Michael Jason Brandt's Blog
October 28, 2017
Hearts of Fire now live!
I am pleased to announce that Empire Asunder Book 2: Hearts of Fire is officially launched.
October 5, 2017
Hearts of Fire now available for pre-order!
The sequel to Three of Swords is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. It will launch on October 28.
August 26, 2017
The Empire Asunder series begins!
I am pleased to announce the launch of the Empire Asunder medieval fantasy saga. The first book, Three of Swords, is available now on Kindle, and will soon follow in softcover and other eBook formats.
May 16, 2016
Q&A On Plagued, With Guilt with Casus Belli Books
Q: PWG is a long book, particularly for a debut novel. What was behind this decision?
A: I wanted to start with something I could be proud of, even if the book was not a commercial success. So I chose a plot on the grandest scale I could think of—the existence of the human species as we know it. At the same time, I've always liked stories about regular people who rise up from their everyday trials to face extraordinary challenges.
In order to combine these two things, I felt that I couldn't just jump right into "humanity is on the brink." I thought it would be more meaningful to see how individual lives would be impacted by a terrifying pandemic. Doing that required showing those regular, everyday lives first, before events overtake them and turn everything upside-down.
Q: Is the focus of the story more action-based or character-based?
A: Definitely character-based. As a reader, I like stories where I really get to know the characters, so that's the style I use in my writing. There's plenty of action in the book, but readers looking for it from the very beginning will probably be frustrated.
Q: Each chapter starts with a non-narrative opener. What was the purpose of this?
A: In a way, the book tells two stories. The main one, of course, is how a new pandemic affects both the principal characters and society at large. The second is a connection between fiction and real world issues of importance today, such as mental illness and international relations. The novel is meant to be entertaining, but at the same time provide some insight into the world that the reader may not have thought about or even be aware of. So I just scratch the surface on a number of topics as they become relevant to what is happening in the narrative. I know that not every reader will love every one of these, but it is hoped that each reader will be interested enough in one or two them to look into them further.
Q: The use of speech errors in dialogue is somewhat jarring for those of us who have an inner editor. What was the thought behind this, and are you concerned that the book will appear to have errors that might turn off some readers?
A: I can see how it could be confusing, but hopefully it is not overused in the book. Having difficulty with language as an early sign of the disease was done for two reasons. First, it is a realistic symptom that could result from an affliction that rewires the brain. Second, the fact that it is sometimes "jarring"—as you describe it—serves as a tip to an observant reader that such-and-such character is beginning to be affected.
Q: Will there be a sequel?
A: Who can predict the future?
A: I wanted to start with something I could be proud of, even if the book was not a commercial success. So I chose a plot on the grandest scale I could think of—the existence of the human species as we know it. At the same time, I've always liked stories about regular people who rise up from their everyday trials to face extraordinary challenges.
In order to combine these two things, I felt that I couldn't just jump right into "humanity is on the brink." I thought it would be more meaningful to see how individual lives would be impacted by a terrifying pandemic. Doing that required showing those regular, everyday lives first, before events overtake them and turn everything upside-down.
Q: Is the focus of the story more action-based or character-based?
A: Definitely character-based. As a reader, I like stories where I really get to know the characters, so that's the style I use in my writing. There's plenty of action in the book, but readers looking for it from the very beginning will probably be frustrated.
Q: Each chapter starts with a non-narrative opener. What was the purpose of this?
A: In a way, the book tells two stories. The main one, of course, is how a new pandemic affects both the principal characters and society at large. The second is a connection between fiction and real world issues of importance today, such as mental illness and international relations. The novel is meant to be entertaining, but at the same time provide some insight into the world that the reader may not have thought about or even be aware of. So I just scratch the surface on a number of topics as they become relevant to what is happening in the narrative. I know that not every reader will love every one of these, but it is hoped that each reader will be interested enough in one or two them to look into them further.
Q: The use of speech errors in dialogue is somewhat jarring for those of us who have an inner editor. What was the thought behind this, and are you concerned that the book will appear to have errors that might turn off some readers?
A: I can see how it could be confusing, but hopefully it is not overused in the book. Having difficulty with language as an early sign of the disease was done for two reasons. First, it is a realistic symptom that could result from an affliction that rewires the brain. Second, the fact that it is sometimes "jarring"—as you describe it—serves as a tip to an observant reader that such-and-such character is beginning to be affected.
Q: Will there be a sequel?
A: Who can predict the future?
May 7, 2016
10th Annual NIEA Finalist
Plagued, With Guilt was just named a Finalist in the 2015 National Indie Excellence Awards:
http://www.indieexcellence.com/indie-...
http://www.indieexcellence.com/indie-...
January 24, 2016
Goodreads Giveaway Finished
A very warm thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway. Over 1,200 people entered. I will be sending out signed copies of the novel to the ten winners as soon as I'm no longer buried beneath eight feet of snow...
January 15, 2016
PWG Giveaway
Plagued, With Guilt is now in the midst of a Goodreads Giveaway. Enter by January 23rd for your chance to win a signed copy.
