Two (New) Must-See Christmas Movies

I woke this morning to a gentle rain falling outside my bedroom window. Here in the Treasure Valley the temperature has climbed into the high 30's, and the rain melts the weekend's snow and Tuesday's ice. Rambo sits on the sill batting the cords of the blinds. He wants to go out, but knows he can't.

It is a week before Christmas 2020, the last major holiday before the new year. Most will be happy to see 2020 end, but a flip of the calendar won't wipe away our ills. Even with vaccines for Covid-19, the experts are predicting the virus will continue to wreak havoc and claim lives well into 2021.

In the midst of the madness, our hearts and eyes turn to anything that will lift our flagging spirits. The local Christian station KTSY 89.5FM has been playing Christmas music since November 1st. My Facebook and Twitter feeds displayed gorgeously-decorated trees well before Thanksgiving. Until 2020, this practice was frowned upon. But if it brings us joy, who cares about convention?

Many of us began watching Christmas movies early, those light-hearted clips of love and a belief in something bigger. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime rolled theirs out early. The other stations may have too, but those are my three go-tos. We all have our favorite Christmas movies, and there are many from which to choose. But I prefer romantic comedies, and have invested in the DVDs and/or bluerays.

Until last year, my top two favorite Christmas movies were Love Actually and The Holiday. But one day in December 2019, I ducked into our local $3.00 movie house, Reel Cinema, and took a chance on a film called Last Christmas. I had watched the trailer on Fandango, but other than that, I'd heard nothing about this little gem.

I loved it so much, I went back a week later to see it again. Then I rented it from Redbox a couple weeks after that.

And yes, it spiraled to the top of my Most-Loved Christmas Movies list. And it was the first Christmas movie I watched this year. Here is a post I wrote on Facebook after watching it on November 16, 2020:

"This year I started my Christmas-movie watching with Last Christmas. If you love romcoms and haven't seen this movie from last year, don't wait any longer. Especially if you have an intimate knowledge of depression and/or addiction. Or are a George Michael fan.

Last Christmas is a romcom with a twist, starring the amazing Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding. Written by Emma Thompson, who also plays a great role as Emilia's mother, and her husband, this movie has a LOT of heart.

As Emilia's character slides deeper into her own personal morass, she meets the unlikely character played by Henry Golding. The lovely Michelle Yeoh plays a spicy "Santa", the owner of a year-round Christmas shop in London, and Emilia's boss.

I won't tell you any more. But if you love romcoms and/or Christmas movies, don't miss Last Christmas. Btw, I recently found the blueray at Walmart for $12, and I'm hoping one of the big players - Netflix, Prime, or Hulu, offers it for free."

Recently, one of my patients told me about a Netflix Christmas movie, an animated film called Klaus. I watched it yesterday and - WOW! I now have another new favorite.

In the beginning, the main character, Jesper, is none too likeable. The son of a rather severe and wealthy Postmaster General, Jesper is lazy and selfish and full of himself. Fed up with Jesper's entitled shenanigans, his father sends him to Smeerensberg in the far, far, faaaar frozen north. He must either turn the zero-mail being sent from that island-town around—or he will be cut from the family purse strings with not a cent to his name.

Read Roger Ebert's Review of Klaus

For the sake of honesty, I admit that I nearly stopped watching this film. The people of Smeerensburg were even more awful than Jesper. But when Jesper meets Klaus, a disillusioned toymaker and isolated giant of a man, things begin to turn around.

Here's IMDB's blurb, which captures the heart of the story in a nutshell:

"A simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions."

That first line - a simple act of kindness always sparks another - is key to the remainder of the movie. And to life, I might add. This charming film has now been added to what has become my Top Four Favorite Christmas movies. Below those are movies like Scrooged, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, occasionally Die Hard, It's a Wonderful Life, and Miracle on 34th Street.

I also watched a few cute ones on TV - The Dog Who Saved Christmas, Small Town Christmas (both with Dean Cain), and others whose names aren't coming to me now. But each and every one of them lifted my spirits. And made me forget about Covid and what it's done (and doing) to our world for a while.

What are your favorite Christmas movies? Did you start watching early this year?

Have a safe and happy (Covid-free) holiday. Stay well and be safe!

