Elysia Lumen Strife's Blog, page 8
October 23, 2020
Guest Post: Critique Partners – What They Are, Where to Find Them, and How to Make the Best
(Read the post below)
Just want to give a quick shout out to Rae at A New Look on Books and thank her for letting me guest post on her website: anewlookonbooks.com
She is also a freelance editor and a very kind soul. Twitter: @anewlookonbooks
An important goal of critique swapping is getting constructive feedback. It’s critical to be open-minded about comments and reactions because they’re from real people, readers, potential customers.
For an overview of what you can expect with critique partners as a writer, check out the post on Rae’s website here: https://anewlookonbooks.com/2019/08/06/guest-post-critique-partners-by-elysia-strife/
For an example Critique Sheet to download and use, go here: Critique Sheet (docx).
We have to look at our writing as a job, not a child. It’s very hard, yes. But if we want quality writing and happy customers, we have to put our opinions aside and look at the pieces with unbiased eyes. This is what critique partners are critical for… perspective.
Critique Partners:
What They Are, Where to Find Them, and How to Make the Best
CPs can help you stay on target if you have trouble motivating yourself.
It’s like self-imposed homework. The concept might bring back bad memories, but it helps you achieve a goal you set out to reach.
We need to challenge our fellow creative-types in a supportive way.
This is one way we can do just that.
Stay tuned for a CP Question Cheat Sheet below!
What They Are:
A Critique Partner is someone with whom you swap written work in an effort to gain a crucial, fresh perspective on your story. Yes, this is necessary. I say this firmly from experience. You want other writers (people that study the craft and like to read) to let you know what they see. We all do our best to convey the message/themes/characters/scenes we see in our minds. But are we doing this effectively? How do we know? This is where Critique Partners lift the veil of uncertainty and help us pinpoint areas for improvement.
I’ve encountered some confusion between Critique Partners (CPs) and Beta Readers (Betas). Technically, a CP is someone with which you share a chapter or a few at a time as they are written—an ongoing process. You’re not co-writing; you’re sharing impressions to tune the work. These are writers that work with one another through the process of writing the book, offering tips and feedback as the story unfolds. Betas are people that read the book when it is one complete unit, providing overall feedback to check for consistency, plot holes, character arcs, etc.
Where to Find Them:
Local Writing Groups – This one is a fantastic option if you can get into a group in your area. You’ll be able to meet face-to-face with others and talk about your ideas and concerns as you write. Some groups will have requirements for participation (like waiting for your turn/week to swap and bringing enough paper copies of your work for the entire group). That’s just one example. Sometimes, they’ll want you to hang out with the group for a few weeks or months before submitting work for the group to review (so they don’t get flighty drifters). I’ve seen a few that require you to earn points by critiquing other works before you can submit your work.
I use the MeetUp app to find local groups and take a look at their rules. Often, the public library will have postings if any groups have a schedule to meet there. Some of the bookstores may have writers events or rent out rooms for meetings as well.
Online Writing Groups – Most of these are free, and you can find ones specific to genres.
Absolutewrite.com is a fairly large writing forum where you can connect with other writers and authors. There is a section where you can post a request for feedback partners, but you have to register to post. And in order to start your own thread, they require you’ve made 50 posts first.
Agentqueryconnect.com is similar to the above. It is a thread site but aimed at those more interested in traditional publishing and being in contact with agents.
Inkedvoices.com has a network of engaged people where you become part of a like-minded team and swap critiques. It is a paid membership, $85 annually, but offers a more constructive and timely environment. They also have online versions of NaNoWriMo camps.
Scribophile.com is a free website (with paid upgrades). You do have to earn points to post if you want critiques. They have free writing contests, a writing blog, and a forum for educational information. You can only post 3,000 words at a time for critique, and it requires 5 points to post that. It’s a great process with a high expectation of positive/constructive feedback. But it is definitely a time consuming process.
Examples of genre specific options:
Mystery Writers: mwf.ravensbeak.com
Science Fiction Fantasy: sff.onlinewritingworkshop.com
Literary: http://www.cuebon.com/ewriters
Christian: Kingdom Writers – angelfire.com/ks/kingwrit/
Sorry Romance and Children’s peeps. I searched but couldn’t find any genre-specific online groups for you. Try social media and the non-genre specifics listed above.
Social Media – I have found the best crew on Twitter via Megan Lally’s #CPMatch hashtag. I love it because it’s FREE, and I’ve made a ton of connections with other authors this way. She runs events every month to month-and-a-half where people storm the hashtag with their short synopses and occasionally a mood board or book cover. Posting the genre of the writing helps find compatible works to swap with.
You can also use #critiquepartner, #cpmatchmaking, #betabustle and #betareader on Twitter, but I haven’t found a more loyal and excited group than the one listed above.
Facebook has a lot of writer’s groups as well. I’m not even going to delve into this one. But I will say this: many are tired of spammers – I mean the self-pubbed gurus that just want to drop their links and leave. (This isn’t effective, and it isn’t nice) Become an active member. You will make friends. Friends make a network. A network is how you will succeed.
Wattpad is a fantastic place to meet a lot of work-in-progress folks. It’s a place where you can post your upcoming works one chapter at a time and get feedback from your followers for free. That said, it counts as publication. So… if you want to maintain copyright, make sure you include a notice at the beginning of your book on Wattpad. And when you do officially publish for sale, you need to be aware of this when filing on copyright.gov. They will ask you if it has been published previously. But if you’re looking for a fast turnaround with feedback, this is a great way to do it. Wattpad is heavier on the YA and Fan Fiction side, so the crowd there tends to be younger. They give great advice on how something reads, plot, characterization, etc. But not always the nitty-gritty voice, line, and copyediting advice.
