Thursday, June 26, 2014

Interview: The Brede Chronicles by P.I. Barrington



Do you have a specific writing style?

I think that I do. I don’t really have a name for it though. It’s pretty much concise and simple. I don’t use a lot of descriptive prose; I try to work in descriptions of characters, places, things, emotions, and actions into the story in the most direct way I can. Usually that’s through actions, reactions or dialogue. I think I might try to exercise my creative muscles and work in a bit more descriptions, lol!

Do you write in different genres?

Yes. I read all genre’ so I’m fairly familiar with the differences and similarities of them all. The more diverse your reading, the more diverse and better your writing becomes. I try to tell that to authors both new and experienced. I tell them that every genre helps every other genre. You simply cannot be well read enough—it shows in your mastery of the language and all the facets of writing such as dialogue, scenes, emotion, showing not telling—everything really. The more you read outside your own genre, the more writing dexterity you acquire.

If yes which is your favorite genre to write?

Science fiction is my favorite. I believe there is a freedom in writing futuristic worlds even though you do have to be careful not to write something that will be easily obsolete in a few years. But as far as laws, societal behavior, military rules, you have that freedom to create it as you want. Plus, world-building is such a blast for me—it’s fun and interesting. In The Brede Chronicles I was able to mix ancient and future Egyptian culture and twist it how I wanted; how I personally picture it might be in the next century. I kept certain, ageless, cultural items such as shepherding and selling/buying of animals and fowl in marketplaces called souks (the famous Kahn El-Kahlili in Cairo), rugs and material in the souks that hark back to the old “Silk Road” where spices, silk, etc., were traded. However, I did bring an alien race to Egypt that revived the modern economy and created megalithic 1,000 story buildings that are so huge they have several levels just for docking and launching interplanetary ships. They literally dwarf the pyramids and Sphinx!


How did you come up with the title for your latest book?

I knew I wanted Alekzander and Elektra’s story to be a sort of saga and that it would be at least two books. I decided because I liked the last name Brede that I’d have to call it The Brede Chronicles which pretty much sums up what it’s all about.

Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?

Usually the title sort of happens at the time of the premise of the story. Rarely do I wait until the book is finished before I title it. It generally all comes together at once.

What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?

The Brede Chronicles Book Two is underway now though I might give it a sub-title; perhaps “Elektra’s Revenge” or something similar. It’s going to be more expansive in terms of settings and individual character development and plot lines. I also have a vampire crime thriller that’s almost complete.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I can give you this tidbit:

The blast ricocheted off the left engine and its fire skidded across the windshield, surprising Brede who immediately pulled up the Scythe's volt guns. They disengaged from the flanks of the ship, spread like wings and began blasting from revolver barrels. Brede, forced to dip and roll the Scythe, steering the ship where he wanted the guns to fire since they did not have the ability to shoot in various directions; they only shot straight ahead. Brede swore in Amphidian, rolling the ship one last time and dropping it straight down then bringing it up behind the two fighters themselves. He kicked up the speed of the blasts to maximum revolution and rolled the Scythe end over end trying to spread as much destruction as he could before they regrouped.

They surprised him again by stopping, spinning and heading directly at him, guns blazing. But before Brede could respond, the crow's nest gunnery disengaged itself and rose over him. It swung out in an arc, a battery of firepower searing the oncoming ships and then swung the opposite way repeating the damage disabling them both enough to send them limping away to whatever base they originated. Brede overrode the nest gunnery controls and spun it out and down to face him through the windshield.

"See Alekzander," Elektra grinned at him through her own windshield. "Aren't you glad I tagged along? I told you I could back you up."

"Get the fuck in here." He sent it back into hibernation mode and waited for her to join him in the cockpit. "What the fuck do you think you're doing? And how the fuck did you get onboard without me knowing?" He asked when she did.

"I live on the street Alekzander. How do you think I get around?" she still had the stupid smile plastered on her face. Brede clenched his fists to avoid hitting her.

"Why are you here? Didn't I tell you I didn't fucking want you?"

She shrugged and put her boots on the top of control console.

"I figured you needed help so I—"

"Did I not tell you to stay the fuck out of my business Elektra?" He said in an even voice designed to unsettle her and force him to control his temper.

