The Matrix - As I See It

Hello. My name is Olivia (aka O. J.), and I finally GET The Matrix.

Seriously.

I saw it way back when. But I didn't get it. Nor did I get it the countless times I've tried to watch it since—on DVD, cable, streaming, whatever. So I haven't seen the sequels, either.

But occasionally, I get this nagging feeling whenever The Matrix comes up in a thread on Twitter or some other conversation. I should get it. I should care about this movie, this premise, this franchise that took the world by storm.

Now, The Matrix Resurrections is out in theaters and streaming on HBOMax. I wanna watch it, dammit.

So I decided to try again.

Luckily, HBOMax has been streaming the first three for a while now. This time, I decided to do something different and not try to figure anything out. To just sit with whatever was happening onscreen and let it wash over me.

So I did.

And guess what.

I GOT IT.

And, y'all. It ain't rocket science.

Truth is, I'd pretty much understood it all along. But I got lost in the fight scenes. These have little to do with anything (other than to sell movies, yuck!). And when I fast-forward through them, I am left with the story.

That is about humanity under the thumb of AI/machines. And the humans don't even know it—except for a select few, including their leader, Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishburne. Morpheus discovers the "one" (Neo) and wakes him. Now it's up to Keanu Reeves (Neo) to save humanity.

But first, he must outdo Hugo Weaving's Agent Smith, a badass agent for the Matrix tasked with keeping humans in their place - as fuel to run the machines. Or something to that effect.

I'm gonna tell you right now - there be layers to this tale.

I'm guessing most of them still went over my head. Apparently, there are red pills and blue pills and somesuch nonsense that I totally missed. So I'll likely revisit The Matrix soon.

I also watched The Matrix Reloaded, the second in the franchise, and I'll be honest. I fast-forwarded through quite a lot of the movie - all those friggin' fight scenes and chase scenes - but it's basically more of the same.

Credit: bit.ly/3HtpUVR

One thing I did notice—the premise of The Matrix Reloaded reminded me a LOT of the Loki series storyline. And I had thought that so revolutionary... Hmm.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will watch the third installment, The Matrix Revolutions. And once that's ingested, I'll tackle the most recent, The Matrix Resurrections. Unfortunately, that one is only streaming until the 21st of January, so I have three more weeks to "git 'er dun".

"SO WHAT?" you ask.

"Exactly," I say.

The "so what" is (li'l ol' genius) me admitting that I didn't/don't get/understand a movie franchise that is widely recognized as a big deal. And deciding to do something about that instead of continuing to be the one holdout that says, "DUHHH, I don't get it."

This is my second such undertaking. The first was around Thanksgiving when I watched The Princess Bride all the way through for the first time. No, I'm not joining the "best movie ever" club, not by a long shot. But it is a fun film, I will give it that.

Now, once I learn all I can (or care to) about The Matrix films, maybe I can summon the courage to watch another iconic movie I have avoided—Fight Club. You see, I don't "do" violence—not in life, not in books, nor in films. But I learned in The Matrix that I can fast-forward through the fight scenes. But like The Matrix Reloaded, will there be any story left after removing those? Time will tell.

Are you doing anything to broaden your horizons? Or to understand that which has eluded you? If so, tell us about it in the comments below.

Happy Last Day of 2021! May each of you have a magnificent ending to 2021 and a fantabulous beginning to 2022.

I will be working on goal-setting for 2022, and outlining the final chapters for Awen Tide and The Awen Trilogy so that I can bang those out in January and February and bring you the finished version in May 2022!

Y'all keep reading, and I'll keep writing!

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 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, is on preorder and will release in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook, and the hardback versions will be available in 2022.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon (or free by signing up for her newsletter). The second installment, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, is an ebook novella also available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

The Winds They Are a-Changin'

 My last post was in desperation. I could no longer continue beating my head against a brick wall—trying to promote my books with success.