That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O. J. Barré

P.S. I will be sending the first prequel to the Awen trilogy (A New Home) to my newsletter subscribers on Christmas Eve. If you're not already registered, enter your email address to join my mailing list (Muse & News). You will NOT be spammed and you WILL get this nice little Christmas present in your virtual stocking on Christmas Eve.

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, an urban fantasy with an alien invasion set in 2042 Atlanta. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising debuted July 2019. Book Two, Awen Storm, released May 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives Summer 2021.

The Awen Universe - An Update

The other day we talked about my new favorite writing hack - Word Hippo. You can read about Word Hippo here. In that post, I originally included an update for the Awen Universe, but decided it deserved an article of its own. Here it is:

The first draft of Book 3, Awen Tide, is now over one-third complete. I participated in NaNoWriMo, and though I did not "win" it with 50K words, I did break my writing slump, adding about 25K and pushing the manuscript total past 40K.

Now it is up to 44K of 120Kish.

We're getting there!

I've also written the initial draft of my first novelette. The working title of this first prequel to the Awen trilogy is A New Home. It is heavier on scifi than fantasy, though both are intertwined—as they are throughout the Awen Universe. A New Home tells the story of how the Druids and the Reptilians ended up on Earth.

The second novelette will be entitled UnderEarth, and the third AboveEarth. Once the three are complete and published individually, I will put them together into a novella or a novel, depending on the final length of the three parts and the whole.

The ebook of A New Home will be offered for sale for $.99—or free to newsletter subscribers. If you haven't already, go ahead and sign up for my newsletter here. I promise I won't spam you and will likely only email you now and then, mostly about new releases, giveaways, free books, and special promotions like newsletter swaps in which other authors' books will be offered to you for free.

I would love to release A New Home around Christmas time, but that's likely a bit optimistic. I'm slogging away at Awen Tide and as I'm not great at multi-tasking—I lost that ability back in 2007 when I suffered from an adrenal meltdown—I'd have to turn loose of it for a while to get A New Home ready.

But never say never. It may happen yet. At least to my newsletter subscribers.

So go ahead. Enter your email address to join my mailing list (Muse & News), and you just might get a nice little Christmas present in your virtual stocking. If not then, by New Year 2021!

Have a safe and happy (Covid-free) holiday. Stay well and be safe!

That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, an urban fantasy with an alien invasion set in 2042 Atlanta. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising debuted July 2019. Book Two, Awen Storm, released May 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives Summer 2021.

Word Hippo App

 Hello and Hi-De-Ho! Where does the time go?

It's been three months since I've stopped peddling long enough to catch up with you. Please accept my apologies. It's not that I haven't thought about you—I have. I even began several posts and wrote most of one on melancholy. But as you have personally witnessed, none of these have seen the light of day.

Yet.

Today, I want to share a writing hack. One I recently discovered, though based on the extensive database, I'm guessing it has been around for a while.

Until recently, I used Thesaurus dot com to find synonyms—that perfect word that means exactly what it is that you want to say. Since I write in MS Word, I first try its limited synonym function. But as it is very limited, I frequently resorted to Thesaurus dot com.

Not anymore.

My new go-to tool for finding the perfect word is Word Hippo. Yep. WordHippo dot com.

Not only can you search on single words, to which Thesaurus dot com is dedicated, you can also search on PHRASES! Be still my heart. That sealed it for me. And not only that, but Word Hippo gives strings of synonyms for every usage of the word whether as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. It also gives antonyms, definitions, rhymes, sentences, translations, pronunciations, etc!

So next time you're stuck for the right word or phrase, check it out. You won't be disappointed. And you too may find your new favorite app.

As for the Awen Universe, I'll be back in a few days to give you an update. Keep an eye out!

That's all, y'all. Don't forget to check out WordHippo dot com. And be on the lookout for that writing update which is set to publish on Friday, December 11. Don't miss it. There's new stuff a-coming! But to be the first to get it (and for free!) you have to be a newsletter subscriber. If you're not already subscribed, you can sign up for Muse & News here.

Have a safe and happy (Covid-free) holiday. Stay well and be safe!

That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, an urban fantasy/alien invasion set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising debuted July 2019. Book Two, Awen Storm, released May 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives Summer 2021.

The Long White Instrument of Nasal Torture

Saturday night, I tossed and turned and got up every hour to empty a bladder that kept spasming. Sunday morning, I felt generally crummy and realized I had a fever. By that afternoon, I felt worse and the fever went higher, up to 100.6. I decided I better get a Covid-19 test before going back to work. Just in case.

via GIPHY

By Wednesday, some of my strength was back, and I felt much better. I went online and made an appointment for a drive-up test at St. Luke's in Meridian.