"Well, yeah, Alekzander, but you know I just thought you might need the help and guess what—you did!" She laughed and let it fade as she watched his expression freeze. "I did help you Alekzander," she pointed out quietly.

"If you ever, ever do this again I will kill you Elektra. Don't make the mistake of thinking I won't. You will never come near my business again, do you understand?"

She nodded eyes wide as if the thought of being obnoxious or unwanted never seriously crossed her mind and that she finally understood he meant what he said.

"Okay Alekzander." She pressed her lips together and blinked.

Brede ignored her for the next five hours and she sat in the navigator's seat without speaking.

At last he programmed the Scythe to autopilot and left the cockpit without saying a word. He crawled into his small sleeping space and lay on his back staring at nothing, too furious to think.

"Alekzander?" He heard her voice and turned his head eyeing her.

"What?"

"I—well, I don't have anywhere to sleep, just the jump seats up front."

He said nothing.

"So, um, I was wondering if…maybe I could climb in here with you…"

"Elektra."

"I'm not very big Alekzander I won't take up much space." She said quickly. "It's just that it's very cold up in the pit and…"

Brede closed his eyes and sighed through his nose, a habit that increased when Elektra Tate was around.

"Christ. Alright."

"Thanks!" Her boots were already off and she was up in a second. She lay on her back next to him silent for a long while. Finally she turned her head and looked at him. She reached out and ran a finger down the crease between his brows. "This is from too much frowning Alekzander," she said quietly. "You need to smile more. I bet I could make you smile." She ran her finger along his jaw. Brede said nothing, deciding she was human enough to be enjoyable and that she deserved whatever she got.

Do you have to travel much to do research for your books?

Sometimes, yes. For Isadora DayStar, my sister and I traveled to Great Britain and I found Salisbury Cathedral which was a model for a location in that novel. We visited Tombstone, Arizona which became the inspiration for our historical western. I’m still trying to visit Egypt for The Brede Chronicles!

Who designed the cover of your latest book?

Jared from Off The Wall Creations designed it and I swear he got into my head somehow and pulled that cover out of it! I loved it the second I saw it and have been in love with it ever since! I love Elektra. This cover is perfect!!

Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that you think represents this book?

I think the opening song would be Alekzander’s theme: Katy Perry’s “ET”; it just fits him completely!

"E.T."

You're so hypnotizing
Could you be the devil?
Could you be an angel?

Your touch magnetizing
Feels like I am floating
Leaves my body glowing

They say, be afraid
You're not like the others
Futuristic lover
Different DNA
They don't understand you

[Pre-Chorus]
You're from a whole 'nother world
A different dimension
You open my eyes
And I'm ready to go
Lead me into the light

Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
Infect me with your love and
Fill me with your poison

Take me, ta-ta-take me
Wanna be a victim
Ready for abduction

Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial

[Verse 2]
You're so supersonic
Wanna feel your powers
Stun me with your lasers
Your kiss is cosmic
Every move is magic

[Pre-Chorus]
You're from a whole 'nother world
A different dimension
You open my eyes
And I'm ready to go
Lead me into the light

[Chorus]
Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
Infect me with your love and
Fill me with your poison

Take me, ta-ta-take me
Wanna be a victim
Ready for abduction

Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial

[Bridge]
This is transcendental
On another level
Boy, you're my lucky star

I wanna walk on your wave length
And be there when you vibrate
For you I'll risk it all
All

[Chorus]
Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
Infect me with your love and
Fill me with your poison

Take me, ta-ta-take me
Wanna be a victim
Ready for abduction

Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial

Extraterrestrial
Extraterrestrial

Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extraterrestrial


Calvin Harris’ “Sweet Nothing” featuring Florence Welch! That’s kind of Elektra’s theme—some of the lyrics are haunting and beautiful: “You took my heart and you held it in your mouth. And, with a word, all my love came rushing out…” I love the melody and vocals too.

The Brede Chronicles  
Book 1
P. I. Barrington  

Genre: Science Fiction Romance/Adventure

Date of Publication: June 18, 2014

ISBN-13: 978-1497340831 
ISBN-10:1497340837
ASIN:

Number of pages: 144              
Word Count: 83,000

Cover Artist: Jared from Off the Wall Creations

Book Description:

Half-human Alekzander Brede is a law unto himself…or so he thinks. Elektra Tate, the street orphan who loves him has other ideas. When she betrays him for no apparent reason, he vows to punish her one way or another.

