Moving & Retirement Anxiety

This time last week, the movers were done unloading us at our new place in Cheyenne. I was making our beds, exhausted and on my last ounce of strength. The thought of climbing between the sheets was all that kept me going.

Since then, we have unpacked most of the kitchen and our bed and bath stuff, though much is still in boxes in the garage. We're slowly pulling out what is needed and relegating the rest to longer-term storage - down in the partially-finished basement. Soon we will need to tuck our cars in from the weather. But for now, the skies are clear, and the temps are fabulous, topping out at around 80F, with lows in the 50s. I'm grateful to have escaped the extreme heat that continues to plague the Nampa/Boise area, and I pray relief comes to them soon.

On Saturday, feeling the need for brighter and more color in my life, I ventured to the nearby TJ Maxx, arriving as they opened. Though intent on finding orange bathroom towels, I detoured down a clothes aisle and scored! Six new colorful and desperately needed tops came home with me. Plus the towels I mentioned and a few other things. Now today, I've settled on a fabulous (and even more colorful) shower curtain courtesy of Amazon.

My New Shower Curtain

I also left a message for Dr. Dierenfield's Cheyenne office. He's the one Activator chiropractor showing on their website, and I'm in dire need of an adjustment. Plus, who knows, he might be in the market for a part-time chiropractor.

Because the thing is - it feels weird not "having a job." And stranger still not knowing there's a paycheck coming in every other week. I could live on my Social Security check - if I had to. But I'd rather not. And I don't want to deplete my limited savings. Especially with the way prices are skyrocketing.

And that brings me to the main reason for this post.

There's this fluttery, nervy feeling I keep getting in my gut,  a mini/micro freakout. I'm sure you've experienced something similar. Like when an airplane hits an air pocket and for those few moments there's no support beneath you. It could also be described as... a big gulp, butterflies, a sense of foreboding or impending doom, waiting for the other shoe to drop, or the shit's about to hit the fan. (Click the gif below to hear Lucy.)

For those who have taken the "retirement" leap with or without a safety net, is this normal? Please tell me it is. I felt it a few times before leaving Idaho and assumed it was related to the immensity of the move. But we arrived at our new place on Saturday (the 13th), and our stuff showed up last Monday. Then as the week ticked by, I began feeling it again throughout the day. Over the weekend, it eased. Now it's Monday again, and the gut-grab is back in full force.

What the hay?

Curious, I googled "is it normal to get moments of panic after retiring?", and found a website called Sixty & Me. This article says YES. It's a real thing. So does Forbes.

From the Forbes website:

Retirement planning expert Sally Hurme, JD, says, “it can be kind of scary shifting from earning a regular paycheck to living off of your hard-earned savings month after month.”  ...You suddenly need to arrange your own cash flow instead of having it provided by your employer. Can you blame a person for feeling some panic? 

So, yes, retirement anxiety, and even panic, is a real thing—one I am bumping up against. I guess the real challenge is to not freak out to the point that I jump back into chiropractic rather than putting myself on a writing schedule. If I stay the course, finish and publish Awen Tide, then advertise the heck out of the trilogy, hopefully, I'll have money streaming in rather than gushing out.

Can I do it? We shall see. Wish me luck!

Until next time,

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

P.S. I could not keep the appointment with the neurosurgeon on the 11th. There was too much to do on that last critical day of the move. But I AM hoping to get a Zoom visit with Dr. Martinez to discuss what I should do about the benign mediastinal tumor.

P.P.S. As it turns out, Dr. Martinez does not make telehealth appointments, so it's time to punt. That means I will investigate my options here in Wyoming over the coming months.

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen Trilogy, a fun, fast, and epic 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.

Free For Subscribers

O. J.'s Awen Prequel novelette, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is also 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.

Publication Delay + Free Chapters

It is now official. And while it may seem like old news, the last day to upload Awen Tide's manuscript to make the extended preorder release date has passed. I knew it was coming, and as I told you before, I felt lower than whale poo about delaying publication. Then this morning, I received the anticipated (but dreaded) communique from KDP.

Oddly enough, this message brought a sense of relief rather than further angst. Now I can finish writing the all-important third and final volume of the Awen Trilogy without the crushing weight of an outside deadline looming over my head. As an added and much-appreciated benefit, the joy of writing returns. 

Hallelujah.

On the 16th, the twenty-six people who preordered Awen Tide will receive the official notice from KDP. That same day, I will send out a newsletter offering an opportunity to read the first several chapters for free. 

The chapters may not be complete, and they will likely require further edits. They may appear in a different order (or not at all) once the book is published. But rather than getting NOTHING on the preorder release date, I hoped this might help allay your thirst.

NOTE: If you are not subscribed to the mailing list, you will need to do so to gain access to the free chapters. Just click the picture below and follow the prompts. Doing so will also get you a free copy of my first Awen prequel - The Druids of Marduk, Part I.

I promise to have the rest available soon.

Have a happy, productive, and restful week!

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

Free For Subscribers

O. J. Barré is the author of the Awen Trilogy, a fun, fast, and epic 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 also 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.

Looking Forward to Spring

Hello, March! It's almost Spring!

In the Southwest corner of Idaho, Spring comes late. But its first signs are everywhere.

Nampa, ID - March 4th - Sap Rising

The sap is rising in the trees and bushes, coloring their branches yellow, red, and other hues of spring. And some have even pushed out leaf buds, like the Roses of Sharon in the downtown lot where I park for work.

Yesterday, I searched our backyard and found the hyacinth bulbs and daffodils planted last summer are beginning to stick their distinctive green heads above the ground. And last year's crop of long, skinny cones has begun dropping from the Weeping Norway Spruce trees guarding the front of the house.

