Catching up! Meet a new author...

Hope all is well. Authors are creative people and we are a community. Today's post is part of an author connect hoping to give you a little update on my latest project and possibly introduce you to a new author friend :). So here it goes.

What am I working on Next?

My next project is Bridal Brunch. The 3rd fiction book in my beloved Sunday Brunch Series. You first met my besties (in my head) Lexi, Jewel, Capri, Jermane and Angel. Five women lawyers who are each at different places personally, professionally and spiritually! It has been a journey! Sunday Brunch is a celebration of friendship, faith, love, romance, fashion and all those things that ladies love. These women were inspired by some of my real life friends I met in law school circa (eh-um). In the second novel, Sunday Brunch Diaries, the women begin to mature in life with marriage and more life tests! If you are familiar with my writing you understand that it always has a dash of encouragement and inspiration. So with Bridal Brunch, the journey continues with our favorite character Jewel!

Jewel is a former lawyer turned owner and events coordinator of Fabulous Jewels Events...with Events that Sparkle like Diamonds! Jewel finally hears those words that any events planner dreams of "MONEY IS NO OBJECT" . Her infamous client is none other than her walking disaster turned diva sorority sister and college protege' McKenzie Myles. She has tapped Jewel to coordinate her LA based nuptials to her plastic surgeon fiance'. Soon Jewel gets caught up in the glamorous world of the couple, questioning her own life choices. However, she soon realizes the million dollar client she'd begged God for is a huge test. (Be careful what you ask for - smile)

Can Jewel deliver the dream wedding in spite of a groom that's clearly crushing on her and an approval addicted bride? Can she over look the A-list treatment, lavish gifts and risk the potential huge check to do the right thing? Only time will tell.

Bridal Brunch (May 2014) - The Girls are Back!

How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

I love writing about women. Positive, yet flawed women. I love celebrating friendship and I love my characters to inspire and encourage. Many of my books, especially the brunch series, are meant to be relatable. I want readers to say to themselves,  "I have so been there!" I also like to write characters that have really honest and sometimes funny conversations with God.  Because that's how I talk to Him on a regular basis!

Why do I write what I do?

I believe it's my calling. I'm still continuing to grow and listen to God for more direction. I love writing but I believe it's a catalyst for some other groundbreaking ventures I'll tap into over the next few years. I love celebrating positive women. I especially love to encourage and motivate what I call the "hidden gems" because I was one of those women. I had no idea what my purpose was and God used writing to build my confidence and help me to understand how special I was to Him. There is so much negativity in the world. Our images suffer greatly and I would hope that my books give a different picture.  Lastly, I want to bring women together to celebrate life, love and literature!  I want my books/ventures to be one big purpose party! So look out for my Brunch Lady venture!

How does my writing process work?

Hmmm. I'm kind of random but working on it. I journal...a lot. I utilize outlines and notecards. I'm led by the character or a great story idea, then I just write.

So enough about me...I want you to meet my writing sister Dr. Vivi Monroe-Congress! She has a refreshing spirit and several fabulous bold fictions reads.  My favorite is the Bankrupt Spirit but her latest release is No Conditions.

xoxo
Norma L. Jarrett
Author
www.normajarrett.net

Valentine's Day Again...??? by Norma L. Jarrett - an Excerpt!

 

 

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SYNPOSIS:

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February 14th is the anniversary of Torrie Patterson’s engagement, wedding and unofficial divorce. As the date stalks her like Jason on Friday the 13th, a series of events, unlikely characters and a turn for what seems like the worst, lead her back to joy.

EXCERPT!

Torrie put her head on her desk and prayed for over forty minutes. Her phone rang and she expected it to be Carmen but it was Mona. All she could do was answer, knowing her fate had been sealed. “Hi, Mona.” Her voice quivered.

“My office… now.”

As she walked to Mona’s office, her legs felt like melting licorice. She knocked then walked in. “Mona, I know what you are about to say…I’m about to go clean out my things.”

“Patterson, have a seat.”

Torrie could have sworn she saw steam shooting from Mona’s nostrils as she slowly eased into the chair in front of her desk. Mona leaned back then removed her glasses. She rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I don’t even know where to begin.” She blew a loose brunette hair strand out her face. “First of all you put Carmen in a horrible position, who, by the way, has been carrying you for months. Why, I have no idea, because you have treated her terribly. I don’t know… maybe because she is a PROFESSIONAL? Sometimes this business is a little tough, so I let it pass. We all have to pay our dues. But this? Too far. This is it, Torrie, the final straw. You better pray he does not call off the engagement. That poor guy looked so shaken and confused when he left. What in the world got into you?”

