famed in their genres, each taught me more than a thing or two about publishing, networking, and being an author in general. They were exemplary speakers when it came to their work.

It was the first time I had to speak to folks over the age of 10 about my book, in a more than one-to-one ratio, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I didn't feel very nervous as I stood up to speak at the podium, but when my head barely cleared the front of it, I awkwardly joked, "Maybe standing at the podium was a bad choice!" in my best Ron Burgundy tone, but no one laughed.

Throughout my 5 minutes of fame, however, I did see some encouraging head knods from students and members of the audience (besides my mom even!) and that made me feel relieved. I said everything I wanted to about what inspired me to write the book and why I think people should stay focused and passionate about writing if they enjoy it, but I did leave out some of the process points I wanted to highlight, when I failed to mention that I am a professional copywriter for an advertising agency, and the notion of this popped up randomly in the middle of my 'inspiration' tale.

But like I said, I was so proud to be there, and to be, even though I'm a rookie, an example to students who know they want to write and know it's what they are meant to do in this lifetime, just like me. And it gave me a little experience and some motivation to really start getting behind this thing (my book) and getting it to people who could/would love the message it emphasizes.

It's hard for me sometimes to really accept, and recognize that I am actually a writer. And moreover, that I am a published author. For some reason these things have just been dreams for so long, I just got used to them being just that: dreams. But when I have to pinch myself at my desk when I get a fun assignment, or when I had butterflies before my turn to speak at the college I graduated from, it puts a realism and joy to it that is almost indescribable. I may not be rich, or famous, and that's perfectly, perfectly fine. I am a writer, and really, that's all I've ever wanted to be.

So look for me, and my book, to be popping up around Upstate and Eastern New York in the near future (for now). I've decided to personally globe-trot M. vs. The M. around and see if there are any small, local shops that would like to carry it and help me share my mom's tale of hope and strength. And once I've bugged everyone up and down the East side, I'll head toward the wild, wild West and just see what can happen.

It's how it all started in the first place, basically, so what have I got to lose? Stay tuned for more updates! And stay warm! :) peace signs and pumpkin rinds! ;)

October Already?!

I can't believe it's already October. What a busy and gone September it turned out to be! With that in mind, I am going to do everything in my power to not let October slip through my fingertips.

As I see all of the wonderful, charitable events going on during this, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am reminded of how many other women are out there, living their own tale of battling 'The Monster.' And I think back to the strength and elegance with which my mother faced that same monster, and how lucky I am that her story had a happy ending. She truly is a symbol of hope in a world of uncertainty when it comes to this disease. I am also reminded of how many people might find hope or joy in the pages of my book.

And so I am writing today to announce that my book will be on sale during the entire month of October (and no, I didn't just see a commercial for Subway and think of this) (or did i???!). haha ;) ;)

Either way, I will be selling all copies this month at the reduced price of $15. This includes tax. And for those who may be ordering from a far off land, I will handle the shipping as well. For those close, I will do my best to personally deliver your copy (within a reasonable radius from my home outside of Albany).

If you would like a book at the special price, DO NOT order from the link in this page. It is automatically set up to charge you the full price + shipping. Simply use the 'Contact' link underneath it, and send me an email request.

If you'd like me to sign your copy, just let me know the name and a little bit about who it is for. I know it may not seem like much, in terms of a discount, but I would still like to be able to donate as much as I can, and possibly break even on the publishing cost, so this way, the charities in which I will contribute won't suffer too much when it comes time for me to write their check.

As usual: Never give up, and always stay strong! and Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month! (if that even makes sense?!)

peace, love and warm wool gloves! :)

bryande