Goodreads is a good place to connect with readers. You can also find groups where you can post your work for review or beta reads. This is only as successful as you make it. If you want to be noticed here, you have to interact with lots of other people. There are numerous posts made every day to many of the groups.
Here are a few examples:
The Circle: for readers/beta readers/critiques/reviews/free reads size: 1,681
Goodreads Reviewers’ Group size: 5,846
Support for Indie Authors size: 14,401
Making Connections size: 11,932
Goodreads Authors/Readers size: 29,859
Writing Associations and Organizations
Local organizations, like the Writers’ League of Texas can offer you a host of options for a decent membership price. Texas, of course, isn’t the only location. I’m just using this one as an example because I was a member when I lived there. The great thing about WLT was online classes. Yes, you can take courses online and not have to live in the state. Members get a discount on courses. If you plan to take several a year, it’s worth it. They also have a website where you can get counseling and one-on-one attention with your work. I met other authors at classes they had at St. Edwards University. This is one way to grow your living, breathing, human network.
There are quite a few online organizations, several of which you might be familiar with. This list is not all-inclusive. There are many more.
American Christian Fiction Writers
Erotica Readers and Writers
Historical Novel Society
Military Writers Society of America
Mystery Writers of America
Nonfiction Authors Association
Poetry Society of America
Romance Writers of America
Sisters in Crime
Small Publishers, Artists, And Writers Network
Society of Children’s Book Writers And Illustrators
Western Writers of America
Writers Guild of America
There is always the Fiverr option if you’re looking for timely feedback and haven’t made many other connections yet. If you haven’t heard of it, Fiverr is a massive website where people can post their work-for-hire ads. Be very careful. Always read reviews. This site does not filter quality of work. However, there is a lot of talent to be found here from editing to cover design. Let me just stress this again: be picky.
Some freelance editors will also work with you, but this depends on the editor. A lot of editors will provide an initial, free, ten page or first chapter critique as a display of their skills (and a way to find out if you’d be a good match for future editing). This critique is a little different. They’re expecting your work to be as refined as you can make it before they get it. The term implies different things depending on who you ask. So an editor is less likely to walk with you through the construction of the book. Maybe later, after you’ve sold tons of books and you and your editor are best friend. Then they probably would.
Keep at it. You’ll get there. I believe in you!
How to Make the Best:
There are benefits and downsides to both online and in-person critiques. Online is great (through certain methods) for quick turnaround and removing any personal bias a family member or friend might have. You can send digital feedback, collect all of the responses in one file or folder and look at it simultaneously. Google Drive and Docs is awesome for collecting group feedback. Just upload your book and share the link to whoever you want via their email address. Seriously, it’s awesome.
It’s difficult to gauge the level of importance an avatar/icon puts on the feedback they give you. It can lack the depth you may be searching for. The comments may also come across heartless and hard to read. Some might respond with something too vague like, “Great read, just move the ending to here.” Or they might never get to it and you find yourself waiting indefinitely. They could also redline your work to shreds and leave you feeling like giving up. With a personal contact, you can meet them face-to-face, get a feel for them as a person, and decide if you’re comfortable swapping. The human element is hard for a lot of introverts, but it can be a powerful tool in the long run.
A tip for people with unpredictable writing habits… isn’t that a vast majority of us? Finish your book first. Or at least be close to ready before you search for CPs. The reason I say this is because we often have life events that get in the way of completing our weekly or monthly goals. Instead of making your betas wait (This still happens to me because of lack of internet) you will be prepared to send the next chapter. You can still swap one chapter at a time and critique it, but you don’t have the pressure of having to finish writing each unit while you’re critiquing their recent work and holding down a job, dealing with family, fixing the car, etc.
The key to online critiques: SWAP A SAMPLE. Yes, I guess, I’m yelling. Never send your book in its entirety right off the bat. (This is a security measure.) Send one chapter or five pages, whatever you agree upon. Critique it the way you would normally. Then exchange your feedback. This way, you can see if they give you what you’re looking for in responses and also, if their writing is of content and a reading level you’re comfortable with critiquing. That said, people are ready at different stages, so I tend to prepare myself to work with wherever they’re at.
Giving feedback can seem like an easy thing to do. Anyone can say, “I like this,” or “This sucks.” But that doesn’t tell the other writer what’s wrong or missing. I’ve included a list below of possible questions to ask when critiquing work. I hope it helps tune your mind as you read so you can offer the best experience you can to your CP. If they enjoy working with you, they may stick around to swap with you in the future.
Try to keep it a mixture of what you like and what you think could use improvement. Every writer needs to know what works just as much as what doesn’t. We need to know our strengths to be able to build on them like we need to know our weaknesses so we can fix them. The ABA approach (good, bad, good) doesn’t always align with things as they happen in the story. Just aim for balance. And be kind with your words.
Example:
Don’t say – You picked a terrible character name. Change it.
Say – This character’s name reminds me of (…). This way the other writer can see what you see. If it’s not the imagery they were hoping for with the name, then they can see* why they should change it.
Offer suggestions and observations. Keep personal opinions out of feedback. Maintain professionalism.