I was a little trepidatious, but the nurse collecting my sample put me right at ease. He strolled to my car window decked out in his mask and yellow ppe gear, leaned a little closer, and said, "Can you please spell your name and date of birth"?

I spelled my name and stopped. Then gave him the side-eye. "You want me to spell my birthdate?"

"THANK YOU!" He backed away, laughing. "You're the first person in months to catch that. And I say it to everybody."

I told him if they felt as bad as I had the last few days, I could understand.

"Nope, I get to test the asymptomatic ones."

I asked for the rapid-results test. His response?

Courtesy Pixabay CCO/Public Domain

"Walgreens has a 15-minute test, but it's about 2% accurate." Now I have NOT confirmed whether this is the correct percentage, but whoa if so.

Through the window, he passed an instruction sheet for me, a letter for "my employer", and "a kleenex for your watery eyes", then turned away to get his long white instrument of nasal torture. I swear if I could've seen his face he'd a been grinning.

He leaned closer and settled the swab tip gently in my nostril and said as sweetly as a fuzzy teddy bear, "chin up a little."

I tilted my head a tad more and he slid that sucker slowly up my sinus all the way to my brain and rotated it (quickly, thank God) back and forth counting aloud, "...five, four, three, two, one," then slipped it out and and and, well hell, I'm not sure what he did after that.

I assume he stuck it posthaste into the sample tube. I was fumbling in the passenger seat for that kleenex he gave me because my sinus immediately dripped, then dripped again, as my assaulted nasal cells cried out to let me know they were NOT happy with me OR him. But I promise it wasn't nearly as bad as when the old-school EENT doc stuck a long, long, looong wire up my nostrils (each one) until I could feel it against the back of my throat.

But, I never even had to get out of my car. I was able to park in one of their designated spots and call the switchboard. Within 5-10 minutes, I saw the nurse stroll my way. The sample collection went fairly quickly and I was laughing with him most of the time, then I was outta there—insulted nasal passage and all.

I was supposed to have the results in 24 to 48 hours. But it's been right at 48, and still nothing. If it's positive, they will call me, otherwise, not. So I keep hitting the refresh button on my "mychart" account with St. Luke's.

I'm pretty darn sure I don't have the Coronavirus. But until I know yay or nay, I'm laying low, staying at home and away from the family as much as possible. When I get the results, I will check back and let y'all know. I promise.

via GIPHY

Be well and stay safe. Keep washing your hands (for the full 20 seconds each time), wear a mask around other people, and keep six-plus feet between you and others. If you have to sneeze or cough, use your arm. Or you can borrow my trick. I pull my shirt open at the neck and stick my face in there. As long as it's not mucosy, that is. If so, grab a kleenex.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O. J. Barré

P.S. My results just came in and it's good news. I'm NEGATIVE, yeehaaa! Now to stay inside away from the smoky haze. I'm pretty sure that was the original trigger.

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a pre-apocalyptic urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising  debuted July 2019. Book Two, Awen Storm, released May 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives in 2021.

Happy 1st Anniversary to AWEN RISING

One year ago today, Awen Rising hit Amazon's shelves. And what a year it has been. We are all suffering in one way or another from the effects of the Coronavirus. Some, much more than others. But none of us has remained unscathed.

In quiet celebration of Awen Rising's 1st Anniversary, I'm giving away a copy of the ebook and a copy of the signed paperback. To enter, just leave a brief (or long, if you'd like) comment at the end of this post. 

If you're interested in seeing me live and in color, I'm doing (almost) daily Live events on my Facebook author page. Like my page here. Then, if you're on Facebook at the time I'm live, I should (though, who knows) pop up somewhere on your screen. Click that and voila, we'll hang out for a few minutes. AND you'll get another opportunity to win a free Awen Rising ebook. 

OH YEAH!!! Sheesh! I totally forgot to let y'all know, I'm so sorry! My bad.

I now have an official author website. It even says - The Official Website of Author O. J. Barré. No lie. If you're a regular here and were entering under the ojbarre dot com URL, I suspect you've already seen the new site. If not, hop on over and take a look. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Now that my books are separate from my blog, I would dearly love to get back to the basics here on That Rebel. Talk about life. Love. Growing older. Having something to look forward to, something that keeps my mind sharp, and even hones it a little more every day. At the mature age of 63, that is important to me.