Yes, I garnered seventy-eight reviews with an average rating of 4.40/5 for Awen Rising. That is no small feat and an excellent rating, especially for a new and unknown author. I am proud of that. But the sales have not followed.

My Amazon KDP free promos were modestly successful. But only if I poured money into ads to get the promo in front of prospective readers. Even coupling that with discounting Awen Storm to $.99 during the same periods, I nowhere near recouped my expenses.

Not even once.

Photo by Stefan Keller

As an entrepreneur, I know that every new business takes time and money to get off the ground. But I've been spending so much time on marketing and promos, learning Amazon ads, building a platform, creating a website and a newsletter, keeping up with social media... it's exhausting!

So much so that there is little time and energy left to do what I love most—WRITE! And I've been told by the experts that the best way to sell books is to write more books. I have a trilogy to complete. A prequel to finish. And many, many, MANY more stories to write.

Lately, the universe has been telling me that "the grey clouds covering my life are about to be sent away by a warm and vibrant spiritual wind." 

I believe it has arrived.

Yesterday, after seeing patients and attending our office holiday luncheon, I sat down with my laptop to once again research book promotion companies. Lo and behold, I found mine.

Photo by Stefan Keller

Through their (modern and up-to-date) website, I "chatted" with a fellow named Michael in Dallas, Texas. For two hours, we talked, me asking questions, him answering. He sent me Amazon links to current clients' books, links to videos the company had created for their books, newspaper and online articles they'd garnered for books they were promoting, and more.

I perused the links, including the TrustPilot one with positive reviews for the company. I watched the excellent book trailer videos they created. I researched their authors on KDP Rocket and found that a couple are bestsellers in my genre. And I kept going back to that guaranteed ROI (return on investment) which states that if my results do not meet the guarantee, I get my money back.

That clinched the deal. I pulled the trigger. I invested heavily in my business.

Photo by Enrique Mesequer

Now it's time to sit back and let a team of WAAAAAY more qualified people manage my book SELLING business so that I can get back into the book WRITING business.

My marketing strategy meeting with an assigned project leader will be sometime on Tuesday. After that, I'm not sure of the timeline. But I should start seeing resulting sales within the month. 

And that is something, isn't it?

Y'all keep reading, and I'll keep writing!

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 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon (or free by signing up for her newsletter). The second installment, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, is an ebook novella also available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

I Give Up

I give up.

It seems that no matter what I do or say, my ads don't work.

People don't click or buy my book/s, even when the deals are sweet.

So I give up.

No more ads.

No more social media.

No more schmoozing.

No more wondering why.

My books are well-written, well-researched, well-edited.

They get good reviews.

People tell me they love them.

And I do get a few sales here and there.

But not enough to warrant the massive amount of time (and money) I spend on marketing.

So I give up.

For the foreseeable future I shall focus on writing the next book/s.

Then revisit this marketing issue after the trilogy is complete.

After the prequel is complete.

Until then, you'll hear crickets instead of my voice.

If you want to hear me, please subscribe to my blog or my newsletter or both. I'm not abandoning those. I promise.

via GIPHY

Sayonara, Olivia/O. J.

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen Trilogy, a pre-apocalyptic urban fantasy 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon (or free by signing up for her newsletter). The second installment, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, is an ebook novella also available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

Signed Paperbacks - 40% Off

MY SIGNED, PERSONALIZED PAPERBACK SALE IS EXTENDED THROUGH NEW YEAR'S DAY!

AAAANNND - YOU CAN BUY EITHER BOOK FOR $10 OR BOTH FOR $20 - AND HAVE THEM PERSONALIZED TO YOUR ORDER.

MUST ORDER BY 12/10/21 to receive in time for Christmas. 

*************************ORIGINAL POST**************

There is a first time for everything. And this is the first time my paperbacks have been "on sale".

For a substantial savings, too!

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are upon us and everyone is scrambling for a deal. For those who celebrate, many will be starting our Christmas shopping, while others are likely finishing up.