Never criticize the other writer as a person because of something they wrote. If its fiction, they’re constructing a story, not living it. And if it’s nonfiction, then it actually happened so it’s a fact that needs to be accepted. Be mindful of your emotions and comments. We’re here to build one another up and help each other reach our goals.
On the flip side, it isn’t easy receiving feedback either. We all send it off knowing it isn’t perfect, but hoping the other person will find some things they enjoy. This is the biggest reason for swapping a sample. You want to make sure they are going to give you what you need and want and not too much of what you don’t. Keep in mind, not everyone is going to present ideas to you in an objective and impartial manner. Some people can be downright mean. (Which is why we have to be the mature ones and lead by example.)
Their critiques are only theirs. They do not represent the mass majority. They are one person. Don’t judge your work’s value based on one person’s opinion. You’re not being fair to yourself. This is why you need to get feedback from at least three different people. You will have critique partners back out from time to time. It seems to happen in waves. We all have a lot on our plates. Few of us are full-time writers.
Always ask more people if they’d like to swap than the number you think you need. Maybe you’ll get lucky and snag them all! Just be prepared to work through that number of stories if they do. Play fair, and it will work out in your favor.
Be encouraged by the feedback. It’s better to chop your manuscript up and rework it now, than let your readers do it for you on public websites. I know it can seem overwhelming sometimes. That’s okay. Cry it out. Get some extra strong coffee. Hug whatever or whoever is close to you.
Deep breath.
Take the news in stages if you have to. Look at the notes one at a time. If there is a consensus among your returned critiques, then you know what needs work. It can be a bit more ambiguous when it comes to the individual comments that don’t line up with the others. Filter them for anything confusing and ask for clarification on the comment if needed.
Sort the opinions from the facts. Opinions are subjective statements that contain assumptions, judgments, and beliefs. Facts are objective statements and are backed by evidence and reason. Some writers are very good at hiding their opinions in a factual statement. Fact checking is crucial in non-fiction but can be a component of many fiction genres. But, in truth, CPs are only able to give you their best observations of your work as it coincides with what they’ve been taught or researched is “correct.”
There is a level of differentiation to consider as you read their comments. If they explain why a concept/scene/character action doesn’t fit, you’ll want to consider delving into this. If someone is providing you an opinion on something menial, let it go. So they don’t like it, big whoop. It’s not worth getting upset over.
Critiques are recommendations. Be open-minded about what they’re suggesting, but don’t change everything just because others think you should. Instead, take their notes as help in deciphering what messages or concepts may not be coming across clearly.
Sometimes, we want them confused and misled. Maybe because of a Red Herring we carefully wove in, or we’re trying to make our readers think. Confusion would be a good thing in those cases. Otherwise, it may mean there is a deficit in showing of a component in your writing.
On the flip side, if critiquers feel bored, it may be a sign you’ve shown too much, and they’re not actively engaged. A little mystery is the key to a good hook.
Swapping critiques can lead to insecurity among writers. I hope you’re one of the lucky few that hasn’t had this issue. It’s been my experience that new CPs need a gentler approach. Find out the stage they’re at and see how it compares with yours. Swap the samples. Find out if they want a full critique or a traditional one, in chapter segments as they write. Make sure you’re on the same page.
I love ending with terrible puns.
Remember, when we write, we’re in our comfort zone. When we send off our work for its first critiques, we enter the zone of fear, doubt, and insecurity. Getting our feedback is when we are offered the chance to learn about our skills and how we can make our writing better. It is when we accept it and work on improving our craft and our stories that they shine, and so do we.
Framework for critiquing:
General things to discuss upon swapping samples of writing
Is this a finished book or a work in progress?
Is this the genre you like to read?
Is this the genre you write in?
Have you done critiques before?
How long have you been writing?
Who is the target audience?
What are you looking for in feedback? General (plot/scene setting/characterization) or more detailed (voice/structure, line edits/copyedits)?
Notes
If you’re doing a group critique, don’t read others notes while critiquing. You run the risk of bias.
Remember to provide professional and polite feedback
Point out what you liked as well as what you found problematic
Read through these questions before you begin the critique to help you hunt down critical issues and answer them as thoughts come to mind
Leaving in-text notes can help you with a final (overall) assessment and also point out specific problem areas to the writer
The Questions!!
First Chapter/Opening
Do the first few lines hook the reader with the main character and their problem/conflict?
Can you visualize the environment, the main character, and the problem?
Is the manuscript starting where you think it should?
Is there enough tension and emotion to draw the reader in?
Does it start with a cliché, or is it a unique and intriguing beginning?
Conflict/Tension
Was there a major resolution to the main conflict? Or did you feel something was missing at the end?
Were the stakes enough?
Did the tension ebb and flow in a way that made you want to keep reading?
Were there tense hooks at the end of each chapter?
Did the beginning of each chapter give you the premise with a subtle hook as well?
If this is a series, is there a bit of conflict left unresolved for the next book?
Could you understand the internal/emotional battles the characters were fighting? Did they contribute to the progress of the plot and the character’s overall change (arc)?
Did any details or events seem convenient/contrived?
Characters
Were the chosen names, dress, and ages appropriate for the genre and setting?
Could you follow along with the emotional journey of the character? Or did it feel glossed over or forced?
Did the characters encounter enough struggles, including between characters, to complete a transformation at the end?
Do you understand why the villain/antagonist is a protagonist in their own mind?
Does each characters’ behavior seem believable?
Are the characters three-dimensional in personality?
Do they experience all emotions?
Do they improve the story?
