Naranjo originally published Childish Things in May 2006, and said it was well-received by those who read it. However, with almost no distribution and limited marketing, the work was doomed to fail.
“This time will be different,” said Kimberlee Williams, Vanilla Heart’s managing editor.
“Brian’s books will be available through all the major book distributors world-wide, and widely available online,” she explained. “Plus, our marketing department is targeting book stores all over the United States, including major chains and mom-and-pop outlets. And we’re going to get Brian out there to meet his readers, through book readings and signings.”
Williams added that the quality of Naranjo’s products makes them an easy sell. “Brian has a unique, straight-forward approach to his writing. His style draws you into the story from Page 1, and you’re soon in the thick of the plot. I fell in love with his finely crafted characters in both books,” she said.
The Tamale List is a light-hearted but fictional look at a cul-de-sac in Middle America, where for years resident white families have enjoyed their comfortable, well-established existence. But it all threatens to unravel when a Hispanic family moves into the neighborhood. Through a series of events and a couple of twists and turns, the people come to realize they’re not so different after all, according to Naranjo.
“It’s not exactly social commentary,”
“But Childish Things hits much closer to home,” Naranjo continued. “It’s based on my life growing up, and focuses on a young man out of high school, who’s coming to terms with a decision he made to join the Navy. The book starts on this character’s last night before boot camp. He gets together with his favorite cousin, and the two reflect on their childhood. There are a lot of crazy, goofy anecdotes, but the central theme is about living life to its fullest, and never giving up.” Some of the novel’s significant plot developments are set in the small town of Conroe, TX, which Naranjo compares to Manhattan.
“Both cities are similar in that the town is small, but not too small,” he said. “There’s still lots to see and do.”
Naranjo, a native Texan, joined the U.S. Navy in 1990, and served on active duty for a total of nearly 10 years. Today, he works for the U.S. Army at Fort Riley, KS.
“It makes it interesting during the annual Army-Navy football game,” he said with a grin.
For Naranjo, just being a “real” author makes all the difference in the world, from the feeling of satisfaction he gained, to the level of service he’s enjoyed from the publisher.
Through Vanilla Heart, Naranjo has worked daily with the company’s entire team, reviewing cover concepts, promotional giveaway items, and a wide range of copy and content editing. And the price is right, he added. “Well, they get paid when my books sell, so it’s a great incentive,” he said with a laugh. “Seriously, Vanilla Heart has been a real breath of fresh air, in every way.”
Naranjo said he’s excited at the opportunity to visit different bookstores and libraries in Manhattan, Topeka and other Kansas cities. “A year ago, I couldn’t find Kansas on a map, but my family and I have really come to enjoy living here. This state has become a great home.”
For more information, including announcements about Mr. Naranjo’s books and updates, his video trailers, or to schedule an event, please contact Vanilla Heart Books and Authors or visit Brian Naranjo at http://www.briannaranjo.com.
