PEN
The Nonessentials
Paperback and Kindle Editions available on Amazon
Purchase in person or online from Village Books (WA) or Broadway Books (OR)
Borrow a paperback copy from the Phoenix and Glendale Public Libraries (AZ)
Overnight, the serene coastal town of Bellingham, Washington erupts into a battleground as a deadly pathogen sweeps through the state, claiming thousands of lives and prompting the Governor to declare Phase Zero. Amid the turmoil, Max Maddison strives to reunite with his loved ones while evading a sinister funeral home director and a psychotic sheriff's army of zombified deputies.
You better buckle your seatbelt and hold on for your life, as this adrenaline-fueled adventure will be a harrowing ride.
The Nonessentials is the first installment of a trilogy.
The Nonessentials II
Paperback and Kindle Editions available on Amazon
Purchase in person or online from Village Books (WA) or Broadway Books (OR)
Max Maddison survived the unthinkable. He and his friends defeated an evil plot that ravaged his home state of Washington, and weeks later, life is just starting to feel normal again. But peace isn’t as simple as flipping a switch—especially for Max.
At least the bloody fiasco is behind him, right? Wrong.
Max's old boss Jim is back, and he’s not just rebuilding—he’s raising an army. And guess what’s in his arsenal? The Beast—Max's beloved Suburban. Oh, and there’s more—something strange is brewing in the desert, far to the south. Max and his friends better gear up for another fight—this time, not only for their lives or their loved ones, but for the fate of the world.The Nonessentials II is the second installment of a trilogy.
News & Events
Arts & Entertainment Spotlight with Margaret Bikman
KMRE Radio, Sep 2024
"… Max Maddison's inner dialogue [is] a never-ending stream of obscenities and hilarity that will leave readers wanting more."
- Mickey Mann, Salish Current (full article)
Readers say...
"The main character, Max, has one of the most relatable internal monologues I have ever come across. I had so many laugh-out-loud moments that I lost count. I recommend it for people with a dark and twisty sense of humor.”
- Kat Darby @lifted_pdx (full video review)
“I'm beating myself up for putting it off for so long! If you like apocalyptic type books with humor, like Zombieland, this is the book for you!”
- Gabrielle @gabereads (full video review)
“I really loved this book, it has a unique way of combining horror comedy with a meaningful and impactful story … Brown has nailed it!”
- Natasha Savage @thrillerreadertash (full video review)
“Don't miss this important new book from a fresh new voice who spins a unique story of ‘My God, this could happen here!’” - Gail Saunders
“The Nonessentials … left me exhausted and emotionally rung out. Horror/sci-fi with comedic highlights, it would make an excellent screenplay—a worthy successor to Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland.” - Mysticmoods
“A great twist on a zombie story. Engaging and hard to put down. Gory and funny.” - Rachel Bess
“Tight, briskly paced story with an interesting plot that wraps up nicely in the end. A good read.” - Lou Kummerer
“Really enjoy a great read that has all aspects of a true thriller, action, and suspense! Can't wait for more to come!” - Jeff E. Evans
“I'm easily distracted by the sound of a cricket. So, being more of an audio book 'reader' myself, this book hits different. The writing had me engaged from start to finish. I wouldn't have even noticed if my house were on fire and firefighters were beating in my door.” - Caleb Brown
Miscellaneous Chaos
Poems
Ready
Ready
I know you want to take from me.
And soon, you will.
Believe me.
This will not end well for you or me.
Are you ready?
Permission granted to hate me,
assault me with your fabricated cries,
I wanna hear your toxic lies inside of me.
Dig deep.
Bleed on me.
But warning,
I'm heavy.
I don't go down easy.
Luckily,
this brick-headed,
hard-wired,
wannabe tough guy was born witty,
bred with clever sewer rat adaptability.
So slap me.
Permission to suck me.
Tuge me.
Toss my cranium into your fiery pit and fuck me—
passionately, wildly, recklessly,
trephinedly.
Believe me.
This will not end well for you or me.
Are you ready?
Eat What's Left
Eat What's Left
You never wanted the whole me,
just the soft parts,
the pieces that gave in under your teeth,
the bits that didn't fight back much.
You took as if I were yours to take,
now look at what's left.
A carcass picked vulture-clean,
a soul that recalls what it felt like
to be complete.
I can see it in your eyes,
you're not finished.
So, go ahead,
eat what's left.
Gnaw through bone if you must,
but when you've taken all of me,
tell me love,
what will you feast on next?
Simon Says
Simon Says
Simon says you're gone,
far away, and forgotten,
but he's a liar.
I see you.
Wild child, born from stardust,
liquid LSD, love, and rage.
Touch me.
Lick me.
Scream until your lungs ache.
I want it.
You need it.
Estrogenic shame,
seasoned with pleasure and pain,
are they the same?
Yes, maybe,
Perhaps one day we'll see,
unil then,
wreck me.
Simon says we move in waves—tsunami,
but he's a liar.
You and me move no more,
like lost souls at sea,
lost lovers dry like
my gin cup,
emptied.
Memories burn inside me,
pains me,
no reason to believe me,
blind eye leading the strange,
foolishly.
Simon says you're gone,
far away, and forgotten,
but he's a liar.
I see you.
I am you,
you are me,
an ocean wave,
moving throught space,
indefinitely.
Haikuists
I'm a poet for hire at Haikuists.
Nudge Magazine
Part I: How to Spot a Pinball Jinx
Part II: How to Prevent Jinxes