Do they have flaws/limitations?
Are their goals, morals, and desires understandable?
Are they relatable to a level that fits the genre?
Are their back-stories compelling and well-rounded?
Did you find the characters’ changes satisfying at the end?
Were the social relationships among the characters genuine and supportive to the story?
If any, was the hierarchy presented believable and beneficial?
If this was a character-driven piece, do you feel the work was appropriately saturated with detail?
Did you find the characters motivating, compelling, or inspirational in any way?
In general, were the emotions, actions, and dialogue shown effectively?
Plot
If this was a plot-driven piece, do you feel the work effectively tackled this as a priority?
Do you know what the main plot is/was? Was it consistent from beginning to end?
Is the sequence of events consistent and believable?
Were there too many dreams or flashbacks that detracted from the clarity of the plot?
Were any aspects predictable?
Were any events dwelled in for too long or not long enough?
If there was more than one plotline or any subplots, were they constructive to the storyline or the character arcs?
Is the influence of any “daily life” in the work helpful?
Are the twists realistic? Surprising?
Setting/Worldbuilding
Can you clearly visualize where and when the story takes place?
Do you understand the cultural norms?
Is each change of scene distinguishable?
Were there any environmental descriptions that were overwhelming?
Does the setting/world frame the plotline effectively?
Is the history/back-story of the landscape fitting and believable? (Why are we here?)
Was every scene necessary to the plot?
Dialogue/Language
Are the colloquialisms effective or overwhelming?
Did the language seem to fit each character?
Was the dialogue constructive in moving the story forward?
Were there too many formalities? Hi/Bye, Thank you/You didn’t have to
Any dialogue dumps?
Any moments that needed more?
Did it evoke emotions or thoughts in you as a reader?
Did the dialogue reflect the displayed emotions of the characters?
Point of View – Format of narration for the book
Is the point of view effective for the story?
First person – “I am telling you.”
Second person (rare in novels) – Narrator tells story *to* another (the reader). The “you” perspective.
Third person (limited) – Narrator is outside of character minds. “He read it to her.”
Third person (omniscient) – Narrator is in characters’ heads. “Josh hated the concept. This sucks, he thought. But he read the book to his little sister anyway.”
Was the point of view consistent? (Especially between third person limited and omniscient?)
Perspective – Comes from all characters telling the story as we meet them throughout it. This is their view on situations because of their pasts, prejudices, attitudes, and personalities.
For works with multiple perspectives, do the changes from character to character seem fitting or does the story head-hop too quickly?
Are there too many perspectives?
Is there a character whose perspective you’d like to see?
Craft
Pacing
Did the writing carry you along smoothly?
Were there any problematic slow/fast areas?
Did any sections of backstory/info/descriptions slow the story?
Are the transitions helpful in moving from one scene to the next?
Does the pace fit the genre? (ie: Action Adventure vs. Historical Romance)
Show vs. Tell
Any clichés used? Once upon a time…
Does the work show things where it is needed?
Are the moments of telling appropriate?
Format
Are the chapters broken up appropriately by scene/perspective/time changes?
If there are breaks within chapters, do they seem fitting? Or could pieces be joined?
Were any sentences or paragraphs too long or short?
Voice/Tone
Did the voice flow along with the story or did it seem choppy in calm moments and too calm during action?
Is the tone fitting for the genre? (ex: Humorous, dark, melodramatic, literary, mechanical)
Grammar
Was punctuation used correctly? (comma splices, run-on sentences, not too many ; or !)
Any misplaced modifiers?
Are there too many adverbs?
Are the sentences sticky with too many conjunctions?
If there are curses, were there too many?
Are there vague filler words?
Is the writing concise?
At the End
Did the beginning fit now that you know the ending?
Did you notice any inconsistencies in plot/character/scene?
Does the author have any redundancies, catchphrases, or go-to words?
What was your personal take on the story? (Keep this separate)
If you have any questions, feel free to send them my way via the Contact Form. Or, you can find me on Twitter (@ElysiaLStrife). I’m most active there.
Best wishes!
-Amy/Elysia
Copyediting Certification
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I’m only beginning my journey as a freelance editor, but I hope to help other indie authors polish and prepare their stories for publication. I know how hard it is to receive feedback as a first-time author. It’s an intimidating process. Spending the money to have someone fix all of your developmental problems, walk you through line and copy edits, and coach you through the whole journey can be extremely difficult when you have little income or none at all.
I don’t want anyone to give up on their dream of being an author because of the struggle. I believe just about any book can become publishable material with appropriate editing. My goal is to help frustrated indie authors to achieve their dream.
This summer, I completed my first official course (From Writer’s Digest University) in my journey to acquire the professional know-how with editing. I’ve been swapping critiques with other authors for several years, and have begun to offer them for free to authors (as time permits). I took creative writing in college and a few other miscellaneous marketing and writing courses, but my Bachelor’s Degrees are in unrelated fields. So I’m aiming to step up my game.
This fall I am studying developmental editing, line editing, and book mapping through the Editorial Freelancers Association. I plan to have completed their courses of study by spring 2020.
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And for those that are confused by the name on the certificate, Elysia Strife is a pseudonym. Like many authors of different genres, I go by multiple names.
If you’re an author interested in having someone look at your work but aren’t sure if you have the money for edits, stay in touch. I’ll be offering free novice feedback soon!
Hope you stick around! Best wishes!
