Guest Post & Contest with Author Brenda Pandos

Today on My Overstuffed Bookshelf, I have the pleasure of introducing you to author Brenda Pandos. Brenda is the author of The Emerald Talisman and The Sapphire Talisman.  So let's see what Brenda has in store for us!

What’s a day in the life of a writer for you? 

      I have to laugh because some days I wish that was my only responsibility. My life isn’t that simple. I’ve become good at juggling. I’m a mom of two little guys (2 and 5), a wife, have another business on the side and volunteer at my church. Life is far from simple, though I do my best to streamline it. 

      So really, the question should be “How do you find time to write?” My secret is really my husband. Without his help, I don’t think I’d get any writing done. He’s a gem of a man being the cook and errand runner. We share housework and laundry duties.  

      But, the main thing is, I don’t watch TV (hardly). It’s on for the kids during the day, but off at night. That’s when I write or work on my other projects. Don’t get me wrong, I love TV, especially reality shows, but I had to carve out time somewhere. I also get a sitter during the day 1 or 2 times a week for a few hours. 

      So typically my day starts with my littlest asking “Wanna get out” from his room around 6:30-7:00. We do the “check email, eat breakfast, get ready, get brother up for school, clean-up house, laundry” shuffle. Some days I get a sitter or am able to find a moment to organize and write a tiny bit (or reread from the night before), but mostly it’s all about my youngest and his needs. Somewhere in there I do a tweet search for any reviews and stalk myself on Goodreads. It’s a sickness. At noon, I pick up the older one from school, we have lunch, then the little one naps (hopefully for two hours). I squeeze in more work. Little one gets up, Daddy comes home, we have a snack then go to the gym. Night-time routine consists of baths, dinner, kids running through the house like Indians, corralling them up and reading a story, prayers and hopefully bed by 8:30. Hubby and I crash on the couch (and he literally crashes) and I write in quiet. Or Farmville. That’s another sickness I have. 

For fun, I thought I’d include who I’d want to play my characters in a movie: 

      Charlie Weber would make a stunning Nicholas. Blake Lively is adorable and perfect for Julia. Matthew Czuchry (as a blonde) would make an excellent Phil. But, these could change tomorrow if I find someone that fits better.

Thank you so much for stopping by Brenda!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brenda Pandos is a web-designer who lives in California with her husband and two energetic children. Shortly after the birth of her second son, Brenda's oldest was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder that turned her world upside-down. Her life became round the clock feedings with a newborn and a daily stream of tutors working to help her son. She craved a meaningful escape. The main concepts of THE EMERALD TALISMAN came to her in the wee hours of the morning as she reminisced the good old days when she lived with her best friend in the Santa Cruz Mountains. As a young girl, Brenda was a hopeless romantic, constantly lost in a fantasy world in her backyard of knights on white horses, mermaids and evil villains. As a teen, shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Interview with a Vampire intrigued her. With the encouragement of a friend after writing one chapter, she continued on to complete her first manuscript. THE EMERALD TALISMAN is a compilation of what the author would like to happen if she ever happened to encounter a real vampire.

For more info on Brenda, visit her site(s):
-Website
-Blog
-Twitter
-Facebook

The Emerald Talisman is available for purchase here

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CONTEST!!

Thanks to Brenda, she has generously donated a copy of The Sapphire Talisman for one lucky person to win! 

RULES:

1. USA and Canada only please.

2. No need to be a follower of my blog, but I would love it if you would be!

3. Please leave a comment with an email address for initial entry.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Share this contest in a blog post! 

(leave a link in a separate comment)

2. Tweet the following:

I want to read The Sapphire Talisman by @brendapandos !!

(leave a direct link to your tweet in a separate comment)

CONTEST ENDS ON JAN 22, 2011

GOOD LUCK!!!