Taking the one thing she treasures most—their son—begins a cat and mouse relationship spanning two planets and costing possibly his life.

Elektra will stop at nothing to save her son but can she overcome Brede’s twisted idea of vengeance?

Excerpt:

The blast ricocheted off the left engine and its fire skidded across the windshield, surprising Brede who immediately pulled up the Scythe's volt guns. They disengaged from the flanks of the ship, spread like wings and began blasting from revolver barrels. Brede, forced to dip and roll the Scythe, steering the ship where he wanted the guns to fire since they did not have the ability to shoot in various directions; they only shot straight ahead. Brede swore in Amphidian, rolling the ship one last time and dropping it straight down then bringing it up behind the two fighters themselves. He kicked up the speed of the blasts to maximum revolution and rolled the Scythe end over end trying to spread as much destruction as he could before they regrouped. 

They surprised him again by stopping, spinning and heading directly at him, guns blazing. But before Brede could respond, the crow's nest gunnery disengaged itself and rose over him. It swung out in an arc, a battery of firepower searing the oncoming ships and then swung the opposite way repeating the damage disabling them both enough to send them limping away to whatever base they originated. Brede overrode the nest gunnery controls and spun it out and down to face him through the windshield. 

"See Alekzander," Elektra grinned at him through her own windshield. "Aren't you glad I tagged along? I told you I could back you up." 

"Get the fuck in here." He sent it back into hibernation mode and waited for her to join him in the cockpit. "What the fuck do you think you're doing? And how the fuck did you get onboard without me knowing?" He asked when she did. 

"I live on the street Alekzander. How do you think I get around?" she still had the stupid smile plastered on her face. Brede clenched his fists to avoid hitting her. 

"Why are you here? Didn't I tell you I didn't fucking want you?" 

She shrugged and put her boots on the top of control console. 

"I figured you needed help so I—" 

"Did I not tell you to stay the fuck out of my business Elektra?" He said in an even voice designed to unsettle her and force him to control his temper. 

"Well, yeah, Alekzander, but you know I just thought you might need the help and guess what—you did!" She laughed and let it fade as she watched his expression freeze. "I did help you Alekzander," she pointed out quietly. 

"If you ever, ever do this again I will kill you Elektra. Don't make the mistake of thinking I won't. You will never come near my business again, do you understand?" 

She nodded eyes wide as if the thought of being obnoxious or unwanted never seriously crossed her mind and that she finally understood he meant what he said. 

"Okay Alekzander." She pressed her lips together and blinked. 

Brede ignored her for the next five hours, and she sat in the navigator's seat without speaking. 

At last he programmed the Scythe to autopilot and left the cockpit without saying a word. He crawled into his small sleeping space and lay on his back staring at nothing, too furious to think. 

"Alekzander?" He heard her voice and turned his head eyeing her. 

"What?" 

"I—well, I don't have anywhere to sleep, just the jump seats up front." 

He said nothing. 

"So, um, I was wondering if…maybe I could climb in here with you…" 

"Elektra." 

"I'm not very big Alekzander I won't take up much space." She said quickly. "It's just that it's very cold up in the pit and…" 

Brede closed his eyes and sighed through his nose, a habit that increased when Elektra Tate was around. 

"Christ. Alright." 


"Thanks!" Her boots were already off and she was up in a second. She lay on her back next to him silent for a long while. Finally she turned her head and looked at him. She reached out and ran a finger down the crease between his brows. "This is from too much frowning Alekzander," she said quietly. "You need to smile more. I bet I could make you smile." She ran her finger along his jaw. Brede said nothing, deciding she was human enough to be enjoyable and that she deserved whatever she got.


About the Author:

After an extended detour through the entertainment industry, P.I. Barrington has returned to writing fiction. Among her experience are radio air talent and the music industry. She lives in Los Angeles.

Her work includes:

Future Imperfect Trilogy (Crucifying Angel, Miraculous Deception, Final Deceit)

Inamorata Crossing/Borealis 1: A Space Opera

Isadora DayStar

The Button Hollow Chronicles: The Leaf Peeper Murders

Free stories on ReadWave.com & Wattpad.com






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