-A/E
Fiction Novels: How Creating a Language Can Enhance a Story
I originally wrote this as a guest post for Blogging Authors. You can view it here:
https://bloggingauthors.blogspot.com/2020/01/fiction-novels-how-creating-language.html
How weird would it be if all aliens spoke English? Or witches and warlocks had no spells? We all know that creating believable characters is a critical component of successful storytelling. As authors, if our works are fantastical, we can’t always design our tales from developed belief systems: rituals, dress, language, etc. Constructing worlds from scratch isn’t easy, and I wanted a way to ensure cohesiveness even when my characters changed alliances. With the number of alien species being introduced in my first book, “Stellar Fusion,” creating new languages was an absolute must.
Language is one of those details you can’t borrow or steal like a hat. It can expose the characters’ pasts, secrets, and truths without major word-count-consuming action. It strengthens the authenticity of the culture and provides a level of intimacy when getting to know the characters’ that dress and ritual may not be able to do alone.
For example, avituvey is a word I created in my fictional language for the Xahu’ré people of planet Vioras in my Infinite Spark series. You can meet them in “Stellar Fusion.” Avituvey means freedom. Consider what might happen if a character, who primarily speaks English, says “for avituvey” when confronted about their loyalty while on Earth. What might that imply about their alliances?
The critical thing to understand is that language makes a connection between Character A and a culture. One word, not because of what that word is, but because of the language it’s spoken in, can change the entire direction of the plot.
When writing science fiction and fantasy, our characters are usually relatable in some way but must still be set apart to be captivating. I like using this language technique to show a hidden loyalty by having the character converse privately with others in the preferred language. But languages can be used in many ways.
It’s helpful to consider what sorts of phrases, quotes, or sayings might be important in the base culture of the language and why. How could they differ from what we say in our pivotal moments? Also, consider creating some colloquial terms for more regular use to cover everyday things and events.
The language you create can help set the mood or even the emotional presence of a character or culture. Think of the Sindarin, or Elven, language from “The Lord of the Rings” by J. R. R. Tolkien. It is wispy and smooth as it rolls off of the tongue, reflecting the way the characters act and move in his books.
I know some people discourage creating new languages, saying that it overcomplicates the story. This can easily be the case if the creation of a language lacks direction and purpose. But I believe if you follow my tips below, a new language can bolster the cultural aspects and characters in your work.
Tips for Creating a Language in Your Book
Keep it simple at first with just a word or a short phrase here and there. Ease your readers into the language then build upon it. Don’t start with a paragraph.If you accumulate a lot of words, provide an alphabetical list of translations to your readers, and make a dictionary of your own to use while writing.When possible, offer translations in text or a footer. Sometimes I use italics to show the definition of a phrase in English after it is said by a character in another language.
Example: “Dakan avituvey!” For freedom!
Or, if you like to show more than tell, then imply the meaning of the word or phrase with the actions and dialogue of characters.
Make sure you can pronounce it, and ensure it sounds like something your characters would say. Don’t make a word with so many consonants or vowels that it looks like a hungry monster on the page. Readers will skip what they can’t comprehend. Make sure you know the limits of your created language.Be consistent with the arrangement of statements, questions, possessives, plurals, and conjunctions. How will you handle them? Keep a cheat sheet handy.Decide how you want your words to connect. In my Xahu’ré language, everything is constructed by association: sua=cruel, sua’o=cold, and Suanoa are the main antagonists. The root is “sua.”
Just put a little thought into the way your words will work together. Linguaphiles and logophiles can look deeper into morphology for sharper language creation.
There must be a history of the culture’s existence to form the language. Words draw meaning from objects, events, and trends. Solidify your background information, and the language will come much easier. Word etymology is a good way to learn about where our words came from and might be helpful inspiration for this component.
I thoroughly enjoyed developing my Xahu’ré language. Since Stellar Fusion, I have created words in three new languages that I hope to build upon in future books. Besides enhancing culture and character in stories, new languages can be fun when chatting with friends and fans!
Thanks for reading! I wish you all the best on your creative journey!
-Amy/Elysia
June 30, 2020
Wildfire Gets 5-Star Review – Readers’ Favorite
“THE suspense romance to read if you’re looking for something fresh and exciting.” – Tammy Ruggles, Readers’ Favorite (5 Stars)
I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book, and it brings me great pleasure to know others enjoy reading it. I hope if you take a chance on this, you’ll let me know what you think![image error]
Tammy’s review continued:
“…Orion and Matt are characters you can fall in love with–rich, full human beings with pasts, secrets, flaws, and issues. And these characters are perfect for the plot lines that Strife has dropped them into. Just when Orion is getting back on her feet from a past she’d rather put behind her, and with the help of new romantic interest Matt, a small but deadly piece of metal shows up in her pocket, and this sets the stage for her nightmare to start all over again. Throw this scenario in with the mix of Montana mystery, and you have the makings of a Lifetime movie or Hallmark, as it’s a bit of a holiday story as well. It isn’t a book that gives the story away all at once. You have to keep reading. And it is lightly faith-based, which works well with the holiday theme. Bonus material appears at the end, so that’s a real treat for fans of this author.
The plot alone is enough to keep you invested in the story but the characters are what stand out even more. They are realistic, they bounce well off one another, and when Strife uses them to tell her heart-pounding story, things heat up quickly in all areas. This could be just any other romance thriller, but it isn’t. It’s one of the best ones, thanks to the author’s great laser-point attention to detail, visceral descriptions, and punchy dialogue. It all works together perfectly, and this is just what you want in a story that draws you in and keeps you there–and then has you wanting more. Romantic suspense is an often underappreciated genre, but Wildfire (Embers on Ice Book 2) by Elysia Lumen Strife elevates it to the next level of entertainment.”
