What people are saying about Brandy’s story consultations & classes:
“I love working with Brandy Vallance. My writing has improved because of her valuable feedback. She’s helped me infuse more emotion into my writing, amp up my descriptions, and tell my story to the fullest. Her critiques have definitely made me a more well-rounded author.” ~Cindi Madsen, USA Today bestselling author
“When it comes to developing a story, Brandy’s skill goes far beyond the mechanics of writing. She has a gift for going deep. Brandy challenged me to mine the themes I’m passionate about, fueling my creative process. Her comments on my work led to increased clarity and direction, and her instinct for metaphorical language was invaluable in the process of polishing my manuscript.” Evangeline Denmark, author of Curio & The Ice Child
“As an aspiring novelist, I approached Brandy to get help with a manuscript that I’d struggled with for months. After spending countless hours planning, outlining, and drafting a story, something just wasn’t right. Like any good student of the craft, I thought I knew the basics (show don’t tell, use adverbs sparingly, make sure your protagonist is active and someone readers can relate to on a visceral level, etc.), but it wasn’t until Brandy offered her expert critique of my early draft that I realized where I’d gone wrong. She saw everything from major plot issues to minor typographical errors, and I have to say that she really gave my creative mind a workout that has no doubt made it much stronger. A few days working with her is like having a private MFA level writing workshop. The icing on the cake is that Brandy offers positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout the entire process. That’s something aspiring writers can really appreciate. If you’re serious about getting your writing to the next level, I highly recommend Brandy’s critique services. You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll write better.” ~J.D. Brooks
“Many thanks to Brandy for her professional critique of my first novel. Utilizing her knowledge and experience, she annotated the section I sent her not just with spotlights of what should be changed but also with explanations why. She further reinforced these notes and answered my questions with a valuable time of face-to-face conversation. I am confident that the time and money spent in the critique were wisely spent and that I am a better writer and my book is of higher quality thanks to Brandy.” ~Michele Wilder
“I love the way she described the revisions stages as working together like a tapestry. That makes it sound so much more creatively satisfying. Great Master Class!” ~Rebeka Dorris
“I saw the email about this Master Class last evening and made a mental note about it. I went to bed, slept about two hours, and awoke with this class on my mind. I had to get up and watch it! Brandy touched on so many things I needed to hear, like the feeling of nakedness when writing about deeply personal, never-disclosed things. This Master Class sent shivers down my spine and inspiration racing through my head. It’s a funny kind of excitement—one that feels like being strapped to a hang-glider for the first time and you’re about to be pushed off a cliff! Thank you so much!” ~Kathleen Kidder
Writing Endorsements:
“Let Brandy’s debut novel transport you to an entirely fresh time and place where you’ll soon forget you’re turning pages and find yourself riveted to the destinies of characters who’ll leave a lasting impression on your heart.” ~Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times bestselling author
“I love a good romance! I’m so happy that new author Brandy Vallance has given us one filled with adventure, truth and grace!” ~Stasi Eldredge, co-author of Captivating, New York Times bestselling author
“Superb historical romance, with a spiritual theme woven seamlessly throughout. I much enjoyed The Covered Deep and look forward to more from its author!” ~James Scott Bell, #1 bestselling author of the craft classic Plot & Structure, as well as Revision & Self-Editing for Publication, The Art of War for Writers and Conflict & Suspense
“Vallance combines unique characters, historical facts, and powerful writing to transport readers to 19th-century Scotland. Vallance’s spunky characters must battle for their faith and overcome systemic barriers, including poverty and discrimination…The journey is wonderful and Vallance uses an engrossing narrative to speak about delicate social issues in this impressive tale.” ~PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“Lushly descriptive and emotionally evocative with touches of humor and spunk to drive the romance along, “Within the Veil” is not only lovely to read but entertaining, as well. Add this one to your TBR — it should not be missed! Highly recommended!” ~USA TODAY
“Passionate and riveting (with an absolutely gorgeous cover) Brandy Vallance’s sophomore novel is impossible to put down until every last glimpse of Alasdair and Feya has been fully savored. The romantic tension steals your breath, yes, but the timely themes of racism and discrimination, synesthesia and abstinence, elevate this story to one of beautiful depth and make it exceedingly relevant for today’s readers.” ~RT BOOK REVIEWS, TOP PICK
“One of the most passionately and powerfully written tales I’ve had the pleasure of reading, “Within the Veil” is an irresistible blend of Victorian Britain and Gypsy history with a refreshingly unique hero and unforgettable heroine. Written with the same panache that won her the Operation First Novel Contest, this second novel is sure to win many reading hearts. I only hope Feya and Alasdair’s story has a sequel!”
~Laura Frantz, author of “A Moonbow Night”
“Lush and poignant, “Within the Veil” is a treasure in the historical fiction field. From the first page, Brandy Vallance’s determined characters jumped into my heart and made me root for them equally–even as they fought each other and surprised me on every page. Vallance feeds all the senses and emotions while leading us through a fascinating story of Gypsies in Scotland–and the horrible racism that knows no age. Fans of Liz Curtis Higgs’ Scottish novels will love Within the Veil, and readers of all historical romance will lose themselves in this gripping, page-turning read.”
~Sally Bradley, author of “Kept”
“A lovely debut that pushes every emotional button as its sigh-worthy hero and plucky heroine struggle with vagaries of the heart,honesty, trust, and forgiveness. I laughed, caught my breath, nibbled my nails, got all teary-eyed, and sighed.” ~Tamara Leigh, Award winning best selling author of “Lady of Eve” and “The Unveiling”
“A decadent, mysterious and completely absorbing debut, with brilliant dialogue and a cascade of well-thought plot twists. Through a story infused with history and the expert weaving of faith, I was captured to the very last page. Vallance’s debut is Christian fiction at its finest; a stunning debut every historical reader will devour and keep on their favorites shelf for years to come.” ~Kristy Cambron, Author of “The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin”
“Superb historical romance, with a spiritual theme woven seamlessly throughout. I much enjoyed “The Covered Deep” and look forward to more from its author!” ~James Scott Bell, Best selling author of “The Trials of Kit Shannon” Series
“From the first page until the last, “The Covered Deep” felt like falling into another world where the author’s words were as evocative as the plot. I was swept into the story and tumbled along with every bump in the long road between the first blush of hope and the breathlessly gorgeous final scene. Brandy Vallance’s beautifully written tale made me forget everything, including sleep,in order to immerse myself in the story. I will not soon forget this book, nor will I misreading anything else this talented author writes.” ~Kathleen Y’Barbaro-Turner, award winning historical fiction author
“The Covered Deep” examines a compelling question: what can true faith withstand? Set against the backdrop of the Holy Land, Vallance shapes believable characters whose past mistakes threaten their future hopes. With every turn of the page, I found myself more intrigued by this novel.” ~Beth K. Vogt, Author of “Somebody like you”, “Almost Like Being in Love” and other romance novels that are ripe with history and suspense
“The Covered Deep” is fast-paced fiction at its finest. Readers will thrill to the picture perfect descriptions of the Holy Land and touches of humor wrought from Vallance’s skilled pen.” ~Elizabeth Ludwig, Author of “Edge of Freedom” series
“The Covered Deep” is an engaging tale that spans America to Victorian London to the Holy Land. When soon-to-be spinster Bianca Marshal wins an essay contest, the fulfillment of her first place prize sets off not only along hoped for romance, but mystery, intrigue, and danger as well.” ~Kathleen Morgan, award winning author of the “Heart of the Rockies” series
“…. beautifully written and showcases a breakout talent that isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of what is expected in an inspirational historical romance.” ~USA Today”