“Mona, I, I don’t know. I was just talking and before I knew it all this stuff started pouring out my mouth. I was out of control.” She slunk back in her chair, “Am I fired?”

“What do you think?” Mona looked directly in Torrie’s eyes. “Darn it, Torrie. This kind of stuff just can’t happen.” She stood up and marched around her desk. She leaned against it and folded her arms. “Christ. I suppose I have to take some responsibility. I knew something wasn’t right, but I just thought you’d pull it together. I should have stepped in sooner.”

Torrie’s heart was heavy. In that moment she realized how bad off she was. “I, I deserve to be fired.”
            

“Give me a break with the self-pity. I do the firing around here,” Mona said. She walked over and gazed at all the awards adorning her wall. “See all these awards?”

Torrie looked up. “Yeah.”

“They didn’t come cheap. I fought, played the game just so I could clear the way for talented young women like you. And you were so stuck in your own drama you blew it. I didn’t get all this by being stupid. And make no mistake, what you did was really, really stupid.” She rolled her eyes. “Torrie, I believe in you. You got this position because I thought you were smart, talented and sharp. If you haven’t gotten the memo, life is tough, unfair and sometimes you have to eat nails and still get up in the morning and go to work. For Christ’s sake, Torrie, you got divorced; you didn’t die!”

Torrie broke down in tears. “I know, I never thought in a million years I would let this happen. I’m so embarrassed. I allowed my personal life to interfere with my professionalism.”

Mona sat back down. Then placed her hand against her face, “Maybe you need counseling; have you talked to anyone? A divorce, I guess, is like a death of sorts and we all grieve differently. Trust me, I’ve been there. But you have got to figure out how to move on. The Torrie I know is resilient, passionate and a hard worker. I don’t know who this person is.” She waited for Torrie to look up.

“I know. I know.” She wiped her nose with the sleeve of her blouse.

Not tears. I can’t do tears. “Look, Torrie.” She clasped her hands on the desk. “I’m not a marriage counselor, life coach or a prayer partner. But you’ve got one life, honey. The world sells us on this perfect picture of what life and happiness are supposed to deliver. But every now and then life throws a brick at our head when we’re not looking.” She shrugged. “I can’t tell you what the fix is. But the first step is to admit you’re broken.”

Torrie nodded with her head still down.

Mona rolled her eyes then handed her a tissue box.

“I mean, I wanted the whole Ralph Lauren commercial. The Kardashian Christmas card.” She sniffed. “Why? I have no idea. Yeah, they’re dysfunctional, but they make that crap look so good! I wanted the trips to Paris, the house, spa days at the Four Seasons. ALL, I wanted it ALL!” Torrie blew her nose.

Okay, this is where I get off. “Sweetie, time for me to put the boss’s hat on; Torrie, you’re not fired.”

Her head shot up, as her lip quivered. “I’m not?”

“We’ve, well I have invested in you. Simply firing you would be a waste of resources... But I can’t jeopardize the show and the studio’s reputation.” Mona watched as a pink-eyed Torrie stared, awaiting her fate. “Nope, I think a leave of absence is the answer.”

Torrie’s face flushed. “Um, okay. Thank you,” she said, relieved she hadn’t lost her job yet.

Mona pressed the speaker button on her phone and dialed. “Ms. Olivio, can you step in my office?”

Torrie sat quietly. A minute later Carmen knocked then eased in Mona’s office.

“Have a seat. Carmen, I can’t beat around the bush. I’m going to need you to take over Torrie’s position while she’s out. She’s taking a voluntary leave of absence.”

Torrie didn’t move. She was like a duck chilling on the pond, cool and serene on the outside. But her mind was paddling like crazy underneath. “How’s she going to take over my position? She doesn’t have the experience.”

Carmen looked at Torrie not knowing exactly what to say. “I agree, Mona; I don’t know if, I mean I’m not sure if I can handle it.” She wrung her hands to keep them from shaking.

“Carmen, a little career advice: When someone throws you the microphone, don’t drop it. I’ve watched you for the past year. Trust me, you can handle it.” Mona’s tone was unequivocal.

Suddenly Carmen realized the reason she’d gone through all her drama for the past year. God was preparing her for this moment. She wasn’t quite sure of the timing and manner in which He did it, but she had been ushered to the head table. She no longer questioned it, but decided to act in obedience.