As are these little victories.

Our milestones keep us going. They are the foundation upon which our futures sit. I am a published author. Not once, but twice. And I am approaching number three. And four, five, and six loom in the not-too-far-distant future. THAT, my friend, is worth waking up for, worth living for. 

Thank you for celebrating Awen Rising's anniversary with me. And if you are a regular at That Rebel, or were before it became my writing-related venue, you'll be happy to know that I am itching to get back to philosophizing. To sharing my own special, Southern-fried view of life.

What say ye, Rebels? Wanna watch the Facebook Live event from this morning? In celebration of Awen Rising's 1st Anniversary, here it is! And if you missed me live, I'll be back on Facebook Live a few minutes each day through Friday the 31st.

Thank you for helping me celebrate Awen Rising's 1st Anniversary.

That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell writing as O. J. Barré

Here's the video:

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a pre-apocalyptic urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019. Book Two, Awen Storm, released May 26, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives in 2021.

AWEN STORM Getting Lots of LOVE

Hi all, it's been two weeks since Awen Storm went live. And, while a few copies have sold, the release is falling short of that of Awen Rising. Far short. Was it something I did or didn't do? Probably. Either that, or y'all are doing other, COVID-related things and have no time to read.

Whatever the reason, could you help an author out and buy your copy of Awen Storm today? The ebook is on sale for $2.99. The paperback is $14.99, the same price as Awen Rising, but with an additional 50 pages for your reading pleasure. And you'll have the books in hand when you're ready to sit down to read.

The feedback I'm getting on Facebook is good:

"Can't put it down"

"Love the book can't put it down"

"Hey girl just wanted to let you know I finished reading Awen Storm last night loved it" 

"Almost finished with book one. Love the book."

But so far, no one has left an Amazon review. If you read it (or Awen Rising) and loved it (or liked it), would you please click over to Amazon and leave a review? It doesn't have to be lengthy, a simple "I loved it", or "your own words" will suffice. Of course, if you have more to say, I'd love to hear that, too!

Why leave a review? Because many readers won't take a chance on a new author. But reviews from outside parties lend it credence. They help readers like you take the leap and give it a try. It's okay if you're self-conscious. No one will likely know it's you. And you'll be giving my books a fair shot at getting read.

Click here to leave a review for Awen Rising.

Click here to leave a review for Awen Storm.

Thanks a million. Be well. Stay safe. And know that YOU ARE LOVED.

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a pre-apocalyptic urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019. Book Two, Awen Storm, released May 26, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives in 2021.

AWEN STORM BOOK RELEASE

Eleven months to the day Awen Rising was released, the second book of the Awen trilogy has released. Awen Storm is LIVE! Yeeehaaaa!

The paperback is available for purchase starting today. The ebook is on preorder, and will "ship", or be available to download, on May 30th. It is also enrolled in KDP Select, so for the next 90 days (at minimum), both Awen Storm and Awen Rising can be read for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.

To celebrate, Awen Storm will be on tour for thirty days beginning today, May 27th, through June 27th.

The tour schedule is up at Silver Dagger Book Tours, the host of my book tour. Her schedule contains hot links to each stop on the tour. You can save her link and go back each day to read the current articles and write-ups about Awen Storm and Awen Rising. Click the picture above to read about Awen Storm and Awen Rising AND to see the schedule. (Or click here.)

Pssst! There is also an opportunity to win a gift card. So go check it out.

Thank you for all your amazing support. Without readers, a writer and her books (or blog) are nothing. YOU make me something I've always wanted to be - a published author.

Be Well. Stay Safe. And Know - YOU ARE LOVED!

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a pre-apocalyptic urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019. Book Two, Awen Storm, released May 26, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives in 2021.

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR May 27 - June 27, 2020

Silver Dagger Book Tours is hosting a virtual book tour for AWEN RISING & AWEN STORM. It will begin May 27, 2020, and run for thirty days through June 27, 2020.

What is a book tour and why should you care? 

A virtual book tour is similar to a regular book tour, only the author stays home and hops virtually from blog to blog, podcast to podcast, and social media event to social media event to meet her target audience in cyberspace.

