C.M. Rutherford's Blog, page 2
August 28, 2019
Stiger’s Tigers (Chronicles of An Imperial Legionary Officer Book 1)
This was a fantastic story. I am a bit of a history buff and enjoy pretty much anything history related. This book is a great mix of historically factual information along with the classic Fantasy elements that make the genre great. The Characters are well developed and interesting. The pacing of the novel is perfect, as there are no lulls that cause loss of interest. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy and has a love of history.
Author:: Marc Alan Edelheit
Rating:: 5
Book Link:: https://www.amazon.com/Stigers-Chronicles-Imperial-Legionary-Officer-ebook/dp/B00V5C3OIW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Stigers+tigers&qid=1567016704&s=gateway&sr=8-2
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Learn System Center Configuration Manager in a Month of Lunches 1st Edition
I like this series of books. The subjects are broken down to small quick lessons which tie the larger concepts together. This is the second Month of Lunches Books I have used and I find them well written and informative.
Author:: James Bannan
Rating:: 4
Book Link:: https://www.amazon.com/System-Center-Configuration-Manager-Lunches/dp/1617291684/ref=sr_1_1?crid=GGZLZ2CWZDON&keywords=learn+sccm+in+a+month+of+lunches&qid=1567016207&s=gateway&sprefix=Learn+SCCM+%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1
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Every Writer’s Dream
I bought and read this book the same day. Marc has put together a nice work to help new and aspiring authors navigate the self publishing world. I have several short stories out and the release of my debut novel is coming up fast. I wish I had this book six months ago. I have poured over countless articles blog and how to videos to learn the plethora of things that must be addressed when self publishing a book. Until I began writing I had no idea how many things I would have to learn about to get my book published. Mark has put a great collection of tips together on writing, building an author platform, and publishing. I highly recommend this to any new or yet to be published writers. Even those of you who may have books in publication already I believe there is still benefit to be gained by reading this book.
Author:: Marc Alan Edelheit
Rating:: 5
Book Link:: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Writers-Dream-Insiders-Bestseller-ebook/dp/B07VN2XD1G/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Every+Writers+Dream&qid=1567015785&s=gateway&sr=8-1
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August 19, 2019
20 Questions Author Interview with Eric A. Shelman
I wrote poetry from a very young age. When I was in elementary school I wrote a poem called Bird Talk, and a teacher asked me where I copied it. It really upset me, but I guess it should’ve made me proud! I never liked being questioned or doubted, though. It pissed my really young self off!
Were you an avid reader as a child?
I liked Doc Savage, Hardy Boys, all sorts of stuff. I read comic books, too, but mostly like Archie, Little Lotta, Richie Rich, Hot Stuff, Casper the Friendly Ghost, stuff like that.
What was the first thing you had published?
It was in 1992, a short story called “The Crossing,” that appeared in a Texas newsletter called Night Owl’s Newsletter. I got paid $2.00.
When you decided to start writing did you have a plan in place or did you just jump in and learn as you go?
One day my older brother came home and he had written a story. I was probably 17 or 18. I read it, and was impressed. I wondered why I hadn’t written in so long, so I went home and started writing some pretty lame horror stories. Amateur stuff, really. NO character development, no twists, nothing. I submitted them, though! Got my stack of rejections. I remember one editor’s comment: “You have an easy, unaffected style.” I thought, “Unaffected by what? Talent??” It was a rejection, BTW.
What is one of the biggest hurdles you had to overcome in starting your writing career?
I don’t see anything as a hurdle except finishing that first novel. That’s a big deal. You learn a lot writing your first novel. Best to do it with the help of a weekly writer’s critique group. Chapter by chapter, let others read them and comment. It’s so helpful I can’t even express how much. I didn’t like a lot of what they had to say – some of them not at all – but they all helped me grow.
If you could give new or aspiring authors one piece of advice, what would it be?
Read my answer to number 5 above. Use a writer’s critique group – whether online or in person, but write every day. Something. Just write. Books don’t write themselves, and I have written every single one of my 25 books by writing just two hours per day.
Are there other genres that you would like to write in aside from your current genre?
Porn, of course. No, just kidding. Maybe more like a real good whodunnit.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Clive Cussler, Ken Follett, John Grisham
Is there any one author that directly inspires your work?
Probably Dean Koontz.
What is your favorite work you have published?
I have to give respect to Dead Hunger, because it’s my most popular set of books, but Shifting Fears is one of my favorite stories. I also like The Camera series. Scabs was inspired, but I’m not sure I did it justice by book #3, which ends the trilogy. I allowed too much input against my better judgement.
If a movie were made of your favorite published work. Who would be the lead?
Hell, I don’t know. Who would play Luke in Shifting Fears? A way younger Brad Pitt. Love that guy. Great actor.
If you could ask one literary figure from the past advice, who would it be?
Hell, I wouldn’t need to go to the past. I’d sit down and chat with Clive Cussler or Dean Koontz.
What goals do you have for your writing career?
None really. Just to keep writing. I really enjoy the process.
When self-publishing what do you think the most important aspect is to having a successful release?
Promotion, promotion, promotion. You stop doing that, you disappear. I know – I’ve done it for the most part. I got tired of social media, and I think it showed. It’s not good – if you don’t have a publisher out there fighting for you, you really need to fight for every reader, and treat them well.
Describe your writing process. Do you outline your book first? Do you write start to finish then edit or do you edit each chapter?
I describe myself as a seat-of-my-pants writer. I sit down with what I call the “grain of sand”, which is my little idea, and I roll from there. The characters do what I would do in a given situation – so they seem real to people. It’s what most people would do, how they would react. I let the characters tell me what happens next. It’s called “automatic writing.”
Do you have a set word count you try to maintain or a set time you put aside for writing or is it different?
I like to write between 1,500 and 2,000 words in a 2-hour period.
When researching for your book how important are the details for you as a writer?
I really check into real towns and the streets and the topography. I want it to feel real, and you have to get it right because some of your readers are bound to know the area.
How do you deal with writer’s block or has this every been an issue?
I just go back into the earlier pages and do some filler – sometimes that filler actually creates an idea, allowing you to move forward from where you’re stuck.
Did you have any fear of putting your work out there for the world to see? If so, how did you get past it?
Hell no. Never been worried about that. It was tough when it became more than friends reading your stuff, because they lie to you. Strangers don’t lie. They hurt you.
That’s good for you.
How do you deal with derogatory or uncomplimentary reviews?
Let ‘em roll off my shoulder. Can’t please everyone.
Many thanks to Eric for taking time to interview for us. If you would like to see all of Eric’s work please visit him here: https://www.amazon.com/Eric-A-Shelman/e/B001K91I2Y?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1565654637&sr=8-5
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