M.J. Brundu: The Magic, Mystery, and Mastery Behind Hornell’s Rising Literary Star

The author of “Kendra” and several children’s books writes from the Maple City

By: Johanna Elattar

Meri Jayne Brundu, known by her pen name M.J. Brundu, has lived a life deeply entwined with the world of stories. Her journey as a writer began in an unassuming way, much like many young dreamers. She was a high school student in the ninth grade when she penned her very first short story, “Family Jewels.” This brief piece, just under ten pages long, was written as part of a school assignment, but it became the spark that ignited her love for writing. Even as a child, Meri Jayne was an avid reader, immersing herself in books that opened the doors to new worlds and ideas, fueling her imagination and shaping the storyteller she would eventually become.

In 2023, Meri Jayne reached a milestone in her writing career with the publication of her novel Kendra, the first book in what promises to be an exciting and captivating series. Published by Page Publishing, Kendra introduces readers to a 16-year-old girl of the same name, who, on the surface, seems like an ordinary teenager. However, as the story unfolds, Kendra discovers that she is far from typical. Her father, it turns out, is a supernatural being, and Kendra herself possesses abilities and a heritage she never imagined. The novel weaves together elements of family secrets, magic, and the struggles of adolescence, creating a rich and compelling narrative that has already garnered attention from readers and publishers alike.

Interestingly, Kendra began as a couple of chapters posted on the app “Dream,” where writers can upload their work and earn money based on the number of views. Meri Jayne’s work quickly gained traction, and soon, multiple publishing houses were interested in her story. Ultimately, Page Publishing became the home for Kendra . The book is now widely available in both physical and digital formats, sold through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Walmart, and Apple’s iTunes Store.

But Kendra is only the beginning of Meri Jayne’s literary contributions. She has also written a number of children’s books, capturing the imaginations of young readers with stories that are as whimsical as they are heartwarming. In addition to her fiction work, Meri Jayne is the author of a cookbook and a homeschooling journal, reflecting her multifaceted life as a mother, educator, and creator. Her ability to shift between genres is a testament to her versatility and creativity as a writer.

One of the challenges Meri Jayne faces, like many writers with full lives outside of their craft, is finding the time to write. Juggling the responsibilities of homeschooling her children while also dedicating time to her passion for storytelling requires discipline and sacrifice. Yet, Meri Jayne persists, driven by the same need to write that pushed her to begin her serious writing journey after the birth of her children. Despite the demands of daily life, she carves out moments for her stories, always striving to bring her characters and worlds to life.

In December of 2023, Meri Jayne’s hard work was celebrated with a book signing for Kendra at the Hornell Public Library. The event was a significant moment in her career, marking not only the success of her first major novel but also her growing influence within the local community. For a small town like Hornell, Meri Jayne’s accomplishments are a source of pride and inspiration, especially for other aspiring writers who dream of seeing their own work in print.

Beyond her writing, Meri Jayne is also a skilled craftsperson. She creates beautiful handicrafts, which she sells through her Facebook page. Whether it’s a handmade gift or a personalized item, her crafts are yet another way that Meri Jayne channels her creativity into tangible forms, sharing her talents with others in more ways than just her writing.

Meri Jayne finds inspiration from many well-known authors, and in those rare moments when she’s not writing or crafting, she enjoys playing Xbox, offering a glimpse into the balance she maintains between her creative work and personal interests. It’s this balance, along with her unwavering dedication to her craft, that makes her such a fascinating and relatable figure.

For those who dream of becoming writers, Meri Jayne has simple but powerful advice: “Just keep writing.” She encourages aspiring authors to have confidence in themselves and their talents, even in the face of doubt. Writing, she believes, is about perseverance and the courage to share one’s voice with the world, regardless of what others may think. Her own journey is proof that staying true to one’s passion can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Looking to the future, Meri Jayne is already working on her next book, a work of nonfiction that explores the history of the Hornell Erie Depot Museum. Aimed at children aged 7 and up, this upcoming book will feature historical photographs and offer a glimpse into the rich past of Hornell. It’s clear that Meri Jayne’s love for storytelling extends beyond fiction, and her commitment to sharing the stories of her community is just as strong as her passion for creating imaginative worlds.

As Meri Jayne Brundu continues to write, craft, and inspire, her presence in the literary and creative world only grows stronger. With the Kendra saga just beginning and new projects on the horizon, there is no doubt that her voice will continue to resonate with readers, both near and far. Hornell may be a small town, but through Meri Jayne’s work, it is becoming a place where stories are born, nurtured, and shared with the world.