Which means - AWEN RISING and/or AWEN STORM will be featured at a different blog (and/or social media page) each day for 30 days. I will be stopping by each one and you can too. Or you can read them all at once.

Why would you want to do that? To get insight into my Awen trilogy, its characters, setting, and more.

The full tour schedule will be available a few days before May 27th and I'll post it here and on my website: https://ojbarre.com

ALSO, if you are a blogger/author and would like to host one of the days at your blog/social media sites, please sign up here:  AWEN RISING & AWEN STORM BOOK TOUR

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

P. S. If you haven't read Book One, AWEN RISING, you can find it here: mybook.to/AwenRisingWS

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid sci-fi fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release June 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021. O. J. Barré has also penned numerous articles over the last ten years that can be accessed through the blog on this site.

AWEN STORM Pre-Release Event May 1st

YOU'RE INVITED!!

I'm having a Facebook Live AWEN STORM Pre-Release Event this Friday, May 1st at 5:00pm EDT. That's 4:00pm Central, 3:00pm Mountain, and 2:00pm Pacific Daylight Time.

All you need is a Facebook account. If you'd like to attend, click this link:

AWEN STORM Pre-Release Facebook LIVE Event

During the event, I'll be giving away a signed copy of Book One, AWEN RISING, and a $20 Amazon gift certificate.

AND I plan to read Chapter One of AWEN STORM, so be one of the first to see what happens!

Plus, it's a great way to stay home, stay healthy, and be safe. I'll meet you there!

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

P. S. If you haven't read Book One, AWEN RISING, you can find it here: mybook.to/AwenRisingWS

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid sci-fi fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release May 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021.

O. J. Barré has also penned numerous articles over the last ten years that can be accessed through the blog on this site.

Awen Storm Blurb, Call For Feedback

I am still fiddling with Awen Storm's blurb and nearly out of time. This is the latest. What do you think? Any ideas for making it better? (Sorry about the large font, Blogger is messing with me.)

Emily Hester is stranded on a mountain top, in the middle of Zoo Atlanta, with a dragon breathing down her neck. Could today get any worse?

She has managed to learn magic. But how could the druids expect her to save Earth? The little bit she knows won’t rescue her, much less her boyfriend and his nephew.

And that reptilian-alien army amassing in UnderEarth? Forget about it.

There it is. Does it make you want to know more? Would you pick it up to read?

Please leave any suggestions or observations in the comments section below.

Thank you! Olivia/O. J.

P.S. Awen Rising's ebook is still $2.99 (regular $4.99) through the month of April. If you know anyone who is stuck at home during the COVID-19 crisis, please let them know about the sale. Or how about a great, inexpensive gift for friends and family members stuck at home? All for the price of a coffee.

Stay home, stay healthy, and be safe.

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid sci-fi fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release May 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021.

O. J. Barré has also penned numerous articles over the last ten years that can be accessed through the blog on this site.

New Look, New Outlook

Did ya notice we got a new look? With Awen Rising's updated cover design, the colors were starting to clash. We'll be sporting purples and blues for a while. What do you think?

I kinda like it.

How are you doing with the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic? I can tell you it has scared the living daylights out of me. I'm finding it difficult to concentrate, except on the one day when I remembered NOT to watch, listen, or see the news - and to not talk to others about "it".

Tomorrow I'm determined to do that again. I won't look at my email or Facebook or Twitter until the end of the day when I'm happily patting myself on the back for all the work I've gotten done.

One can hope.

By the way, I am still working. As I told you before, I've cut back to 2 to 3 half days a week. Now the patient visits are slowing down, but we'll stay open for chiropractic "emergencies".

Today is Day 8 for Idaho's Stay-Home Order. I've left the house four times. Twice to work. Once to buy groceries. And, yes, I admit it - once for a Freddy's burger. I've made some progress on Awen Storm. But not as much as I would like - or had time for.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll do it tomorrow...

The new cover for Awen Rising's paperback is almost complete. We should nail it down in the next couple of days, then I'll upload it to Amazon and call 'er good. THEN we'll tackle the cover for Awen Storm.

OH, I almost forgot. In light of the current world situation, I've marked the price of Awen Rising's ebook to $2.99 (regular $4.99). I plan to keep it there for the entire month of April and possibly longer.

Hey! At that price, Awen Rising would make a great inexpensive gift for friends and family members stuck at home. And all for the price of a coffee. I believe the UK price is 1.99EU.