Weeping Norway Spruce at NE Corner

Now, this morning, I spotted my first two robins of the season perched on the neighbor's roofline. Robins rarely visit bird feeders, but they were eyeing ours, so I suspect they had come to see what all the fuss was about.

And while I am enjoying the warmer weather and the signs of coming spring, I am also a bit apprehensive. Heck, I may even be in pre-mourning for my sister and my writing partner, both of whom are leaving me (and Idaho) behind for a spell. My sister (and roommate) will be gone for two months; my writing partner, a whole year.

Rare Selfie with Rambo

Meanwhile, I'll stay behind in Nampa, where I will finish Awen Tide, then move on to complete Part III of the Awen Prequel, The Druids of Marduk, AboveEarth.

And then?

Hmm...

Should I tell you about that? It's not really a secret. Should I? Shouldn't I? Should I? Shouldn't I?

Hmm. Alright. I will.

Once the trilogy and prequel are completed and published, I plan to explore a new skill. 

SCREENWRITING. 

Yup, dear Rebels. You read that right. Yours truly is going to try her hand at writing a screenplay.

And if/when I get good enough at it, I plan to turn the Awen Trilogy into a screenplay. Starting with Awen Rising. Who knows how long that might take. But in the not-too-far-out-there-distant future, you will be able to see the Awen Universe at the theater or on TV!

Can I get an amen?

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 fun, fast, and epic 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 also 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.

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.

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.

Happy Anniversary + Huge SALE!

Guess what, y'all! Awen Storm celebrates its first publishing anniversary on May 26th. Time certainly has wings, doesn't it?! Even when we're all stuck at home!

To commemorate the happy occasion, I'm offering huge discounts on my ebooks for the next five days.

From today, May 20th, through Monday, May 24th, the first book, AWEN RISING, is free. Yep. You read that right. FREE. Click the link to "buy" my free ebook between 5/20 and 5/24, or click on the picture below.

Click to "Buy" Awen Rising Now

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

From Thursday, May 20th, through Wednesday, May 26th, the second book in the trilogy, AWEN STORM, is on sale for $.99. That's 4 bucks cheaper than its regular price of $4.99.

Click to Buy Awen Storm for $.99

So, for $.99, you can own both ebooks. That's a savings of 88%! If you want to buy both books for $.99 in one click, use this link or click on the picture below.

Click to Buy Both eBooks for $.99

LASTLY...

I'd like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU! Your loving support over the last eighteen months has helped many new readers find my Awen Trilogy!

Here is what you have done so far.

Since July 2019:

Awen Rising has sold over 150 copies, been downloaded 3,867 times, and had 12,343 pages read through the Kindle Unlimited program.

Since May 2020:

Awen Storm has sold over 130 copies, been downloaded 1,039 times, and had 5,601 pages read through the Kindle Unlimited program.

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!

Do you know anyone else who likes to read? If so, please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think might be interested in reading the Awen Trilogy.

That's all, rebels! I'll be back in a week or so to let you know how many new readers we gained from our Anniversary sale.

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, arrives in late 2021. And the Awen prequel, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is also available on Amazon.

The Druids of Marduk, an Awen Prequel

Good news, y'all! The first part of the Awen prequel, The Druids of Marduk, Part I, is complete and will soon be live on Amazon. You may remember me talking about it a couple of months ago, only now it has a new name and a gorgeous cover by 100 Covers. We're still tweaking it a bit, but this is my favorite version so far.

My mailing list subscribers have already received an advance copy. If you would like to read a fast paced sci-fi fantasy adventure, you can request a copy too. Just sign up here. Or on the column to your right. All you need is an eReader.

If you don't have one (like me), you can first download the free Kindle app from Amazon on any device - a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Then load my book and voila, you have an instant read.

Not sure you want to take the time? I hear ya. Even though we're all home a lot more these days, we still don't seem to have much to spare. But I promise, it's a short read - a mere novelette. And I would love to get your feedback before releasing it into the wild world of Amazon. (Warning: the antagonist, a witch goddess named Bé Chuille, is a nasty piece of work and one of her scenes is rather raunchy. The rest is PG-13.)

Here's the book description:

After nine thousand years of peace and prosperity, the Milky Way Galaxy is about to get a rude awakening. Druantia, queen of the Druid world of Marduk, is the only celestial who stands between the galaxy and a race of bloodthirsty Reptilians. Can Druantia convince the Alliance to close its borders to the warring race? Or will the other gods’ ignorance bring disaster upon them all?

To find out, download a free copy of The Druids of Marduk, Part I, today. But get that eReader app first if you don't have one.

In other news, Part II of the prequel is mostly written as well, and III won't be far behind. So keep your eye out for those announcements too.

Just an FYI, only my newsletter subscribers will have access to these advance copies of the Awen prequel. And going forward, they will hear this kind of stuff first. I hate to play favorites because I love you all dearly, but it's a brave new world, Aldus. And this is me, catching up with the times.

But, hey, O.J.? What about that last book in the Awen trilogy? Will Awen Tide still be ready this Summer as promised?

That is the plan. And I am going to do my best to deliver. But events that take place in this Awen prequel shape what happens in the trilogy. And the particulars are revealing themselves in this format.

Said another way, to finish writing the trilogy, I needed to know what happened way-back-when—when the Druids and Reptilians first came to Earth. And this was the easiest way to find out. As an added bonus, you get to take the journey with me. And boy, is it a wild ride.

Happy reading, y'all!

And if you need those links again, click here for my newsletter, and here for the free Kindle app.

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, arrives late Summer 2021. And be on the lookout for her Awen prequel which has more of a sci-fi bent, The Druids of Marduk, available soon on Amazon.