Elysia Lumen Strife's Blog, page 15

United by Differences

We don’t all have to agree to achieve unity. Balance is the way of most spiritual guides and a basic scientific principle (equilibrium). This means we must have two or more opposing things that ‘reach a common understanding.’

Without sides, without different perspectives, we cannot see the entire picture (of our situations) to make the best decision. Everyone brings their knowledge, opinions, and points to the table. This can benefit everyone if we are willing to be equal in our contribution and what we sacrifice. That’s just being fair. We all want to be treated fairly don’t we?

I think that’s called teamwork.

Lets be a team again! Work together for a better tomorrow, help our neighbors, and maybe we’ll find ourselves in a better place.

Take care, be kind,

♥Elysia

The Fate of Earth

In our hands sits the future, home, our planet. Following our self-deconstruction, an apocalypse of conflicting opinions that sets us off through three hundred years of unrest, Stellar Fusion arrives. It is my call to you, as soldiers of peace, and civilians for change, however fantastical, (a fun twist). The Shepherds, our guiding soldiers, are the unfortunate casualties and, yet, the only ones who can save us. Will you be one of them?

The Universal Protectors is now a page on Facebook. Come join us! We do not judge. We focus on what is important: humanity and concern for our future together on this beautiful planet. Make a vow to help your neighbors, to be kind when it is not easy, and to defend those who cannot do it themselves.

Our future depends on you.

[image error]Check out Stellar Fusion for free on Smashwords, B&N, Kobo, and Apple.

You can find print copies on Amazon.

Lost Souls, book two, will be out soon. If you would like more information, check out the Infinite Spark Series page.

I hope to offer a short side-story soon!

Take care and keep that spark alive!

♥ Elysia

A Gift From My Mother

After spending nearly eight years in college, it was really hard for me to want to pick up a book. I always viewed it as a project. This tiny gift changed everything. 

My mother is the ultimate do-it-yourselfer. I aim to be such a person, but it seems the unachievable task. She can cook, bake, needlepoint, crocket, and all of the above plus the organizational skills of a superhero. A retired elementary educator, she’s wired for hands-on activities, with a lot of patience. (Another skill I have yet to learn) [image error]

One year, for Christmas, I got this little package in my stocking. (Yes, she still does these. I know I’m completely spoiled.) Inside was a black and orange, crocheted, book worm with googly-eyes. Now, you might be thinking, “what’s so great about that?”

When I  was a kid, reading was a big part of life. We read every night before bed. We did the local library challenges where we read books and we earned points towards a variety of things. I had several of these book worm bookmarks, along with others in a variety of colors.

[image error]But this one was black and oange. Oregon State University colors. I’d graduated (two Bachelor’s of Science degrees) and moved on, left most of my things when I took to the road following my husband and his job. In college I used those neon sticky-markers, not this cute, yarn-fuzzy, googly-eyed marker.

The eyes still make me laugh. Sometimes he looks at me like he’s waiting. Other times he rolls his eyes as if to give me attitude. Now and then, he goes cross-eyed and it makes me laugh. He’s a symbol, a reminder that while reading may take time, invoking the page-marking function, it can still be fun and colorful. And it should be.

In a world of electronics, and trying to keep pace with trends, sometimes I miss the good things, simple things, traditional things.

There is nothing better than opening a print book for the first time, smelling the fresh ink, feeling the crisp pages between my fingers, and the stiffness in the binding like it’s got a secret it doesn’t want me to find.

And I can’t speak for everyone, but I have to admit paper is easier on my eyes. With so many heading inside for the upcoming season, picking up a book is the best way to venture out when the weather keeps us in. Sure we have phones, computers, and TV. But when you use your imagination to create what you read, you can make the world your own. The story takes on your own personal flare.

With Googly-eyes staring up at me, I feel like he’s waiting, like he’s my little friend just as impatient and curious about the adventure between the pages as I am. He’s like my first friend in elementary school, always saving the place beside him just for me, reminding me what fun we’ll have together.

There are tons of DIY patterns online if you want to give it a try. It’s listed as “easy.” I did once. I still use the one from mom. (I’ve discovered crocheting isn’t my thing.)

Master List of Colors

Though it’s often not the most important part, the right color can invigorate any description. I made these lists for myself, to help me pick color names that were exactly what I was searching for. Depending on the content, you might consider selecting recognizable names within a specific category to supplement your theme. 