Stay home, stay healthy, and be safe.

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid sci-fi fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release May 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021.

O. J. Barré has also penned numerous articles over the last ten years that can be accessed through the blog on this site.

Awen Rising - New Cover Art

It's a rainy day in Idaho. We're stocked up on toilet paper, food, meds, cat food, dog food, and everything else we think we might need. No COVID-19 (Coronavirus) quarantines in Idaho yet, but the first case was confirmed yesterday.

Monday, I will go back to work seeing chiropractic patients. I am torn because of the constant close contact and having an immune-compromised senior at home. But at this point, I plan to keep working until it becomes too dangerous, or I am otherwise notified.

Meanwhile, I am hunkering down for the weekend putting finishing touches to Awen Storm before beginning the final proofread.

The new cover art for Awen Rising is almost complete. Here's the latest (and possibly the one I will use) version.

Barring any unforeseen snags, we are on target to release Awen Storm by May 1st. The main things pending are the cover design (both front and back) and the final edits/proofread.

If you are stuck at home under quarantine, whether voluntarily or by law, and haven't yet read the first installment in the trilogy, here's a link for both the ebook and paperback.

Stay home, stay safe, wash your hands often, keep abreast of the latest news, read the many accounts on Facebook and other social media from victims in China and Italy, and seek immediate medical attention should you exhibit respiratory symptoms.

Have a wonder-filled weekend!

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release May 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021.

O. J. Barré has also penned numerous articles over the last ten years that can be accessed through the blog on this site.

Awen Rising - New Cover Concepts & New Description

To remedy sagging sales of Awen Rising, I've decided to update both the cover artwork AND the Amazon description.

While working with the artist for Awen Storm's cover, I learned that rather than Adult Urban Fantasy, my current cover is more indicative of Young Adult or even Middle Grade Fantasy. I have contracted with 100Covers to create a whole new look for the trilogy.

We have a way to go to finalize, but I wanted to share their first two concepts for Awen Rising so you can see where we're headed. Here they are:

The designer is currently creating another using the woman from the first cover and the background from the second. Only Atlanta's landscape will be darker and more ominous. And he will remove the animals to see how that looks.

What do you think about the new cover direction? I would love to read minds (I think). But since I don't yet have that talent, please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

I have also reworked the Amazon description. It is not quite finalized, but here it is:

Going home is never easy.

For Emily Hester, it could be deadly.

In 2042, tsunamis and rising oceans have gobbled the world’s coastlines. Earthquakes and volcanoes are reshaping the interior. Disaster Specialist Emily has witnessed the devastation. But when a cyclone rips her fiancé from her arms, she loses her nerve and her job. Homeless and penniless, she has nowhere to turn.

Shalane Carpenter, world famous witch-turned-evangelist, is on the prowl and stalking Emily. If Shalane can’t have her, nobody will.

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Georgia, the Awen Order of Druids is missing an heiress. Their leader is in a coma. Their priest is untested. And their attorney plots to seize control. Worse, a new evil brews beneath the earth—a warring race of reptilian aliens. The ancient Dragon Keepers are sworn to contain them. Only their search for the Awen isn’t going well. And two of them have been grounded.

Could the Awen be the answer to Emily and Earth’s plight?
Or will Awen’s destiny spell Emily's demise?

___________________________________________

NETGALLEY & OTHER PRAISE

“Intriguing and delightful urban fantasy. What a wonderful example of urban fantasy!” M. Forrest, Atlanta International School

“Original.” C. Bigelow, Barnes & Noble Bookstore

“A well written and engaging near-future urban fantasy written in parallel timelines and third person pov.” AnnieB, Reviewer

“Game of Thrones taught us the pleasure of immersing ourselves in a complex, magical world of conflict, ambition, and dueling strong-willed characters. Want dragons? Awen Rising has them…and reptilian adversaries on par with the danger of the White Walkers. a world bruised by natural disasters and supernatural attacks." Roland Y., Author/Reviewer

“Fans of Keri Arthur, author of erotic paranormal adventure, will feel right at home with Barre's work.” C. Ryan, Citadel Magazine

 “A fun little romp with favorite tropes. Fantasy with earth elements and romance. I highly recommend this quick break from the day to day.” Fantasy Reviewer

“Urban Fantasy, near future SciFi, and an Alien Invasion…imaginative mythos…great plot, explosive action, and moments of tenderness. Cinematic in scope…a fully realized, dynamic world just begging for spin-off stories .” William Willey, Ingram Library, University of West Georgia

“Fun and fantastical.” Valarie Z.C., Reviewer

“Beautifully written.” Kerry Z., Reviewer

“Great mindset by a new author.” Steve K., Reviewer

“Makes the unbelievable, very believable.” Judy B., Reviewer

___________________________________________

See it live on Amazon here. What do you think about the new description? Please leave a comment below with any observations or suggestions you might have.