Get Wildfire on Amazon
Preorder $0.99
Publishes July 18th
If you’d like a chance to win a free signed paperback,
sign up for Sugar & Spice Romance
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June 13, 2020
Reader Magnet: Cookies, Coffee, & Christmas – A Short Story
[image error]A Short Story… Publishing by June 19th
Emery just survived another breakup and already her mother, sister, and friends are pushing her to find a new man. Holidays fill the streets of her small mountain hometown with shopping visitors and vacationing families. A stranger at the town coffee shop catches her eye, but she can’t stay and chat. The holiday festival is tomorrow, and she has to bake cookies to sell as a fundraiser for the food bank.
Rumor spreads that their town’s iconic sawmill has been bought up by someone from the city. The official announcement will be made at the festival. No one in town wanted the property to sell, especially not Emery. It’s the last standing memory she has of her father.
Can Emery save the mill and find love?
If you’d like to get a copy of this story, please sign up for Sugar & Spice Romance. A link to this story will be emailed to you within the week.
Embers: New Book & Why It’s Darker than the First.
I realized it would probably behoove me to explain the reason Wildfire isn’t ALL fun and lighthearted like A Christmas in Montana. (Spoiler alert!) There’s more suspense and mystery in book two, and here’s the reason:
I had to find a way to truly break Matt. Yes, I had to do this.[image error]
“Soldiers don’t break.” They’re supposed to be a symbol of perfection that never makes a mistake or gets emotional. So where does the struggle go? Nowhere. It gets locked inside. For Matt and Orion to understand one another and be open enough with each other (like a couple that has a chance to make it), I had to find a way to break through Matt’s mental walls. He feared for Orion’s life in book 1: A Christmas in Montana. Now he has to fear for her safety and security. Sure, that stresses him out, but that is normal worry to a soldier – watching out for their buddies. I had to take this up another notch.
Matt had to feel like his life was falling apart. Everything Matt has worked for, building his companies etc, had to be worth throwing away. The emotion inside needed to be strong enough to climb his walls and get out, or he had to be weak enough to drop them altogether. He had to fear losing the control he had over his life, i.e. Orion would walk away, or she would be taken from him because of something he did/said/was etc. It had to be Matt’s fault.
Now, I’m sure some of you are thinking I could’ve just made him be a jerk about his nightmares, be stubborn and unwilling to see a therapist, or something to that effect. But that defies the concept of Orion I built. She can make anyone comfortable enough to talk about anything. She is designed to be the epitome of love, even if that means tossing around a little fire to make characters realize they’re being unreasonable in keeping their pain to themselves. Some, like Matt, don’t want help. So I had to force him to get it.
As much as I respect sweet romance writers, I can’t mimic them. I don’t want to. My stories are always complex, filled with subplots and risk. There will be cursing and struggle because that feels much more real than perfect, dreamy stories to me. Are my works always realistic and possible? No. But I don’t want my readers skipping chunks of (uneventful) story just to find out if the main characters get married or not. I want you to be sucked into the journey, because the ending is that much more rewarding.
I apologize if this upsets some of my readers. I am a romance suspense writer (among other genres), not a sweet Christian writer, though I’m sure I’d get more pats on the back if I was. It’s hard to surf against the waves of expectation. I just take a breath and dive deep underneath, let it pass overhead. I will always do what I think is best for the story and stay true to the art of it. That may make it take unexpected turns. I’m okay with that.
I do write the stories for my readers, but there can be such a mix of expectations that I can’t please everyone. I have to use my best judgement. Since I also write science fiction and fantasy and many of those readers also read my romance, I want it to have an intensity to it that everyone can enjoy.
For those of you who are upset by this, you are welcome to leave comments. I value all feedback, good and bad.
Hibiscus Christmas will feature suspense but much less violence than Wildfire. And, you guessed it, part of it will take place in Hawaii. The series will end with a Happily Ever After (HEA), so don’t worry.
I hope you’ll hang around for the third book. If you like romance and want to snag my books for free before they publish, make sure you sign up for my newsletters.
Sugar and Spice Romance (no intimacy)
Dark & Steamy Love Club (intimacy and often heavier suspense plots)
Book 1: A Christmas in Montana on Amazon $1.99
Book 2: Wildfire Preorder (Publishing July 18th) $0.99
Book 3: Hibiscus Christmas Preorder (Publishing May 1, 2021) $0.99
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June 3, 2020
Story Behind A Promise in Ash
This is a post I wrote for one of my book tours. You can view the original here: The Story Behind the Book.
The Story Behind A Promise in Ash by Elysia Strife
A Promise in Ash is a self-published blend of dark contemporary romance, suspense, and women’s fiction. My inspiration for this book stemmed from the two years my husband and I spent in Texas, living in three different cities. We visited Houston and the gulf coast, where the book takes place. The
long stretches of beaches, steady sunshine, and bath-warm ocean waters were mediating to a lot of the pain we carried then. At night, Pleasure Pier in Galveston would light up in a multitude of colors, and exotic cars would rev their engines as they drove past the boardwalks. It was a fantastic contrast between peaceful and stimulating life.