“So Torrie, why don’t you and Carmen go back to your office so you can help her with the transition?” Her eyes moved back and forth between them, waiting for them to move.

Torrie slid out her chair. “Right, I mean… yes, ma’am; I mean, thank you, Mona.”
 

ON SALE NOW!!!

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Just for Valentine's Day - a special discount on Love on a Budget! by Norma L. Jarrett
Another fun, romantic novella! 

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Fried Turkey, Family, Southern "Comfort" and Thanksgiving Drama - An excerpt

THANKSGIVING LIT from Norma L. Jarrett (AKA Brunch Lady)!

Every wonder what your family is really thinking while they're are sitting around the Thanksgiving table? Please enjoy an excerpt from my Essence national book club selection and classic novel Sweet Magnolia, a New Orleans family saga about two bitterly divided sisters; bride to be Summer and Misa an international model. A sudden tragedy and family owned business are the key to their emotional, physical and spiritual healing. Sweet Magnolia is like a family quilt held together with the fabric of generations, welcome and worn in all the right places.  So here it is and excerpt from the chapter...

FRIED TURKEY 

So far, so good, only the sound of forks scraping plates and an occasional belch. But then again, it’s only been fifteen minutes into the meal, Summer thought. Everyone was gathered around the table. There wasn’t any room for another plate with the spread of golden Cajun fried turkey, candied yams, biscuits, corn pudding, ham, mashed potatoes, collard greens, string beans, macaroni and cheese, corn, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

“So Misa, what brought you to Houston? We thought we'd never see you in this part of the country?” Aunt Gerty said reaching for the gravy.

Click on image for Essence feature!

“Well, I just decided I was tired of New York. It was time for a change.”

“Oh really? I could’ve sworn Summer told me you moved here because of some man,” Her Aunt Gerty said without looking up from her plate.

Lights, Camera, Action ... the holiday drama has begun. Summer inhaled. Quinton shifted in his chair. Paige cleared her throat and grabbed another roll and Van's eyes peered sideways at Misa.

“Oh did she really?” Misa sneered. “Well, for everyone's information, that was not the case. I moved to Houston because I wanted to. I have men falling at my feet all over the world. Do you think I would let some man I barely knew talk me into moving across the country? I think not. Misa runs Misa's life. This is exactly why I wanted to stay on the East Coast. Too much family, all up in my business.” She glared at her sister.

Summer just sat there without comment. The triggered had been pulled. Just about anything she said would catapult them into a full-scale confrontation. Normally, it would have been a private war of words. But there were other potential casualties sitting around the table. So she decided to withdraw from retaliation.

Silence.

Summer tried to figure out what everyone was thinking as she scanned the faces around the room. She looked directly across the table. Poor Quinton, how uncomfortable this must be for him.

CLICK PIC TO ORDER!

Quinton poured gravy over his turkey. I can't believe Evan didn't tell me that this dude was going to be here. She knows good and dang well I was the one who got her to move to Houston. If you mess with fire, you get burnt.

Paige slowly savored her macaroni and cheese. Quinton should have hooked up with me and he wouldn't be going through this. He needs some meat with his potatoes. What could he possibly do with that skinny thing?

Evan inhaled his favorite sweet potatoes. I wonder what time the game comes on tomorrow?

Her Aunt Gerty had just shoved a spoonful of greens in her mouth. I wonder what these collards are seasoned with, ham hocks or fat back?

Her Uncle Groovy stared at the ceiling. How could I have gotten lost again? Was it right on Mason or left at Barker Cypress?

Her father spooned more mashed potatoes on his plate. Why did my wife leave me here all by myself? Did Misa say she was living with Stan, Van ... oh, whatever his name is?

 (c) 2006 Norma L. Jarrett 

The book trailer!

Norma L. Jarrett is a bestselling author of several novels.  Her work has gained attention in Essence, Ebony, USA Today, Southern Living and others. Learn more about her work at www.normajarrett.net. Follow her on twitter @jarrettwrites7

Brunch Lady Quick Book Picks!

Hello, it's me again, Brunch Lady.  Love a delicious read and sharing! Soooo, here  are a few five star and fabulous reads from Norma L. Jarrett (AKA Brunch Lady) and a few of her book besties! Click on the link for synopsis and more info!    Happy Sunday reading!