– Metals Emanate Strength–

steel, titanium, gold, bronze, copper, tungsten, platinum, brass, chrome, aluminum, iron, silver, nickel, pewter, zinc

–Flowers Radiate Elegance–

cornflower, violet, lilac, lily, rose, cosmos, hyacinth, baby’s breath, carnation, anemone, iris, daisy, begonia, amaryllis, daffodil, buttercup, larkspur, dahlia, hydrangea, marigold, freesia, crocus, azalea, bleeding heart, hollyhocks, orchid, gladiolus, snapdragons, touch-me-not, tulip, peony, eremurus

(this list seriously goes forever)

–Nature Adds Grandeur–

sky, sea, mountain, desert, lake, forest, meadow, pine, redwood, ivy, storm, autumn, winter, spring, summer, nebula, astral, cosmic, lightening, sunshine/sun-baked, dusk, dawn, moon, sand, field, grass, sequoia, eucalyptus,

–Stones/Gems Provide Dimensionality–

jade, emerald, diamond, garnet, ruby, onyx, aquamarine, citrine, amber, amethyst, jasper, beryl, peridot, quartz, opal, lapis, druse, tourmaline, topaz, coral, agate, hematite, howlite, labradorite, moonstone, obsidian, pyrite, sapphire, serpentine, sphene, sodalite, sunstone, turquoise, zircon

(this list also goes forever, though I might suggest using the shorter names)

My favorites are ones that add another sense:

–Foods Add Flavor–

dark chocolate, cinnamon, divinity, caramel, coconut, strawberry, peach, butter, cake batter, cookie dough, currant, licorice, grape, punch, pistachio, pear, melon, coffee, cherry, tropical, marshmallow, margarita, beer, kiwi, rum, honey, apple, banana, passion fruit, papaya, almond, horchata, plum, pomegranate

–Or a Flavor and a Scent–

mocha, mint, lavender, lemon cream, pumpkin pie, sage, apple cider, bubble gum, maple, cocoa, rosemary, nutmeg, clove, ginger

–Animals Can Add Texture–

Buckskin, manatee, mouse, sable, calico, tiger, zebra, snakeskin, alpaca, alligator, peacock, rhino, cardinal, shark, anemone, squid, camel, scarab, seal, chameleon, flamingo

–Cybernetic/Artificial Adds Futuristic Elements–

(These can add each element to any color)

Surge, electric, circuit board, trace, flash, digital, clone, print, scan, screen, l.e.d., laser, fiber-optic, carbon fiber, wire, cable, grid, connector, capacitor, transformer, regulator, relay, switch

–And Then There are the Generics–

cool/warm/neutral, light/dark, faint/deep, polychromatic, monochromatic, antiqued, patina, sepia

–Some Add an Element of Light–

iridescent, phosphorescent, pearlescent, crystallized, transparent, translucent, opalescent, prismatic, lustrous, effulgent, brilliant, bright, coruscating, incandescent, scintillating, radiant, lucent, luminous, glowing, flaming, fluorescent, lambent, auroral, burning, blazing, dazzling, mirror-like, smoky

–Level of Color Added/Manipulation–

Sprinkles, infused, dense, foggy, haze, overlay, swirled, blended, wash, baked, crackled, peppered, dusted, opaque, inky, milky, creamy, suspended, foamy, fried, dripping, drizzled, folded in, saturated, drowning, oozing, frosted, glazed, vivid, intense, burnished

Then there are behaviors that can be implied by picking a specific one for instance:

1.Shark gray vs. Squirrel gray

Naming something shark gray implies very aggressive behavior vs. the aloofness of a squirrel.

2.Marshmallow and Margarita use

Marshmallow white might imply a taste, scent, and a texture, or even a quality of comfort.

Margarita green might suggest a taste, a salty personality or edge to the story, or that the night might end a little more wild than if (spring) green were used in its place.

(This is especially the case when using cybernetic descriptors)

Below is a color chart I’ve created to visually help guide me.

I hope it helps you.

Happy writing (or whatever else you create!)

-Elysia

Heaven knows I’ve missed some I’m sure and there are plenty of colors above that cross multiple categories. Feel free to add your favorite in the comments below!

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Lost Souls Nearing Completion

[image error]Lost Souls, the second book in my Infinite Spark Series is almost ready for edits. So, to give myself a break, I decided it was time to make plans for the cover.

Thought you might like to see what (we) came up with.

Personally, I love seeing the image come together with the manuscript. It makes me more excited to push through tying up the last few ends.

Then I’ll send her away to my editor, Jeni Chappelle, who is seriously amazing, and it will just get that much better.

Eeee! So much fun.

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Universal Protectors!

105,000 words (approximate), Heat Level: 3

Back Cover:

As the Shepherds and Earthlings begin to uncover their hidden past, relations tremble.

With the Earth in chaos, the skies littered above, and the threat looming in the stars beyond, they must find a way to fight the new demons inside and prepare for their toughest battle yet.

“Even on the darkest night, we are their Shepherds, their guiding light.”