For the readers on your list, my signed paperbacks are on sale in the U.S. for up to 40% off. It starts on Black Friday, the 26th, and continues through the following Saturday, December 4th.

BUT...

MY NEWSLETTER AND BLOG SUBSCRIBERS GET FIRST DIBS! That means YOU can take advantage of the sale starting today.

But don't wait. Current inventory is limited.

Here are the details:

Awen Rising, Book One in the Awen Trilogy (336 pgs):

SALE PRICE: $11 (Regular $16)

Awen Rising - On Sale for $11.00 (Reg $16)

Awen Storm, Book Two in the Awen Trilogy (399 pgs):

SALE PRICE: $12 (Regular $17)

Awen Storm - On Sale for $12 (Reg $17)

Both Books Together:  (739 pgs)

SALE PRICE: $20 (Regular $33)

Both Paperbacks for $20 (Reg $33)

To take advantage of the sale, please email me at: olivia@ojbarre.com to request your signed paperbacks. 

Please include the following info:

1) Title/s you are ordering;

2) Number copies of each;

3) Email address for PayPal invoice;

4) U.S. postal address where signed books will be sent.

1. Once you have emailed olivia@ojbarre.com including the order info as outlined above;
2. You will receive a PayPal invoice for the total of your order plus shipping;
3. Then, pay the invoice;
4. Your signed paperbacks will be sent to your U.S. street address beginning Monday, November 30th (or sooner).

And remember - as this holiday season approaches, please take time to relax and breathe. It's getting crazy out there - and has been for the last couple of weeks. After the recent debacle at my local Target, I have decided to avoid the madness and do the rest of my shopping online. Or at 6 a.m. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Y'all keep reading and I'll keep writing!

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 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon (or free by signing up for her newsletter). The second installment, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, is an ebook novella also available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

Bloody Head? Open a Window.

How many times do you beat your head against a door before you give up and open a window?

If you're like me, the answer is MANY.

For the last two weeks, or however long it's been since I wrote that last scene for Khenko Blitherstone, I have been fiddling with the Awen Tide manuscript to no avail.

It all started when I went back to the beginning and read Chapter One and spit-shined it. That experience was so awesome, I just knew I had devised a new plan. Remember?

So, I kept going in that direction. But as I approached the end of Chapter Two, the shiny wore off. Since then, I keep showing up at the page, according to plan, but I'm getting exactly NOWHERE.

The new plan is not working. And I'm frustrated.

Once again, I find myself crying out in astonished aggravation, "Uncle, dammit, UNCLE!" (Oooo look, a squirrel! Where did that saying come from anyway? I'll find out in a bit and report back to you.*)

Today, in the hopes of salvaging my entry into NaNoWriMo, I am changing gears. Because this writer is stuck. And I've shared with you in the past that stuck - for me, anyway - always means my Muse has applied the brakes and is reeling me in.

So, why (OH WHY!), did it take me two weeks to GET THAT? I know this is my process. Sheesh.

But now, instead of dangling and dancing at the tip of the rod, I shall relax and let go. Like Hermione, Harry, and Ron, I shall slide through the devil's snare, pick myself up off the dusty floor, and proceed through the door I'm being pointed towards—MY NOTES.

Let's just hope I've picked the right door.

So for the rest of today, I will gather my copious notes together, read through them to see where I am (and where I am not), then decide what needs to be written between here and The End.

Then tomorrow, my Muse and I will brainstorm, sketching out the titles for the remaining chapters and scenes.

This will be my NaNo outline. NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, starts in two days - on Monday, November 1st - and runs through the 30th. 

SOOOO, in a little over a month, my first draft (and the trilogy) will be complete.

Ahhh. I like the sound of that!

Y'all keep reading and I'll keep writing!

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

*P. S. Even Wikidpedia doesn't know where the Uncle saying originated. Do you?