Breaking All the Rules by Rhonda McKnight (Book 1 - Second Chance Series)  

 Escape to Love (Book 5 in the Praise Him Anyhow Series) by Vanessa Miller 

 

 Chasity Rules by Nakia R. LauShaul

Love on a Budget by Norma L. Jarrett

I Met Him in the Ladies Room Again (Part 2) by Michelle Stimpson 

The #1 Cause of Divorce...

Hello Brunch Ladies!

During his debut talk show on BET, T.D. Jakes stated that finance was the number one reason couples divorce.  Everyone comes to the relationship table with their own financial baggage or blessings but things can change!  I was inspired by various articles and dialog about dating, love and marriage during challenging economic times.  Romance and finance has many dynamics, but what if:

• You met a gorgeous, educated guy and living at home with mama because he's launching a business.
• You were both financially stable when you jumped the broom, but after a few years multiple lay offs drained your savings?
• Your mate came into a large sum of money (think NeNe from the RHOA) and money has become a source of power and control
• You helped your mate build his business but now that it is your turn he's not returning the favor
• You listened to your friends and married a "baller" now you are miserable because money was all he had                                  

Love on a Budget is a fun, romance read with a dash of faith!   Enters Jake Jiles, Prairie View A & M grad, thirty-something frat member that just broke up with his corporate job and girlfriend of 3 years.  He left his job to start his dream business - Honey-Do-4-Hire.  However, his girlfriend wasn't happy because a) she thought it was a dumb idea and told him so and b) she was afraid it would delay their future engagement.  So the newly single Jake wasn't expecting to meet a potential Mrs. Right!  Enter witty, down to earth and gorgeous Skylar Ross that seemed too good to pass up.  She was the right girl at the wrong time! Love on a Budget will make you  consider the role that money, timing and friendships play in our relationships. So here it is...and excerpt from Love on a Budget (Available now on Amazon.com!)

 Chapter 13 – Distressed Damsels   

           Jake said a mental thank you for the truck’s navigation system and pulled over on the side of the road.  So much for relaxation, duty calls.  He walked up to the door and heard a few women laughing loud.  He had on his work pants, Honey-Do-4-Hire logo shirt, cap and boots and carried a small tool box.  The door opened before he could knock.

uck’s navigation system and pulled over on the side of the road.

            “Um, you must be Mr. Honey-Do.”  Yasmine was standing there with a drink, in heels, a mini skirt, crop top and a feather boa around her neck.

            “Yes, I guess that would be me.  May I come in?”

            “Girl, get out the way and let the man in.”  Jake heard a voice from the back.

            Yasmine turned around, “Meeka, hush. I was the one who called. I’m the damsel in distress.” She extended her hand. “Yasmine Nash.”

He reached out his free hand and shook hers. “Jake… Jiles.”

She smiled then sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes at Meeka.  “Please come in.  The kitchen’s this way.”  She walked slow and put her heels to work as her black mini swung from side to side.  Jake kept his eyes forward and did a mental eye roll.

            “Um, um.  That thang right there.” Meeka said aloud, not caring that Jake heard.  “Dang, let me go break something.” She crunched on a carrot stick then licked her pink lips.

            By this time Bree, Yasmine’s other friend had arrived and was sitting in the living room with her legs crossed, unfazed.

            “It’s the garbage disposal.” Yasmine said as she pushed Meeka out the way. 

            “You mind?”  Jake made sure the switch was off, then knelt down with his flashlight.  “Just a minute…I need to slide under here.” He pushed the reset button and nothing happened.  “Seems like something fell in and jammed it.” He slid back out and stood up.  “Let me see…” He put on some rubber gloves and grabbed a few tools from his box.  He slid back under the sink. He unscrewed a few parts and knocked around.  Finally he was able to dislodge the culprit— a chewed up dish cloth. 

            “Ugh, that’s disgusting.” Meeka frowned.

            “Uh, I know you ain’t talking with your non-housekeeping self.  This is the thanks I get for planning this fabulous soiree for your lonely-no-man-having—”

            “Ladies, ladies, um don’t mean to interrupt, but I have another job after this.” 

He walked over and placed the dishrag in the trash.  “Do you mind if I go wash my hands? We can wrap it up when I come back.”

            “No, not at all.”  Yasmine said. 

            When he left to go to the restroom he heard loud whispers. 

            “Gurl, I’mma ask him.  What woman would let a man that fine work on Valentine’s Day? If that were my Boo, huh, I’d serve him breakfast and spend all day with him.” Meeka dipped the ladle in the punch bowl and poured some in her cup.

            When he opened the door to come out he started to write up the bill.

