BRI EBERHART

Hey Strangers,

2025 already feels like the longest year of my life, and we’re only one week into February. Send help.

I have good news and bad news. Let’s start with the bad. For full transparency, I’ve been struggling with planning Strangers # 3. Those who’ve read Book Two are aware that there are some … similarities … in what’s happening with the world around us right now. 

I’d be lying if I said it’s easy to come up with a solution for Gemma and Theo when we can’t even seem to figure it out in real life.

I’m doing my best to chip away at it, and I think once I get enough momentum, I’ll be all set. But at this exact moment, it’s like pushing a boulder uphill—I’m getting nowhere, and it’s extremely frustrating.

I miss my characters. I miss that world. I know (for the most part) what needs to happen, but it’s filling in all the details in between.

In other Strangers-related (good) news, I submitted Book One to the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for 2025. We didn’t make it to the finals for 2024, but here’s hoping for a better outcome this year! And I also recorded a podcast with Indiosyncrasy (podcast is called BOOKED) last month, and I believe the episode will be dropping sometime in March!

And speaking of Indiosyncrasy, I highly recommend checking out their website! They feature a new indie author every week and, in general, have over a hundred of us listed on their website. Click the link above to see my page and discover other indie authors.

Now, on the other good news front… because Strangers # 3 has been at such a standstill, I’ve started working on an entirely new project dubbed MONSTERHOUSE (possible real title is DEATH COMES FOR US ALL). It’s an adult paranormal thriller with spirit possessions, generational curses, and a sentient house, just to name a few exciting things. I’ve been having a lot of fun with it, and it’s nice to let the creativity out somewhere. 

But don’t worry. Strangers # 3 is still my main priority. My goal is to finish that series as soon as possible, but it is refreshing to have a brand new project to work on.

Here’s a mood board to set the MONSTERHOUSE vibes:

And just for fun, here’s a mood board for Strangers # 3:

There are a lot of things in motion, but nothing has been finalized as of yet. 

The soonest event: I’ll be a part of a YA author signing at the Barnes & Noble on the Boulevard on 03/01/25, but I’m waiting for the time. You can follow me on Instagram to stay updated with that news! I’ll be posting about it as soon as possible.

I also know I’ll be in Atlantic City on 10/04 this year for RAGE (Readers and Authors Gathering Event), so if you’re out that way, you should swing by my table!

Then, at least five more events are in the works, so I’ll let you know when I can.

Let’s start with the good news first this time! My short story “Right Where It Belongs” was re-published last night in a new magazine: Pulp Lit Mag.

It’s a weird little story about human vices and how our addictions control us. You can find it here. (It starts on page 104.)

Life has also come at me fast and hard. Our eldest cat, Kitty, isn’t doing too great. I will gladly accept any well wishes or positive thoughts you can spare for him. Knowing there’s only so much I can do to help him is devastating. 

On another defeating front, I wanted to mention an app I learned about through Instagram called 5 Calls. Download this app if you want to ensure your voice is heard but aren’t sure where to start. It gives you a list of concerns, your representative contact information, and even a script you can use when you contact them.

Take a stand, and let your government officials know you’re not okay with this.

(Let me tell ya, making three calls a day as an introvert and then trying to plan a revolution for Strangers # 3 has been something.)

Since last month’s newsletter, I’ve read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, The Sweetheart Wager by Tori Samuels, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, The Dark Place by Britney Lewis, Hollow City (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children #2) by Ransom Riggs, and Mosquitoland by David Arnold.

I’m currently reading Once Upon a Dark October by Jessie Thomas and Ninth House (Alex Stern #1) by Leigh Bardugo.

Since this newest project has consumed me, I’ve been repeatedly listening to its playlist:

I’ve really slowed down on TV since starting a second writing project, but I’ve finally made it to Season Four of Ghost Whisperer.

Please take note that this is a system to spotlight other indie authors per their request. These titles have not been vetted and readers are encouraged to do their due diligence beforehand.

Until next time friends!
Stay strange,
Bri