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NEW Project Underway for 2018!

While it’s still very much in its infancy, I’m so excited about an idea I’ve been constructing of late!

It’s still too early to give much away, but suffice it to say it encompasses post-Civil War America. But not the parts in Reconstruction mode we all think about and get sentimental for.

It’s taken more research than I thought I’d put into a book, but hopefully that will pay off in bringing truth to light.

And most importantly, I hope you enjoy it as much as you’ve enjoyed other projects. Baptisms & Dogs, Wheelman, and Swimming the E. were all largely passion projects from personal experience and growth. This one isn’t memory-driven at all, but rather, an overflow of interest regarding a region. There. I’ve said too much.

It’s being composed as a quasi-illustrated novellette. (Say that 5 times really fast.)

And as much as I’d like to share sketches, plot, and a forthcoming title…it’s still too early in the game to do so.

However, my promise is to get these things to you soon. If you promise me, you’ll share the heck out of it once it becomes a real, living breathing thing.

 

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Chattanooga Book Signing, Thursday!

Book Signing with Brian L. Tucker

Star Line Books loves to have local writers in the shop, and Brian Tucker is no exception. A great friend of Star Line, Brian will be joining us in the shop for a reading and signing of his most recent novel, Swimming the Echo.  Born in Monticello, KY, Brian is an immense talent, who has lived in the foothills of the Appalachians, Houston, and eastern North Carolina. His fiction has appeared in more than twenty publications. He is an alumnus of the Eastern Kentucky University Bluegrass Writers Studio and was a finalist for the Linda Bruckheimer Series in Kentucky Literature Award for his collection, Baptisms & Dogs. He currently lives in Chattanooga, TN with his wife, LeahSWIMMING THE ECHO, was released May 30th by eLectio Publishing.

 

About the Book:

It’s an adventure of a lifetime. When a summer job to explore Mammoth Cave lands in Cade Rainy’s lap, he doesn’t think twice. The teen from Southern Kentucky makes a break for it. But when he finds his dad is connected to a man working at Mammoth, Cade discovers there’s more to this trip than meets the eye. AND THE CAVE IS JUST THE START. Cade sets out to map the real route of twisted lies through fissures and stalactites, battling claustrophobia and bats.

EXPLORE. ADVENTURE. DON’T DIE.

 

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New Book COVER Reveal, today at 4pm

In March, it was announced that Wheelman would get a facelift.

Today, I shared the NEW Wheelman cover on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. But, I also wanted to share a brand new image I received from my publisher for my newest work, Swimming the Echo, which launches this month (5.30.17) with eLectio Publishing!

The image for Swimming the Echo will be shared online at 4pm today. I hope you are as excited as I am. These works of fiction are something I look forward to sharing with you.

Currently, Wheelman and Baptisms & Dogs: Stories are both available as Kindle ebooks for $5 total!

Share the love. Take a book on vacation.

Brian

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In 3 Months: My New Novel, Swimming the Echo

Hey all!

In a little over 3 months (5.30.17), my newest novel, Swimming the Echo, will be hitting bookshelves, and I wanted to give you as much notice as possible.

This novel will delve into more backstory of the fictional town of Seton, Kentucky (first featured in my story collection, Baptisms & Dogs (2014)), and the adventures of one youth who takes it upon himself to explore the terrains of love and loyalty.

Here’s an early synopsis:

IT’S AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME.

When a summer job to explore Mammoth Cave lands in Cade Rainy’s lap, he doesn’t think twice.

THE TEEN FROM SOUTHERN KENTUCKY MAKES A BREAK FOR IT.

But when he finds his dad is connected to a man working at Mammoth, Cade discovers there’s more to this trip than meets the eye.

THE CAVE IS JUST THE START.

Cade sets out to map the real route of twisted lies through fissures and stalactites, battling claustrophobia and bats.

EXPLORE. ADVENTURE. DON’T DIE.

EXPLORE. Don’t die.

don’t die

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8 Things about WHEELMAN

(Interviewed on Twitter by Kandi J. Wyatt, author of The One Who Sees Me)  01.18.2016 –

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Question 1: Can you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you find @voxdeipub

Brian: Sure. I grew up in so. KY and met my wife in college. I wrote in graduate school and found @voxdeipub while scouring the web. 🙂

Kandi: What did you write about in graduate school?

