Hello, Author’s Lounge! My name is Alex Brown and I recently published my first book, A House Named Haven on Amazon. This book is the beginning of a trilogy, The Tale of Rose and Ed. I’m currently working on the second and third books.

This is a story about stories and their importance in our lives, simply put. The narrator is removed from the time and events of the story, but invites the reader to listen as they tell this tale. It follows two siblings, Rose and Ed, as they travel to their grandfather’s house for an extended visit. The children explore a seemingly enchanted wood, and wander through a house full of secrets and stories. But that is not all this story contains. There’s more to the story, of course, as there always is. There are sinister plots, cruel intentions, betrayals of trust, and devastating heartbreak in this tragic tale as well.

I was inspired to write this story because of my grandmother, who told my sisters and me stories late at night as we grew up. This story is, in part, an homage to her storytelling to us. It’s also an homage to storytelling in general. But it’s also a look at the reason we tell such stories to each other. Stories, after all, are reflections of our lives and capable of bringing out many things: love and loss, tragedy and triumph. I wanted to tell a story that would bring out the wonders of childhood, the love of family, and a fascination with stories which we all carry with us.

My target audience for this book is listed as for young adults, but I’d open it up by saying that anyone who appreciates stories will find something enjoyable in this book. The main characters are 10 and 12 years old, but I don’t think that should limit the audience in any way. I believe that stories are meant to be shared and I hope to share this one with whomever wants to read it.

When I was writing the book, I wasn’t thinking of a particular age group (which I know is a terrible marketing choice). I wrote it for the person who loves reading and books. I wrote it for the person who dreams of telling stories to other people, for seeing the light in their eyes and the smiles on their faces as they listened. I wrote it for me, the me who was a child growing up with my nose in books, and for me, the me who still has my nose in books to this day. And if any of that also describes you, then I wrote it for you as well, regardless of your age.

Growing up, we don’t always think of the meaning behind the story, we just enjoy (or don’t enjoy) the story for what is told. If nothing else, if you take a chance on such a story as mine, I hope that you enjoy it. There’s always more meaning to a story, but if you’re already reading stories, then you know the underlying message of mine – there is an importance in telling stories.

While I don’t know much about marketing my book or any other stories I write, my goal is to continue to grow, in the entire process of writing. This is a craft that no one is the master of, as it’s been said before, and I’d like to continue that learning experience. I know I’ll make mistakes (I’ve already made some, I’m sure), but that’s all part of the process. My plan for this book is to continue sharing it with others. If it’s liked or not liked doesn’t matter much to me (at least, I’ll try to tell myself that). If it is enjoyed by even one person other than myself, that’s enough for me. That’s more than enough.

Besides working on finishing up The Tale of Rose and Ed, I’ve begun dabbling with writing short stories (There are several short stories scattered throughout A House Named Haven which I thoroughly enjoyed writing). My goal for myself is to post one a week on my website: Home | Alex Brown (wixsite.com). If short stories interest you, it’d be my humble pleasure to share mine with you. Other than that, I have a Twitter account (@ARealBookworm) where I post writing updates and sometimes funny quips as well (At least, I think they’re funny). Laminate Flooring

Beyond that, there’s not much to tell. Again, thanks to the Author’s Lounge for asking about writing this article – it’s my first (can you tell?) – about my book. And, thanks to you, Dear Reader, if you’ve made it all the way to the end. If you decide to read my book, I thank you kindly, more than mere words can express. I can’t promise that you’ll like it, but I can promise that I poured my love of stories and writing into it and told it as best I was able. If you do like it, I have a humble request: share it with someone else, someone you think might also enjoy it as well.

Gratefully,

Alex Brown