Beyond The Painted Smile

This is an account of Author and Multi-Platform Artist Russell C. Brennan's childhood and teenage years, fighting massive adversity and against all odds becoming a writer and a lot more besides as he is now a successful Multi Platform Artist.

He says he doesn't want it seen as a sob story but more of an inspiration to others, as to what can be achieved.

Most people have one abuser to contend with, he had at least 4 different ones to deal with, leaving him very little room to escape persecution most days and it was the things that he now excels at that he feels saved him, effectively writing and music.

The title refers to the fact that he feels most peoples lives aren't that great and they live ‘behind a painted smile’ most days and when asked how they are doing they say, ‘fine’ or ‘great’ and put on a front, when many times the opposite is the case.

These days it's becoming very apparent that many others, especially in their childhood years have lead traumatic lives and do feel life is against them and that's why Russell calls this book 'Beyond the Painted Smile' as you can move on from it and succeed.

Another way to look at this book is that it's effectively Chapter One of his autobiography. When the full biog hits the streets in a few years’ time you will see that it makes a fascinating read. He may release another one-off chapter at some other point but if you like this free book please support the author’s books that are for sale, starting with 'Adventures of a Dark Duke: The Pin' on Paperback or Kindle.

Finally, Russ decided that he’d use a bit of artistic license on the book’s cover, as a photographer and sleeve designer he thought that using a photo of his current Muse rather than one of himself, better displayed the feel he wanted for the story.