Brian: I created a short story collection titled “Baptisms & Dogs” set in the fictional town of Seton, KY. It helped me start (writing).

cover

Kandi: It sounds interesting.

Martin Jones: Hey Brian, your friendly editor here – just popping in!

Question 2: What is your book about?

Brian: #Wheelman is about a teen seeking his father. He goes on a journey in search of hard answers.

Kandi: So is it a YA or middle grade book?

Heather Huffman: Hey everyone!

Kandi: Welcome! Glad to have you.

Brian: Young Adult

Heather Huffman: I’d say young YA.

Kandi: Awesome!

Martin Jones: Definitely YA, some serious themes tackled here!

Question 3: What led you to write Wheelman?

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Brian: A trip with friends to Mexico in 2011 prompted the book #wheelman. It was a great experience albeit dangerous.

Kandi: Can you share what themes besides #humantrafficking Wheelman tackles?

Martin Jones: I think the impact of a broken home and sin is prominent, together with a fair amount of violence!

Kandi: How was it dangerous?

Brian: Drug cartels and beheadings were reported at that time. It was a tough time to travel near Mexico City.

Kandi: That does make for some interesting travel.

Martin Jones: Another question (for Brian) – are any of the characters based on yourself or people you have met?

Brian: That’s a tough one, Martin… I’d say Teddy resembles my dad just slightly. But most were abstract creations.

Question 4: So you’ve done some traveling. Can you tell us about that?

Brian: I love the open road. It’s what generates new memories. Central Mexico is so beautiful. It needs to be written about!

Kandi: Guanajuato is my favorite place. Although I had fun in San Miguel de Allende

Brian: God’s country, right? So pristine and beautiful! I LOVE San Miguel.

Kandi: Right. I love the colors of the houses.

Brian: And the doors. I’ve never seen so many different types of doors.

Kandi: You’re right. The doors in central Mexico are amazing.

Adam Hopper: How did growing up in a small town like Monticello, Kentucky impact the locations in the book?

Brian: #Wheelman tackles travel to and from some unique places. My hometown molded me into what I am today. I love Ky!

Brian: Hi! @pastortabitha Thanks, Tabitha!

Martin Jones: Do you think #Wheelman has any kind of take-away message for the reader?

Brian: Great Q. #Wheelman does. The importance of valuing family is central! Today, tomorrow, everyday. While we can!

Question 5: Do you have any #travel safety tips for us?

Brian: I knew that one was coming! 🙂 Be cautious. I had great taxis in Mexico (and fun). But there’re always risks

Kandi: That there are. Your book gives you a platform to discuss #HumanTraffickingAwareness.

Brian: Yes. It plays a role in the family reunion elements of #wheelman and it was a difficult subject to study.

Kandi: I bet it was. I know I had difficulty sleeping just after writing a blog about trafficking

Question 6: How did you become aware of human trafficking?

Brian: Drug/human trafficking are prevalent not only in other parts of the world but US- all 50 states #IJM helped me for #Wheelman. It messes with us, as it should. Knowing the world has such intense events happening daily – wakes us up!

Kandi: It makes us realize there is more to life than our happy little corner.

Martin Jones: Without revealing spoilers – we might differ slightly on this but would you say the book has a happy ending?

Brian: You all brought the real Qs. 🙂 Haha. I would say quasi-happy. It depends on the reader’s idea of win vs. lose though.

Kandi: I think that is key to any ending of a book.

Martin Jones: Gotta say I love the title #Wheelman – says so much about the book in a word – both sides of the story #goodevil

Brian: Amen! #Wheelman is to the point. Our team really made it happen.

Martin Jones: Yeah, I wish I could take credit for the title #lol

Brian: You CAN!

Question 7: What kinds of testing of faith have you experienced either while writing or that prompted you to write?

Brian: Learning about trafficking and realizing that all sins are equal … caused me to write more definitely. Scars are lasting.

Kandi: Scars are lasting! Oof. That they are. We can end #humantrafficking

Question 8: If people want to help end #humantrafficking what do you suggest they do?