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen Trilogy, a pre-apocalyptic urban fantasy 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon (or free by signing up for her newsletter). The second installment, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, is an ebook novella also available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

Thank You, Dear Readers

Thank you for listening to my wacky wanderings, reading the stuff I share, and for sticking with me through thick and thin.

I know I get excited and post way too much about my books - and I apologize for that - but writing is such a big part of my life today that it's hard for me not to carry on about it. Or to even spam you now and again, especially when I have a free/$.99 promo going on - like now.😂

Click to Buy Awen Rising for FREE & Awen Storm for $.99

While working on Awen Tide, I've been pondering the best way to complete the novel I abandoned for nine months while writing its prequel. I had to do it. I needed more background to finish the story. But each of my many POV character arcs were left dangling. Which is no big deal, right? Just pick up each character's thread and run with it?

One might think. And that IS the way I normally approach it. But the glaring truth I have stumbled upon is - I don't REMEMBER where I left them. And to get into the character's head, emotions, motivations, etc, I now have to reread what I wrote so long ago. For each character.

On Friday, I somehow found myself starting from the beginning. I read the opening chapter. And was compelled to edit it. Now, mind you, I should be in writing mode, skimming through each chapter gleaning enough to forward the motion when I'm done. And I had no intention of starting with Lugh.

But, nooooo. Uh-uh. Not that day.

Click to Subscribe to & Get the 1st Awen Prequel for Free

I pruned. I crystallized. I rearranged sentences. I cleaned it up until that chapter shines. And by the middle of the day I was smiling, even KNOWING this was not my plan. Then by the end of the day, I was in heaven. Literally. Loving this story. Loving the words. Loving the characters. Loving the divine gift that's been given to me and the opportunity to let it shine.

And now I have my new plan. I will tally ho through the first half of the manuscript, editing as I go. I like writing that way, anyway. Then, the first edit of the first half will be complete and I can keep rolling through the rest to THE END.

There. That's all. I just wanted to say thank you. And that, yeehaa, I have a plan.

Of course, I had one this morning when I started out. So who knows...

But, one way or t'other, Awen Tide will get written. And I'm enjoying every minute of it!

Y'all keep reading, and I'll keep writing!

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 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon (or free by signing up for her newsletter). The second installment, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, is an ebook novella also available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

Samhain Steals and Fall Feels

That Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) time of year is upon us when the nights grow longer and the days fly by in the Northern Hemisphere. Soon we'll be breaking out our favorite puffer coats and flannel sheets.

I am fresh off a 3-day trip to the Idaho mountains, where it was chilly and gray. But I got a much-needed rest in the quiet of nature. On the one sunny day, we drove to Tamarack Resort. It is between their summer and ski seasons, so we had the entire place to ourselves.

We ate lunch at The Reserve (a little spendy, but elegant and yum), then drove the resort ogling multi-million-dollar homes. Finally, we parked at the only open state park on the Tamarack side of Lake Cascade and strolled a sandy beach by the wind-swept water.

The aspens had dropped their leaves for the most part, but there were stands of lovely yellow sentinels - my first (known) encounter with the Tamarack tree, which lends the resort its name. Their contrast was striking against the evergreens, and I was amazed to learn they are both coniferous (cone-bearing) and deciduous (drop their needles).

Here are a few pictures from our trip:

Aspen bones

Majestic Yellow Tamaracks

On the writing front, you'll be happy to know that I am chugging away at Awen Tide. After entering the hand-written words from the trip, the manuscript now sits at 56K words (about halfway). And, yes, I'm on target to get it to you by late spring, woohoo!

I also retained an Author PA group - Cover 2 Cover - to create a branding package and a sell sheet for promoting my titles to bookstores and libraries. I might even ask them to help me with my newsletter. Lord knows I could use it.

AND, after much agonizing over the cover for Awen Tide, I requested a change from the designer - with a new color and a different pose. The current one just doesn't do it for me. The green disappears against the first two covers and the Awen looks distracted.