Ember’s Progress

Hi all! I’ve been busy with my Christmas romance novel: Embers on Ice. With the front cover completed, I am heading into edits. I swear peppermint mocha coffee creamer can take even a 105+ Texas summer and make it feel like Christmas in Montana.[image error]If you ever get a chance to visit Montana in the winter, or any northern state, even if you’re just passing through, I highly recommend it. Blankets seem warmer, the cider tastes better, and there’s nothing more exhilarating than the crunch of snow underfoot as you look out at the frosted mountains and trees. (I really wish I was there instead of here.)

Embers on Ice is currently about 93,000 words and will be ready to read this coming holiday season. If you happen across this, I would appreciate your responses to the cover design. Embers will be available for pre-order come fall.

Many thanks and happy reading,

♥ Elysia

 

Get Your Free eBook: Happy Month of Independence!

FREE! July only! Stellar Fusion free eBook from Smashwords!

Use code SW100 at checkout!

(ePub, Kindle, mobi, and online reader formats available)

I love the Fourth of July. And for me it’s not just a day for fireworks. My grandparents and cousins, and even my husband and his family have all served in the military to help keep us safe and free, to be able to do things like self-publish books with whatever stories and dreams we wish, and not fear persecution for our content. This country is phenomenal. It is fed by farmers and protected by soldiers. Stellar Fusion is dedicated to them, and now it’s for you, for free.

A fast-paced science fiction fantasy in a post-apocalyptic era:

A daunting fate and a beautiful, yet tormented, sergeant of the Universal Protectors force take paranormal to the next level. Her harrowing past renders her unaware of her true capabilities. She must find a way to save her people and the slaves she encounters above before they become another roiling rock of death in the chain of galaxies unmade by a merciless few.

[image error]Stellar Fusion page on elstrife.com

Happy Independence Day!

♥ Elysia

New Cover: Stellar Improvements & Wrestling Marketing

So like every self-published (author), I have fallen in the hole of dead space after the initial upswing of family orders. It was expected but not any less disheartening. If you’re like me, you’ve probably read several books on increasing royalties via better marketing practices: change the keywords, the cover, the description, advertise on all social media you can, blog, use Bookbub, whatever. But truth is, there are so many millions of books out there now because of us wonderful self-publishers there’s almost no way to be discovered unless you’re widely known already or you have fantastic backing.

And that’s okay. It doesn’t make your achievement any less important or less desired by the customers. They just can’t find your grain of sand in the dunes. So how the heck do we make this happen? Many writing blogs suggest the minimum of four books a year. I don’t know about you but I don’t have money to edit and publish four books a year, though I may write that many. Maybe one, if we’re lucky. But the more flecks of color you place on that dune, the more noticeable you will become. So of course, more books will help your author presence. Just don’t water it down, mute the color with less-vibrant writing because you’re trying to crank them out.

Self-publishers have a stigma of fast throw-away books. They (we) didn’t go the professional route… so I’ve heard. I paid good money for my edits and my efforts and I know I’m not the only one. But we still have to fight this, show our customers we have the quality they’re looking for in a book, and that cheap cheeseburger money ($0.99 for Stellar Fusion) is worth it.

So the key is patience and not losing your drive to write. It is hard. Of the millions of authors, only a handful will skyrocket to the top. Or, as my husband says, “It might just take a few books before you have that one that really sticks and then people will start searching for your others.” And he’s totally right. The majority of us will not become one-book wonders over night. Maybe in the future we will.

Do it because you love it. That’s why you started isn’t it?

Here’s my latest attempt at refining my image. I updated the cover to my first novel, Stellar Fusion. I know blogs always tell you not to design your own cover. Well dam* it, some of us don’t have money. I have some skills from my Interior Design degree from OSU, so I used them, shield and all from scratch. And I’m pretty proud of myself. (Please world, let me have this.)

[image error]As for the rest, I’m still revamping the description and a few other things, continually patrolling the social media realm, and honestly just praying someone might see my little star amidst the night’s glittering sea. She’s up there, not half bad, maybe not made of gold, but she’s mine.

Your book(s) is/are yours and you should be proud of yourself for completing it. It’s not an easy task. Hell it’s like a thousand tasks just for the one product.

The silence is not necessarily a bad thing. It could be just before a breaking storm. Storms bring rain, and rain means life.

Good luck,

♥ Elysia

Stellar Fusion is for sale on Amazon (eBook + Print),  Smashwords, Kobo, B & N, iTunes

Achieving Acceptance of Equilibrium

The search for progress is hard-wired into us humans. But to be truly at peace, we must see what we have now, and sometimes that takes practice. It sounds like a lesson in being grateful, but it isn’t. It’s a lesson in being realistic about your expectations. They lead us so often down a dark path, overly optimistic about the light we’ll find in the shadows.