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With all of my books, there’s a suspense subplot. We stayed near Austin the longest, and I had the luck of taking some classes in the area, including at St. Edwards University. Austin is a city with fast-growing tech companies. A lot of the ads I saw and inventions I read about got me thinking over the future of polymers and the influence of cybercrime. Being here prompted the addition of a modern cybersecurity threat as a secondary plot involving the polymer repurposing company that the main character, Norah, works for.
The Tough Stuff: I started writing A Promise in Ash after a miscarriage. But it hurt too much to talk about my own. So I chose to explore the concept at a fictional distance. My life isn’t that interesting, but people we’ve met across the states are. I’ve found a lot of inspiration in them. Most of my interesting conversations happen in RV parks and laundry rooms. There, it’s easy to meet people from all over, even different countries. I love it and look forward to every new story. It always brings me insight into the lives of others and helps me be more grateful for what I have.
I was particularly astounded one day by a story from a woman whose step-father abused her when she was young because she hadn’t had a child of her own yet. She said that she tolerated the abuse for years because it was normal in her area for women to bear children in their teens. She finally gave in and had a daughter. But the abuse continued. Realizing the threat to her child, this young woman found the courage to defend herself one night, then packed up her daughter, and moved away. I admired her strength to endure and her courage to leave behind everything she knew to make a better life for her and her daughter. Her story stuck with me and morphed my prompt into a plan for finishing A Promise in Ash.
In recent years, there’s also been an influx of erotica novels that feature BDSM relationships. While they’re all fun and fictional in the fantasy world, that’s not always the case in real life. I touch on this with a past relationship that haunts the main character.
Across all of the concepts included in A Promise in Ash, there was a common theme of self-worth, finding it, and knowing when to stand up for it.
Everything I write is for the few who quietly struggle to be “normal,” for those who are in pain and have no one to talk to, and for those who have made mistakes and can’t seem to be free of their past.
No one deserves abuse, and it’s just not discussed as much as I think it should be, like miscarriage. If society was more open and understanding about these sensitive subjects, I think women would be more inclined to seek help. I explore a lot of these topics in this book as a (hopefully) gentle way of opening another channel for conversation.
Thanks for having me!
Best wishes!
-Elysia
About the Author
Elysia Strife is a self-published author of science-fiction fantasy and romance novels.
Adopted by two educators, Strife developed a deep love for learning new things. In 2012, she graduated from Oregon State University with two Bachelor’s Degrees in Public Health and Human Sciences: Interior Design and Exercise Sport Science. Her past wears fatigues, suits, and fitness gear, sprinkled with mascara and lace.
“I like to question everything, figure out how things work, and do tasks myself. Experiencing new things is fun but also helps with writing raw and genuine stories. And I’m always trying to push my comfort zones.”
Strife likes the rumble of her project car’s 350-ci V8. She enjoys the rush of snowboarding and riding ATVs on the dunes. But nothing brings her more solace than camping in the mountains where the stars are their brightest.
Strife enjoys connecting with readers and welcomes all feedback and questions.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
Website: elstrife.com
Blog: https://elstrife.com/category/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElysiaLStrife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorelstrife
About the Book
A romantic-suspense novel featuring: miscarriage, hot co-workers, cybersecurity threats, and the struggle of defining family.
With only an abusive mother-figure to guide her, Norah has learned everything the hard way. An unexpected pregnancy with her fiancé changed her career plans. But miscarriage and betrayal thrust everything in reverse again. Eerie things start happening at work, and Norah finds herself at the center of the investigation.
Secrets tumble forth from Norah’s father, her ex-fiancé, and the mystery around her adoption, breaking the walls she’s put up to protect her heart. Now, more than ever, she longs for trust, love, and a family of her own.
Bonding with her handsome co-worker, Evan, and his teenage daughter, Ashley, Norah gets a glimpse of cohesive family life. She finds herself falling for Evan and becoming an unlikely source of help and understanding for Ashley. Evan and Ashley have an empty seat at their table, one Norah wishes to fill. Yet the guilt of taking the previous woman’s place threatens to keep them apart.
Can Norah overcome the scars of her past and discover her inner strength? And will the private letter from her father answer her questions or destroy the family, and the man, she’s come to love?
ORDER YOUR COPY
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2wYVKLh
May 28, 2020
Book Publishing Secrets
This is a post I wrote for one of my book tours, but I wanted to share it with you again in case any of you might be looking for some tips! The book I reference is listed below. You can view the original post here: Book Publishing Secrets
A romantic-suspense novel featuring: miscarriage, hot co-workers, cybersecurity threats, and the
struggle of defining family.With only an abusive mother-figure to guide her, Norah has learned everything the hard way. An unexpected pregnancy with her fiancé changed her career plans. But miscarriage and betrayal thrust everything in reverse again. Eerie things start happening at work, and Norah finds herself at the center of the investigation.
Secrets tumble forth from Norah’s father, her ex-fiancé, and the mystery around her adoption, breaking the walls she’s put up to protect her heart. Now, more than ever, she longs for trust, love, and a family of her own.
Bonding with her handsome co-worker, Evan, and his teenage daughter, Ashley, Norah gets a glimpse of cohesive family life. She finds herself falling for Evan and becoming an unlikely source of help and understanding for Ashley. Evan and Ashley have an empty seat at their table, one Norah wishes to fill. Yet the guilt of taking the previous woman’s place threatens to keep them apart.
Can Norah overcome the scars of her past and discover her inner strength? And will the private letter from her father answer her questions or destroy the family, and the man, she’s come to love?