See what I mean?

LASTLY, from Thursday, October 21st, through Monday, October 25th, Awen Rising is available for FREE in ebook format.

Concurrently, but extended through Wednesday, October 27th, the price of Awen Storm has also been slashed - to $.99 - in ebook format.

So, for less than a US dollar, you can own both ebooks! That's a savings of 88%!

May this Samhain (Sow-in) season be a time of connecting with your shadow self and letting go of that which no longer serves and/or keeps you stuck.

Y'all keep reading, and I'll keep writing!

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 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon (or free by signing up for her newsletter). The second installment, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, is an ebook novella also available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

Face Plant Central: Obey the Muse, Or Else

I fell on my face. Literally.

It happened two days ago, on Saturday afternoon. I worked that morning at the day job, and ran home to eat a bite before leaving for a friend's wedding. At sixty-nine, she met a wonderful man. I had been looking forward to watching her walk down that plank aisle.

It was not meant to be.

That morning, a nagging about Covid and being in close quarters with other people surfaced. I am hoping this was the likely culprit behind the fall. My being was freaked out, and this was its last-ditch effort to keep me home.

It worked.

OR ELSE...

Fortunately, I've been around long enough to know that when we don't listen to our inner promptings, they get louder. More intense. I wonder how many previous signals I ignored. You can't get much louder than a fall on the face.

After my last significant fall, which thankfully happened a long time ago, I had no idea how it occurred. One minute I was walking out of a café, the next, I was scrambling upright in the parking lot.

Sooo graceful.

This time, when the toe of my UGG boot caught the concrete seam, I was VERY aware of what was going on. It happened fast, in the blink of an eye. And, because of my forward momentum, there was no dance I could do to stop myself. No twist to throw my body weight sideways.

Nope. All I could do was go with it. And the only way to keep my head from slamming into the concrete (and possibly save my life or avoid being a vegetable) was to extend my arms. My hands contacted first, and they, along with my wrists, arms, and shoulders, acted as shock absorbers, doing everything in their power to save my gray matter and avoid a nasty splat.

Thankfully, it worked.

My face and knees smacked the concrete at about the same time. But by then, my momentum had slowed from deadly to ouchy. I ended up extended lengthwise on the driveway with my hands beneath my shoulders, arms folded under, and my lips kissing the concrete.

Sofie and Masie, the two Shih Tzus, were out front with me. They stayed by the house and never moved. I could hear neighbors talking. But when I finished taking inventory and lifted my head, there was no one in sight. 

A Photo Valarie Texted to Me

In shock, I hauled myself up and went inside. I could tell my teeth were not injured (hallelujah!), but I had two blood blisters—one on the bottom lip, the other on the top. They're both sore; the top is painful. My wrists, elbows, and arms are still sore, as are my shoulder and chest muscles. The heels of my palms are tender and sore, but not scraped because I didn't slide.

Bottom line? I am okay.

But I didn't make it to Valarie's wedding, which sucks big time. I had to text her instead. And though I'll eventually get to give her the fun gifts, I really, really wanted to be there. To support Valarie. To share in her joyous occasion. And to get out of the house and meet some new people.

But honestly? The fall could have been WAY worse. I pray I am interpreting the signal correctly.

If not? Holy crap.

When was the last time you fell? Did you hurt yourself? Was your Being trying to get your attention?

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

P. S. Here's Chumbawamba singing one of my favorite songs from the 90's, I Get Knocked Down.

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen Trilogy, a pre-apocalyptic urban fantasy 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon (or free by signing up for her newsletter). The second installment, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, is an ebook novella also available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

Dump and Burn

 I.

Am.

Angry.

There. I said it. I'm angry.

It is a righteous anger. A better-than-this anger. A get-out-of-my-way anger. A white-hot, searing, eff-you-and-your-horse anger.

That burns no one but me.

I suck it up rather than spitting it out. Then it rots my insides, eating away at my creativity, my motivation, my drive.