Brian: Playing an active role in their daily lives, online and in person. We have an opportunity to @endtraffick ing

Kandi: Where can we find you online?

Brian: Online- https://brianltucker.com, Instagram: bltuck2, amazon at: http://amazon.com/author/tuckerb, and even on Goodreads at: Brian L. Tucker

#Wheelman releases Feb 2 on #groundhogday and my father’s birthday! It’ll be on @amazon and other major websites

Kandi: Can’t wait for it. Thanks so much everyone for joining, and congratulations, @thebriantucker

Brian: Thanks again, Kandi J Wyatt! I appreciate your time. Have a great night!

Kandi: Thanks again for the time. I’m off to eat dinner with the family.

 

-End of Interview-

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The Last Day Is Today!

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Final Day for Grabbing Your FREE Copy of “Baptisms & Dogs: Stories” on Kindle (& other Amazon devices) at:

http://ow.ly/R8QNU

 

Current standing is

 

Let’s see if it can break ‘Top 100’ today!

 

 

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Words from a Bull Outside the China Shop

bull(click my picture. I won’t bite.)

Only 2 days left – ‘BAPTISMS & DOGS: Stories’ by B.L. Tucker – on and other digital thingies.

Get it now, at:

 

Description:

Baptisms & Dogs is set in the small town of Seton, Kentucky.

The residents are grumpy, jobs scarce.

In these “slice of life” moments, it’s anything but warm, puppy dog tales. From sunup to sundown, this 581-person town looks over its shoulder, praying for release.

Will it come?

 

 

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Baptisms & Dogs free on Kindle this week!

Hey readers, BAPTISMS & DOGS – FREE promotion on Kindle (Monday – Friday)!

“Baptisms & Dogs” is set in the small town of Seton, Kentucky. The residents are grumpy, jobs scarce. In these “slice of life” moments, it’s anything but warm, puppy dog tales. From sunup to sundown, this 581-person town looks over its shoulder, praying for release. Will it come? Available on Amazon at:

http://amzn.com/B00LAFKRBQ

If you’ve already read BAPTISMS & DOGS, would you consider helping us spread the word about the free download?

 
Be Sociable, Share!

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One-Year Anniversary of “Baptisms & Dogs: Stories”!!

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It’s been a year since its debut! The story collection I never imagined would see daylight..let alone printing presses. (It went to WASHINGTON, DC, at one point, Thanks to Matt Smith and the Marine Barracks, and their private library there. I never imagined real heroes would be reading it. EVER!) It’s been a crazy process, and I admit it’s been a BIG learning curve. From where to submit stories to what types of writing conferences to attend, I’ve learned A TON. And, I still feel like a novice. 🙂

Thanks to Leah for remaining patient with my trips to South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and coffee shops around Chattanooga. I’ve tried to motivate her with, “Hey, one of the future novels will take place in the fictional town of Seton, Kentucky.” I’m not sure she’s convinced, but if you see her, tell her to give it a chance in 2015, 2016, 2017, etc. How ever long it takes, I guess. (*insert nervous laughter*)

Thanks to Leah, Nathan Davis, and Lindsey Frantz for taking a look at this new idea. It consumed a good chunk of 2014-2015, and it’s still undergoing changes, but I’m optimistic to do something with it before the year’s end. While my tentative title isn’t nearly as clever as Russell Helm’s Sprinkle Cheese (to be released later this fall as The Ground Catches Everything), I still hope you consider reading my work, Beef Jerky for All, when it’s published.

Similarly, the 2015-2016 (and newest) project is underway and gaining some steam. It doesn’t have a witty title yet. (It’s the Seton, KY revisiting…and I hope to complete its first draft this summer. We can all make Christmas wish lists, right?)

I write all of this to say, Thank you again for the support–lovely readers. Readers of this blog. Readers of anything I’ve sat down to try and muster up the courage to complete. Prayers appreciated for the journey ahead. It’s exciting and daunting all at once. Like a deep dish, meat lover’s pizza from La Rosa’s. It’s beautiful and scary all at once. You have to dig in and burn the roof of your mouth. Because you know…it’s worth it.

 

God bless you this week!