            “Yoo-hoo, Mr. Honey-Do?  I know you gots to have a woman.  A man Boris-Kodjoe, Idris-Elba fine?”  Meeka’s ponytail whipped in animation as her neck moved with her words.

            He smiled. “I’m flattered. Don’t mean to be rude, but I really do have to go.”   Jake flashed his smile again, hoping they’d be satisfied with that. 

            “Yeah, we know the real reason you rushing off.  You got a woman.” Yasmine said, batting her extra long lashes. She signed off on the bill and paid him.

            “Appreciate it,” he said, ignoring their inquiries. “Okay, ladies, enjoy the rest of your evening.  If you need anything else, you have my information.”

            “Anything?” Meeka said, fanning herself. She watched him until he left out the door.

~~~~~

As Jake stepped outside and rushed out to the driveway, he noticed a woman that was seated inside her car fumbling with the door. She was visibly frustrated and talking to herself. “I can’t believe I just did this. Ugh!”  She opened the door wide and jiggled a latch.

Jake walked toward her. “Excuse me, miss, you okay?  Need some help?”

She sucked her teeth. “I did the most stupid thing. So like me,” she said, focused on her lock. 

“What happened?   Can I take a look at it?” he asked, concerned.

She finally stopped to focus on Jake.  Her eyes moved from his work boots, to his jeans, to his arms bulging from his work shirt, then to his handsome face.  Then she saw the logo. “Honey-Do-4-Hire?” She chuckled.

“Look, I’m not the one needing help.” He wasn’t laughing.

She raised her finger. “I guess you’re right.”  For a few seconds their eyes connected.  She couldn’t help but notice his milk brown skin and iridescent eyes. She was caught off guard by how handsome he was, but she didn’t let on.

 “C’mon, let me check it out.  What happened?”  He knelt down to look at the side of the door.

 “Well, I was rushing trying to get over here. Yasmine always nags about being on time. I wasn’t even gonna come.  I was all set for my movie marathon. But nooo, she started whining.  Anyway, I stopped at the grocery store and slammed my seat belt in the car door.  I had to hold the door closed on the way here. Thank God it was less than a mile.  This is gonna cost me some money.  The electronic door lock isn’t working.”

As she sat there explaining, he took in her face. He loved the way her short layered cut highlighted her high cheekbones.  As she spoke, her long eyelashes bounced every few seconds.  Her skin is so smooth.  Jake quickly focused, “Okay, stay calm.  If you step out I can get in to get a better look.” 

She turned her body so she could step out. Jake tried not focus too hard on her athletic body.  She was casually chic in jeans, a white top and high heel boots with a scarf wrapped loosely around her neck.

He placed his tool box next to the door. He eased in the driver’s seat and immediately went into damage control.  He reached down in the box to grab a small metal tool and jiggled the area where the door closed.  He jumped back out.  “Okay, there’s good news and bad news.”

“I figured,” she said, folding her arms. She bit the side of her baby pink glossed lip.

Jake watched her eyes widen. “The good news?  I fixed it so you can at least close and lock your door manually. The bad news…you’re gonna need some electrical work on the lock. Off to the dealer you go. ”

She took a deep breath.  “Ugh. Between maintenance and super unleaded gas, this car has cost me some money.”

            He grinned and shrugged his shoulders. “Sorry I couldn’t do more.”

            She smiled warmly, her teeth sparkling like the diamond studs in her ears. “No worries, at least you tried.  So what’s this gonna cost me?”

            “You’re joking, right?  I barely did anything.”

            “Well, chivalry isn’t dead after all.” She raised her neatly arched eyebrows.        “There’s still a few of us out here.” Jake grabbed his box.

            She stuck out her hand, “Thanks, um…”

            He pulled the side of his shirt where his name was embroidered.
            “Jake,”

            He grabbed her hand, “You’re quite welcome…”

            “Skylar, Skylar Ross.” 

 Don't forget to check out the Love on the Budget Playlist on Spotify!

©2013 Norma L. Jarrett

Shoes & Faith (God wastes nothing!)

I love a good deal.  It’s something about finding a quality buy at half the price.  Such acts of random glory will prompt any Brunch Lady to high five the lady behind the register or sprint to the car before somebody discovers she just made off with the grand bargain of the century.  I’m not talking something that would fall apart before you make it out the store. I’m talking a bonafide, “Are you serious” price on an otherwise high end item.  

So a while back I was minding my own business when my car (on its own) jumped on the exit towards Lohmanns (land of lost labels, backdoor boutique and secret sales).  Just going to look.  I walked in an unbeknownst to me  (and my wallet) we had been ambushed.  Racks of 50% off the final price called me.  Three hours  and several excursions to the fitting room later I’d found my prized keepsakes.  I totaled up my stash and was headed toward  the counter and BOOM! There they were.   On the third shelf of the clearance shoes were a pair of stacked pumps in the color of the season by a great brand.  I began to calculate the sales percentage.  I don’t know what I'm putting back but these babies are mine! 