So I sulk.

Hide.

Mumble curses beneath my breath, calling things and people who don't conform to my expectations lovely names that would make a hardened criminal blush.

Click to read

I need space.

Quiet.

Alone time.

You get none of these when you live with someone. Which is all well and good, until it's not.

Yes, I love the not-being-alone part, and not having to be solely responsible for every little detail around the house. The feeling of belonging. Kinship. Family. And, love.

But I need to be able to spread out, to have room for all my (quite limited) stuff, to be slovenly for a day or two or five if I choose. Then there are the days (weeks, months) when I'm in writing mode and need total silence. To withdraw from all but my characters and their world.

Talking and/or listening to the living interrupts my process. And no, it doesn't matter whether the interaction is in person, online via email or social media, or by phone. ANY interaction flubs the dub.

Bottom line, I create better when left alone, when I am allowed to live in the world I'm creating. Each and every this-world interaction I have whilst in creation mode kicks me out of my fictional worlds.

And, THAT, dear rebels, is the root of my anger.

My life is in turmoil. I have a tiny writing area that is also my bedroom and my evening relaxation/TV-watching space, which is bad, bad, bad for productivity; and the outside of the house is being painted by a one-man crew so it seems to be taking forever.

On top of these daunting distractions, Covid renders writing in restaurants and coffee shops unsafe. My local library is noisy (don't even get me started on their lack of a no-noise policy). And wah, wah, wah, wah, WAHHHH!

THIS is the garbage going on in my head.

Click to Read

Invariably, I give up and watch one of our many streaming services, taking solace in other writers' creations. I like to call this research, and it usually is, but there's that little thing called the Awen Trilogy that is clamoring to be finished. And I was recently reminded, not too subtly, that my readers are impatiently waiting for Book Three.

AND WAIT! Let's not forget the yet-unfinished Part III of the Awen Prequel, The Druids of Marduk: AboveEarth. Yes, let's throw that on the pile too.

So the push-pull, yank-tug is a real thing. One that has been kicking 'me arse' and setting off all sorts of passive-aggressive anger issues, mostly, thank God, between me and me. 

But y'all know this scallywag rebel writer. Something always happens to pull my head out of 'me arse'. Let's just hope that something happens soon.

Y'all keep reading and I'll keep writing!

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

P.S. While this post is entitled "Dump and Burn", the term is normally used to describe: "a fuel dump in which the fuel is ignited intentionally, using the plane's afterburner. A spectacular flame combined with high speed makes this a popular display for air shows or as a finale to fireworks. Dump-and-burns are also referred to as "torching" or "zippos" ~ courtesy Wikipedia.

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen Trilogy, a pre-apocalyptic urban fantasy 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon (or free by signing up for her newsletter). The second installment, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, is an ebook novella also available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

Once in a New Moon

 I. AM. STOKED.

Today was a good day. An exceptional day. A red letter day.

Funny. I don't write that, or think that, often. Huh. In fact, it's a rarity. Here's one. And another.

This writing gig can get hard at times. Especially as an indie. Indie authors do EVerything. From idea to finished product to publishing and promoting.

But once in a new moon, the veil parts a little, and a way opens. A way to. A way through. A way there and back again.

Today was such a new moon.

Over my four-day Labor Day weekend that culminates today, I hit the motherlode. No. I can't tell you what it is. You'll want to savor those twists and turns down the road. But what I can tell you is that I have most of the rest of the storyline for Awen Tide. And rebels, this is a doozy!

Did I tell you I'm stoked? 

I can also tell you that, unrelated to that brilliant stroke of genius (thank you, dear Muse), today I wrote the first chapter for a new character—one I hope to write into her own spin-off series. Assuming we all love her, that is. And, yes, I have been noodling a Paranormal Women's Fiction series and this character, Elise Hester, is PERFECT for the starring role. 

