APRIL FOOLS IN LOVE - Kimberly Brown - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m happy to introduce you to one of the people from the critique group that meets in my home. I have put together 4 different novella collections connected with holidays with the authors in my group. The two Brown girls, no relations, teamed up to write this book. I’m so glad Kim published it as an independent book.

Welcome, Kim. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I actually write myself quite a bit into most of my main characters and villains. Many things said and done are based on what I have seen, felt, and experienced in the past. The rest of the time I think family/friends and famous characters from other stories give small elements to some characters.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Oh gosh, that is such a difficult question. I can be pretty weird, the first thing that pops to mind is randomly bursting into song. Which I am prone to do pretty often now. I don’t like awkward silence and I always seem to have a song in my head, and it just spills out.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I think I was about 8 years old. I didn’t have a computer, and was visiting my cousin’s and learned about this thing called “Roleplay” on chat services and these users created rooms, where you wrote as a made up character or one from a book, movie, cartoon, etc… I fell in love with it and started to do it more and more. I was honestly addicted.

I had kept detailed daily journals thanks to my grandma, but never before had passion about writing. Now I wanted to improve, and the practice helped me explore different ideas. I knew I wanted to do this the rest of my life.  

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Every few years I seem to discover more genre’s I like. Growing up it was kids’ books, then Fantasy or Sci-Fi. Later, I fell in love with classics like To kill a Mockingbird, then I went into Horror, now I like some Poetry, Romance, and Historical pieces. Who knows next year I may branch out into even more!

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

What Sanity?

Seriously though, at times I feel like I’m a bit half there on the sanity meter. I feel you have to be. I don’t believe in a set “norm,” but the fact that I don’t try to act sane, and instead look at the world through my own eyes and seek to find its mystery, beauty, and secrets. That’s what I think keeps me grounded and able to do the daily grind.

I would say my family, friends, and dogs keep me in reality enough to face what the world throws at me, and God constantly reminds me of who He created me to be. Different and unique.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Depends on the setting, sometimes a name just pops into my head, or I want them to look a certain way and I may do a play on words to a famous actor they share similarities to.

Most of the time I use names as some sort of telltale sign for personality traits or their past. I also love adding archaic words and Easter eggs.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Currently, getting this novella published. I never thought I would actually get there. I was close to giving up so many times. At times, I can’t believe that I actually did it.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A Wolf.

As my online friends know I go by GuardianWolfKim. I have always loved wolves. They are powerful and beautiful. Despite the bad reputation they typically have, they are very interesting creatures. The idea of a “lone wolf” is a bit of an oxymoron, as the wolf that is alone is rarely going to survive. Wolves are pack animals; they are fiercely loyal and most importantly they are smart. They hunt with a plan, and you don’t want to have one as an enemy. However, if you are welcomed into the pack, you will never find a more loyal friend.

What is your favorite food?

Pasta. I just can’t get enough. I love it with or without sauce, but it must have cheese and plain with olive oil is the best!

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Motivation. Honestly, I would get so mad at people trying to “help” or encourage me, but they were right. The only solution is to do it anyway. Whenever I didn’t feel like writing and did anyway…. Just wow. It would always be hard at first and sometime later it was the wee hours of the morning and work the next day was hard. It’s funny how going forward when you don’t feel you can made all the difference in the world. I realize I have to develop a habit and appetite for the things I want to devote myself to. Not just writing, but everything. Doing it even when I don’t want to, it’s just like working out. Eventually change happens.

Tell us about the featured book.

April Fools in Love is a cute tribute to classic 90’s high-school type romance seen on TV shows when I was a kid.

Lena’s Critique group had given us an option to write as part of a novella collection, but themed on April Fools. I was disappointed that it wasn’t Valentine’s day as I like Valentines, but have always hated April Fools, for personal reasons. Then a funny idea hit me “We’re a couple! April Fools.” This simple idea gave birth to the book.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Friday, February 14

A cool February breeze brushed Zeke’s ruffled hair from his face. His best friend wrapped her light jacket more securely around her arms. Sixty-eight degrees this afternoon at the seaside town of Fool’s Paradise made him think she was nuts for even bringing a coat. The quad filled with couples walking up and down the sidewalks, holding hands. Others sat on the grass sharing picnics and smooching sporadically.

Zeke laid back on the blanket and sighed, staring at the puffy clouds passing by. Being on the school lawn with Esther is the best part of free period. 

“Happy Singles Awareness Day …” The brunette sighed. “Another romantic day at Schlemiel High.” Her emerald eyes turned from the couples and back to him. “Are we the only people in the school not dating?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. I think there are still a few people around that are single.” He bolted upright. “Don’t forget the chess club!” He grinned, searching her face for a smile.

Esther grumbled. “No, the girls in the chess club paired up with the guys.” She laid her chin on her fist. “Hey, look at that.” She gestured to a tall guy wearing a basketball jersey, and a short blonde in a dress. “I thought Tommy was with April?”

Zeke glanced across the courtyard. “I guess he and the new girl are a thing now.” Who cares?

“This is so unfair.” She huffed. “I mean, two years and not one date. You’d think I was a leopard or something.” She fell beside him.

Zeke burst out a raucous laugh. “I think you mean leper.” He dropped to his side and propped up on his elbow, laying his cheek against his fist. “There’s nothing wrong with you. These people were dating in elementary. They’ve got reputations. You know how it goes. A good boyfriend is talked up by the girls. A good girlfriend is talked up by the boys, and it makes others want to date them. We don’t have reputations, so no one wants to date us.” He gazed at the red-headed cheerleader hugging the captain of the wrestling team. “Lucinda won’t even look at me.” He heaved a sigh.

A piece of paper, carried by the wind, danced midair.

He snatched it. “A flier? ‘Can you fool us? Prove you’re the best April Fooler. Prank or fool everyone so well that your names are memorialized on the King of Fools award.’ Again?” He shook his head and crumpled the paper. Every year, the same stupid contest. He hated April Fool’s Day. It was an excuse to hurt people’s feelings, lie, and humiliate others.

Esther shot upright. “Zeke, you’re a genius! That’s it.”

“What’s it?” He rolled onto his back. “And why am I a genius?” Oh no, what crazy scheme is she cooking up now? He froze, unsure if he should move or not.

Esther chuckled. “We don’t have a reputation.” Her gaze devoured a tall and toned boy next to a voluptuous blonde.

Damien…. Our resident track star. He’s not that great. “Yeah, so?”

“Doofus.” She socked him in the arm. “I’m a woman. You’re a man … ” She held out her hands as if expecting him to know what she was thinking.

He nodded. “This is about Damien, isn’t it?” He groaned inwardly.

Esther shook her head. “Okay, I take back the genius remark.” She turned fully toward him. “I know how we can fix everything.” Her grin widened.

Zeke furrowed his brow. “Wait … fix everything, how?”

She lifted her chin. “Don’t worry. I have a plan, and we’ll launch it tonight.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is: www.GuardianWolfKim.com on there you can see links to all social media and other sources of contact for me.

I can also be emailed at GuardianWolfKim@icloud.com

Thank you, Kim, for sharing your book with my blog readers and me.

Readers, here are links to the book.

April Fools in Love: A NOVELLA - Paperback
April Fools in Love: A Novella - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com