I believe those shoes were predestined.  You see after countless Pinterest  pins I determined I wanted, no needed more color in my wardrobe.  So my mind was intentional, the compass was set and my energy was drawn to that store at that particular moment for those particular shoes in that particular color.  Stay with me I’m going somewhere. 

Once I arrived home, I explained in detail and modeled every item for my husband (while he was in his recliner watching a futuristic movie).  SN:  Part of the plan, seeking donations/reimbursement for unscheduled (i.e. outside the budget) shopping stop.  I began to put away my treasures and noticed I had NOTHING to match those shoes, but didn’t care.  Some place back in my mind I’d logged a vision of the perfect outfit.  Surely it would come.

Several weeks went by and soon I found the perfect necklace, skinny stretch jeans and Peplum top.  My shoes had a family.  Why?  The simple principle of vision.  Weeks later God took this simple example and made a connection (He wastes nothing).  The same principle that worked for those shoes will work with any goal.  We set an intention and visualize.  We may not have everything that we need but slowly the pieces come together.   

What am I saying?  Once we make an impression on our mind, we don’t know how it will come to pass but we began to attract the people, resources and results.  The world (and God) conspire to bring it to pass. The plan all comes together.  If you don't have all you need right now for that goal, don’t be discouraged.  The important thing is to first, “buy” into it; invest the time and energy, have patience, and the rest will come.  Do we know this already? Probably, sometimes God has to send us a little relatable and timely reminder to keep us encouraged!

xoxo

Live God's Life Beautifully...

Norma L. Jarrett

Author, Founder and CEO of Brunch Lady  

www.normajarrett.net 

7 Ways to introduce your characters before and after your book is released

For all my Brunch Writers! You've spent hours and days with them but the rest of the world needs to get to know, love (or hate) your characters.  Over 300, 000 titles are published per year in the United States alone, so assuring current and potential readers know your characters is critical.  With series books more popular than ever a savvy writer seeks to get and keep an audience excited about an upcoming release.  Compelling story + compelling characters = a great book but if nobody know about it...well you get my point.  So in true Brunch Writer fashion here are seven ways to introduce your characters before and after you release that bestseller!

1) Do a character interview and post it on your blog; share it on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and other social media. 

2) Host a contest and give away a gift basket filled with items related to your character.

3) Make a Pinterest pin board for your characters.  Check out this board for one of my favorite couples from my novels Sunday Brunch and The Sunday Brunch Diaries:  Rex and Jermane's board. 

4) Make a Spotify or Pinterest playlist for your character (A soundtrack for your novel) and share it.

5)  Create a  promotional campaign:  If a beloved character in a series is finally getting married host a virtual shower and invite readers.  For mystery books create a "Who killed Grayson Grier?" t-shirt and drop clues until the book is released (Remember no major spoilers).

 6) Focus on a theme.  For example, if your character is a chef, post a few of his or her recipes on a Facebook page created specifically for the character.  If your character is a fashionista, do a blog about her latest fashion finds or share what's in her closet. Send out a news blast/press release from the character's business or latest hot topic:  Ex. Lexi Parker finally gets her man! or Sunday Brunch just got real!

7) Location, location, location!  Did you know your location is like a character?  My novel Sweet Magnolia was set in New Orleans.  Jazz,  restaurants, landmarks spiced up the storyline. Have characters give readers a virtual tour of their city via a book trailer software. 

The goal:  Bringing that character to life!  Find away to evoke emotion in anticipation of your book release. Find away for the readers to step into that character's shoes! Live, breathe and promote your characters as if they are real, because that's exactly what your readers  want! 

Final word:  To have great characters built in a story you must do the research first.  Building Believable Characters  by Marc McCutcheon is a great source I stumbled upon one day in a bookstore.  It is loaded with just about every personality dynamic, physical descriptions, habits, ailments and other human traits imaginable!  It is a staple in the Brunch Lady library!  

xoxo
Norma L. Jarrett, 
Author & 
Creator of Brunch Lady :) 
 www.normajarrett.net