I present to you, Elise's first lightly-edited lines. Can you get a sense of her in this brief excerpt? Do you like her? Hate her? Think she needs some work? Hehehe, that's a loaded question, rebels. All my characters are deeply flawed. That's why we love them so much...

******************

Elise Hester turned up the volume on her headphones, determined to blot out the annoying Sergeant's tirade. But, even glass walls and an unreliable witness couldn't compete with Banner's abusive language. Tapping on the glass, she glared and pointed at her sensitive ears. Banner flicked an offensive finger and turned his back.

The pressure inside her approached DEFCON One. Elise smashed her headphones against her ears to blot out Banner and the other ever-present voices. When that didn't work, she ripped them off and let go a long, silent screech followed by a string of swear words that propelled her from her chair.

She'd been confined to this loony bin too long.

Sliding her headphones into a case and the case into her large, pleather purse, Elise paused to inhale and exhale and did it two more times. Then, checking her plastered-on smile in the mirrored doorframe, Elise burst from the office and paused, snorting at the irony of being confined to the coveted corner office.

Like an office with a view could make up for being benched in one's prime.

Hell, the Alien Intelligence Agency was Elise's life. Had been for the last forty years. They had recruited Elise straight out of druid school, then whisked her to Europe at seventeen. Now, she was more agent than druid.

But Elise would go crazy if she didn't get back in the field soon. Or at least stateside. And, according to HQ, that wasn't happening. Not anytime soon.

*****************

Well, what do you think?

I hope your weekend was as wonder-filled as mine. Here's to continuing blessings from the heavens above and below.

Y'all keep reading, and I'll keep writing

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 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook.

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available in ebook on Amazon or by signing up for her newsletter. The second, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, an ebook novella, is available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.

Fun, Fast, Sexy Urban Fantasy - End of Summer Sale

Summer is rapidly winding down, making it a great time to offer my ebooks to you at a SUBSTANTIAL discount.

From today, Wednesday, August 18th, through Sunday, August 22nd, the first book in the Awen Trilogy, AWEN RISING, is available for FREE. Yep. You read that right. FREE. Click on the book cover to "buy" the first book for free from 8/18 through 8/22/21.

If you would like to read a sample, you can go here - or click on the "Read Inside" Cover on the top left of its Amazon page.

Buy Awen Rising (FREE)

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

From Wednesday, August 18th, through Tuesday, August 24th, the second book in the Awen Trilogy, AWEN STORM, will be on sale for $.99. That's 4 bucks cheaper than its regular price of $4.99. To know more about Awen Storm, click on the "Read Inside" Cover on the top left of its Amazon page.

Buy Awen Storm - $.99

SOOOOOO...

For $.99, you can own both ebooks! That's a savings of 88%! Click the picture below to buy both ebooks in the Awen Trilogy for $.99. Buy Both Books - $.99 LASTLY... I'd like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU! Your loving support over the last two years has helped many new readers find my Awen Trilogy! Am I shooting for many, many more of each? You bet I am. The deeper I get into this writing career, the more I love it. And the more ideas I have for new books! Y'all keep reading and I'll keep writing! That Rebel, Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O. J. Barré P. S. If you're in a sharing mood, it would be awesome if you would spread the word! Simply copy the URL in the browser bar (or here: https://thatrebelwithablog.blogspot.com/2021/08/fun-fast-sexy-urban-fantasy-end-of.html) and share it on Facebook - or Twitter - or Instagram - or TikTok - or any other social media, or even your blog! OR, you can email it to anyone you think might be interested in reading the Awen Trilogy - and thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your help in getting the word out! O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen Trilogy, a pre-apocalyptic urban fantasy 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, is on preorder and will be released in 2022. All are (or will be) available in both paperback and ebook. O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is available in ebook on Amazon or by signing up for her newsletter. The second, The Druids of Marduk, Part II: UnderEarth, an ebook novella, is available on Amazon. Part III: AboveEarth, is scheduled for a 2022 release.