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release May 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021.

O. J. Barré has also penned numerous articles over the last ten years that can be accessed through the blog on this site.

Awen Storm - Back Cover Blurb - Version One, Two, or Three?

The back cover blurb for Awen Storm is almost ready. Unless, that is, I toss it and start over.

Which do you like better? Version #1, #2, or #3?

VERSION #1:

For Emily Hester and the Druids of the Awen Order, Urban Fantasy goes Island and Underground.

In UnderEarth, Shibboleth the Draconian Warlord seizes command of the Reptilian army. Magma burns through the city of Agartha, threatening their base and chute system. Yet the ruthless alien will turn the clock forward on Nergal's plan to dominate humanity and overtake Earth.

Worse, the memory veil that plagues humankind has infected the Dragon Keepers. Their headquarters in Wales is deserted. The other dragons are missing. And the borders between humans and reptiles are vulnerable to attack.

As the planet hurtles toward a war to end all, Emily Hester is separated from her druid priest and love-interest Lugh MacBrayer and his nephew Brian. They must each face monsters—not only from their present—but from the future and past.

Will the druid companions triumph over this newest series of disasters? Or will the monsters arise to challenge their world?

VERSION #2:

For Emily Hester and the Druids of the Awen Order, Urban Fantasy goes Island and Underground.

The memory veil that plagues humankind has infected the Dragon Keepers. Their headquarters in Wales is deserted. The other dragons are missing. And the borders between humans and reptiles are vulnerable to attack.

In UnderEarth, Shibboleth the Draconian Warlord seizes command of the Reptilian army. Magma burns through the city of Agartha, threatening their base and chute system. Yet the ruthless alien will turn the clock forward on Nergal's plan to dominate humanity and overtake Earth.

As the planet hurtles toward a war to end all, Emily Hester is separated from her druid priest and love-interest Lugh MacBrayer and his nephew Brian. They must each face monsters—not only from their present—but from the future and past.

Will the druid companions triumph over this newest series of disasters? Or will the monsters arise to challenge their world?

VERSION #3:

For Emily Hester and the Druids of the Awen Order
Urban Fantasy Goes Island and Underground.

As the planet hurtles toward a war to end all, Emily has her own problems. She's stuck on a peak in the middle of Zoo Atlanta, a dragon is breathing down her neck, and Lugh MacBrayer and his nephew Brian are in danger's path.

In UnderEarth, Shibboleth seizes command of the Reptilian army and Nergal's technology. While magma rages through the city of Agartha threatening the base and chute system, rebels roam free. But his plan to dominate humanity and overtake Earth must go on as planned.

Even worse, the memory veil that plagues humankind has infected the Dragon Keepers. Their headquarters is deserted. The other dragons are missing. And the borders between humans and reptiles are vulnerable to attack.

Will Emily and her druid companions survive this latest challenge?
Or will the reptilians rise to challenge their world?

Sooo, what do YOU think? Should we use #1? Or #2? Or, neither? Please let us know in the comments below.

~ That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as  O. J. Barré

P.S. In order to rebrand the Awen trilogy, we are reworking the cover for Awen Rising before creating the one for Awen Storm. The new covers will reveal at first glance that the novels are Adult Urban Fantasy (meaning they contain sex and language).

P.P.S. The new cover for Awen Rising will be revealed as soon as possible. THEN Awen Storm's cover will be created and revealed.

P.P.S.S. Awen Storm's tagline?  "The call will soon be answered..."

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen trilogy, a druid urban fantasy set in 2042. Steeped in current, ancient, and future history twists, Book One, Awen Rising (set in Atlanta, Georgia) debuted July 27, 2019, in both ebook and paperback. Book Two, Awen Storm, is slated for release May 1, 2020. Book Three, Awen Tide, arrives May 1, 2021.