An Interview with Penelope A Brown

What do you do when your dreams turn into epic stories about advanced civilizations? Penelope A. Brown moved away from the business world to turn those dreams into her debut novel. Penelope is the author of The Gatekeeper's Forbidden Secret and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to interview her.

Please tell us about yourself.

I was originally born and raised in England in a magical little village, which has been the inspiration for my writing.  After moving to America with my family, I attended college and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business.  I worked as a Financial Advisor and later a Business Strategist, before heading an internet company. I longed to write and my passion took hold of me in 2012, when I abandoned all other projects to focus full-time on writing.

Tell us about The Gatekeeper’s Forbidden Secret.

The Gatekeeper’s Forbidden Secret is part scientific thriller and part epic adventure. Some unlikely souls stumble upon forbidden truths and are faced with difficult life-changing decisions, all while keeping the ultimate secret.

What inspired your story?

I used to have vivid dreams about fantasy landscapes and advanced civilizations. I would always keep journals until I finally put my overactive imagination to work in the form of a novel.

I read that you grew up in England. I remember being stunned by the architecture and stories that sprung up at every location. Do you feel having experience living in multiple countries adds to your stories?

Yes, the backdrop of England is essential to the mystery and magic that is tangled throughout the fibers of my novel.

What is the last book you read that left a lasting impression and why?

The last book I read was Inferno by Dan Brown. Dan Brown incorporates actual history into every work. Some may criticize his technique claiming that it slows the story down, but personally, I enjoying learning new things. 

What is the hardest part of being an author?

I am an introvert, like most authors, so the hardest part of being an author is marketing your book. Also, once people find out what you do, want a thirty second commercial about you. I tend to freeze up in these situations. My sister, who is also an author, suggests groups such as Toastmasters to get over your nerves and always be ready for the spotlight.

Are there any television shows you are hooked on?

My guilty pleasure is Days of Our Lives. Most of the story lines are ridiculous, but the constant conflicts and love triangles lead for interesting television.

Do you have any habits or rituals that help you write?

Great question, no one has ever asked me that, but yes I do.  I always mediate for a few minutes before I write. It helps to clear my mind. I also play suspenseful music when I write. Don’t tell anyone.

If you could take your family on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

One day we will all be going to Venice, Italy! It is definitely on my bucket list. I can see us all in a gondola rowing down the picturesque Grand Canal.

More on The Gatekeeper's Forbidden Secret

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Colin and his sister Addy stumble upon the adventure of a lifetime. Due to some very questionable behavior, and the need to preserve their fathers business interests, they find themselves forced to work at the castle of the Gatekeeper. They befriend the Gatekeeper’s nephew and trust him with an unbelievable story. The nephew is determined to help his new friends, despite his own kept secrets. They all venture into the unknown, trying to figure out what the truth really is. Along the way they encounter colorful creatures, monsters, and traitors. They question their own reality, their strength, and their weaknesses. They discover that things are not always what they seem.

Find it on Amazon!

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