November 2024

November 9th, 2024

Author Update

I’ve been hard at work editing Blood of the Forgotten, a paranormal urban fantasy that’s been a long time in the making! This story follows Hutch, a demon hunter, who’s faced with a difficult choice: to spare the life of Hayden—a woman possessed but potentially redeemable—or use her to help bring down the drug lord ruling his town. Expect Blood of the Forgotten in 2025. It’s getting closer every day, and I can’t wait for you to dive in.

While you’re waiting, check out Heart Box Amulet, my western steampunk fantasy that’s releasing as an online serial, with new installments available every other week. Heart Box Amulet follows Everly, a fierce warrior bound to an ancient amulet. She teams up with her closest allies to face a looming dark threat in a world where magic meets the Wild West.

What’s your mood-read right now? Let me know—I’d love to hear what themes, characters, or genres you’re excited about as I keep crafting these worlds!

Spotlight & Scribbles

Brandon Smith is in the hotseat this month! His anthology The Edge of Shadows is available at Barnes & Nobles and Amazon! Follow him for updates on X - @PoetSmithB

The Edge of Shadows is a captivating anthology that explores the thin line between sanity and madness through a series of evocative poems. The collection delves into the hidden darkness that exists beyond what we see, encouraging readers to confront the unsettling realities of the human mind. Each poem in this anthology delves into the fragile fabric of reality, highlighting the moments when clarity gives way to chaos, and the mind teeters on the edge of despair. Through its compelling verses, the anthology invites readers on a journey to explore their own emotions, where shadows murmur secrets and the boundary between rationality and madness becomes blurred.

What’s the most surprising thing you discovered about your own writing while crafting this anthology?

Well, being my first published work, I was writing and writing but still didn’t know for sure if I as just gonna be the poetry guy or a novel guy. As I kept writing, though, I found myself loving more the poetry side of myself -long story short, poet Brandon was created. 

How did the theme of the anthology challenge or inspire your storytelling in a way you didn't expect?

The theme of this book is dark and mysterious, in which again finding my voice, I didn’t know why exactly, but I was drawn to the idea of darkness and light. After these poems where finished, and I looked back at it, I then realized the type of poet I truly was.

If you had to survive a zombie apocalypse with one item from your desk right now, what would it be?

It would most definitely be my cup of coffee for two reasons: one would be to consume for energy, second would be to harness the cup as a melee weapon against the army of the dead.

Snack Attack!

How about munching on some blueberry-avocado toast bites? Yep, that combo’s a bit wild, but trust me—your brain will love it! Here’s the trick: spread a creamy layer of mashed avocado over whole-grain toast, then top with juicy blueberries. Avocado brings in those glorious healthy fats that keep your brain humming, while blueberries are like little antioxidant superheroes that boost focus and memory. Pop a few of these, and it’s like giving your brain a mini spa day—perfect for powering through intense reading or writing sprints!

Giggles and Groan

Q: How did the zombie become great at trick or treating?

A: Deadication

Thank you, Andee Harry (go follow on X: @AndeeHarry) for this monthly giggle!

Writer’s Wisdom

Embrace the “messy first draft.” Don’t aim for perfection in your first go; let your ideas flow freely and capture the essence of your story. Editing can come later, but allowing yourself to write without judgment lets creativity thrive and often leads to fresh, unexpected insights. Remember, every great story starts with a messy first draft!

Versus & Victories

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Finding Peace in the Everyday Moments

In life’s daily rush—maybe in the middle of managing work deadlines, caring for family, or simply getting through a crowded grocery store line—anxiety can sneak in. Sometimes it’s a small worry that lingers, and other times it’s an overwhelming list of “what-ifs” that seem to play on repeat. In Philippians 4:6-7, God reminds us that peace is available to us, even in the middle of these moments.

Instead of carrying our stress alone, we can take a deep breath, pause, and lift up even our smallest concerns to Him. Whether it’s asking for calm before a big meeting, patience with a challenging task, or hope to keep going when life feels heavy, God is there, inviting us to trust Him. As we practice handing over our worries, we start to feel a peace that doesn’t depend on having everything figured out but rests in knowing we’re not carrying life’s weight alone. Hang in there—He’s with you in every moment.