Life is movement, transition, unrest. Understanding the balance of good and bad, light and dark, rich and poor, life and death is one thing. Accepting it, truly permitting the presence of the negatives with the positives is hard for all of us. But without polarity there can be no movement, no progress, no change.

A note: an electrical charge, that thing that powers everything, that is caused by a negatively charged particle.

So if negatives can be good, can positives be bad?

(at least in terms of protons and galactic cosmic rays, the answer is yes.)

But if a positive leads to a bad result, do we categorize it as a negative? And does a negative that has challenged us and made us stronger equate to a positive?

-on a quest for enlightenment-

Elysia

 

 

 

 

5 Things I’ve Learned from Self-Publishing

I never dreamed I’d be a self-made anything… I’ve worked warehouses, maintenance, drove 2-ton rigs and flipped burgers. Yet, here I am, with two self-published books and almost twenty more waiting impatiently. Throughout this self-publishing process, I’ve learned a few key things that I’ll definitely keep in mind the third time around.

1.Your Marketing Plan Must Come First.

Before you even finish your book entirely, and definitely before you spend money on covers and edits, have at least an outline of how you plan to sell your book: brand, audience, advertising sketch-ups, how much money you can put into it, etc. That first week out of the gates is the most crucial because that’s when everyone will first notice your book, and you need to make it punch your reader through the screen – “Hey! Look at me!”

2. Doing Everything Yourself Takes Time.

From completing your beloved book, to formatting and editing, oh yeah and then the never ending list of self-publishing to-dos:

Personal Website Creation – learning how to navigate, post, respond, utilize email and ads
Getting Copyrights for your work
Social Media Networking – which sites, how to effectively post appropriate** content. This can be broken down into two categories, book specific pages like Goodreads and Bookbub, and then the more personal sites like Facebook and Twitter. Instagram is my personal go-to. The hashtags you add up help tremendously.
Publishing Website – what information do you need to put in, how to format for that publisher, author page set up, how to get reviews and ads
Financial Planning – how are you going to pay for everything, edits, cover, ads, file conversions, proof copies, website fees, ISBNs etc. You’re going to need a ledger. Because you have to monitor your royalties, since you have to pay your own taxes.
Promotional deals and Marketing – if you haven’t done much of this before, it is a ton of research learning:

Key search words, determining best tags based on what your audience commonly searches for.
Best time of day/week/year to post an ad for your book
Finding bookstores to take on selling your book
Getting professional reviews from newspapers, editors, etc.
Setting an appropriate price point for your various formats

3. Publishing a Book in Potential View of the Masses is Intimidating.

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Stellar Fusion (Book 1: Infinite Spark Series)

But the truth is, unless you’re Michael Crichton or E. L. James, or have a marketing plan that’s just killin’ it, most people won’t notice like you think. I was absolutely petrified when I first hit that ‘publish’ button in February, but truth is, I didn’t have any of the above, so I whittle away one book and one customer at a time and trudge forward. Just don’t get discouraged, expecting some miracle, or some horrible tragedy. It will be what you make of it.

4. I wish I had started with a company that offered a physical proof copy before I published. Sure I could easily check the eBook format, but when I went to get the print copy, somehow a symbol I’d used in my Word 2007 (yes I’m rockin’ an old software program) it didn’t figure right in their system and I ended up with a big fat question mark in my header. Sigh. So of course I fixed it immediately and replaced it with a silly simple BORING symbol and now she prints fine. Shrug. Can’t have everything.

5. Creating Hype Before You Publish.

I was totally gutless with the first one and didn’t tell anyone, just wondering what would happen when I hit that ‘magic’ button. Well, I sold a few copies, but it wasn’t the success it could’ve been. I made a post or two, told some friends about the second book and it’s sold far better than the first. I suppose this falls back under marketing bullet number 1, but there is so much truth to this, I can’t stress it enough. The book is only a small portion of what it can become.

A flower cannot grow without care from the earth, water, and the sun. Planting a seed will only go so far.

6. Be Patient. (Bonus)

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A Wet Nose Christmas – Amazon

Readerships aren’t built in a night, unless you’re the aforementioned. So for most of us, writing is our passion and it must be treated like the flower and not rushed. A crap book that’s been marketed well can be profitable, sure, but the readers won’t come back for more if they didn’t enjoy the over-advertised book of paper. Don’t lose sight of why you started this mission in the first place. Sometimes it sucks. Sometimes you’ll get frustrated at the work you put in and the lack of return on your investment. But anything worth doing ought to get blood, sweat, and tears out of you. That’s how you know its real.

Much ♥-

Elysia