ORDER YOUR COPY Amazon → https://amzn.to/2wYVKLh
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
I didn’t set out on this journey thinking, “I want to be an author.” I just had stories I wanted to share with others. A Promise in Ash was prompted by the feeling of emptiness and failure I experienced after a miscarriage. It developed into a full story after an interesting encounter with a woman as one of the RV parks we’ve stayed at over the years. Her tales inspired the book to become what it is today. I think it’s important to talk about miscarriage and abuse. The more we do, the less uncomfortable the topics become. I just felt like fiction was a gentler way to go about this than self-help.
Is this your first book?
No, this is my 5th book. I’ve also written three sci-fi fantasies and one holiday romance.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
I’m a self-publisher by nature. I love learning how to do things, so it just seemed like the right fit: doing everything myself. But I also chose self-publishing because I didn’t think I was ready for querying, traditional agents, and contracts. It sounded more serious than I was prepared to dive into. I wanted to figure the system out before I put time and effort into queries.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
My first book was pretty rough the first time around. I’ve edited it a few times since and changed the cover. I’m finally happy with it, but it took a while. But lack of sales came down to a lack of marketing platform and knowledge of marketing in the beginning. I’m much better at it now, but it’s still hard to compete with the pros.
I still like having total creative control. I design my covers too. This can be detrimental in the beginning when you have no idea what you’re doing. I know I’ve learned a lot, but sometimes I still feel like I’m just “winging it.” Eventually, you learn to trust your training and instincts, and then move on when a project is done. Getting bad reviews sucks. But even super famous books have them. So I figure if I get just a few great reviews, the book was a success.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
There is a lot of competition. There will always be the top 100 books to read for the year. But I’ve read some fantastic books by indie authors with less than ten reviews. They’re great writers, but they aren’t included in the top 100 because of lack of discoverability. Indie publishing is great, but it’s led to market saturation. If you want to get readers’ eyes on your books, you have to advertise.
Traditional publishing is getting more competitive. It’s not just enough now to have a superb query letter and a polished manuscript. You have to have a social media following. Yep. I’ve seen people rejected for that very thing. A marketing platform is everything.
I didn’t understand how to narrow down my audience in the beginning. I’m still working on it. But it’s not enough to search for readers in your genre. You have to focus on the subgenre and key interests. I’m finding this issue is surfacing again with my romance. I have a holiday romance and a dark contemporary romance, which I list as romantic suspense because there’s yet to be a subgenre for that. But readers of one book won’t like the other. The themes and content are too different. It’s frustrating to start over with a readership, but it’s important to acknowledge and respect how very particular some readers are.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Sure. I think it’s great to be able to say that you’re an author and have a physical copy of something to show others. People need to share their stories, whether true or fictional. With as much competition as there is now for traditional slots, I think indie authorship is a great alternative. Everybody has a story to tell, even if it’s just their memoir. When we share our ideas and concepts, we discover things about each other and humanity.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Be realistic, which I know is hard when you’re not really sure what you’re getting yourself into. Hopes and prayers aren’t enough to get your book done and seen. You have to be prepared to do a lot of work. Writing is hard. Editing is harder. Formatting is cake. The cover is the frosting; make it look darn pretty. Publishing is eating cake. Marketing is the hardest.
You need a marketing plan before you publish. You need an author brand, at least in concept. You need to know who will support you, what the genre expectations are, and how to avoid all the amateur mistakes.
You need to have conviction. Writing will only be one tiny facet of the business if you choose to become a full-time author. You’re going to spend a lot of money on ads and websites and programs—tons of stuff. Save your receipts. You won’t make a lot the first few years until you start to figure the system out. Don’t quit your day job if you can help it.
Remember why you started writing. Remind yourself of this every day, so you don’t get discouraged. There are going to be chunks of time with no sales. You’re going to get bad reviews. Every author, even famous ones, get them. Don’t pull your book down. Don’t quit writing. You’re going to get better, but only if you don’t give up.
Thanks for having me!
Best wishes!
-Elysia
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Book Publishing Secrets with Elysia Strife @elysialstrife #books #bookpublishing
Elysia Strife is a self-published author of science-fiction fantasy and romance novels.
Adopted by two educators, Strife developed a deep love for learning new things. In 2012, she graduated from Oregon State University with two Bachelor’s Degrees in Public Health and Human Sciences: Interior Design and Exercise Sport Science. Her past wears fatigues, suits, and fitness gear, sprinkled with mascara and lace.
“I like to question everything, figure out how things work, and do tasks myself. Experiencing new things is fun but also helps with writing raw and genuine stories. And I’m always trying to push my comfort zones.”
Strife likes the rumble of her project car’s 350-ci V8. She enjoys the rush of snowboarding and riding ATVs on the dunes. But nothing brings her more solace than camping in the mountains where the stars are their brightest.
Strife enjoys connecting with readers and welcomes all feedback and questions.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
Website: elstrife.com
Blog: https://elstrife.com/category/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElysiaLStrife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorelstrife
April 1, 2020
Book Tour Alert! A Promise in Ash’s Tour Starts Today!
[image error]Thank you for your support in helping me get this book off the ground! Tour stops start today including reviews, interviews, and guest posts! The schedule is below.
A Promise in Ash is a dark contemporary romantic suspense, the first I’ve written of this kind that delves into some meaty and controversial issues. It’s borderline Women’s Fiction, but not for the faint of heart.
The world can be a cruel place for Norah, but that doesn’t mean it has to be ugly. Follow Norah as she learns to love herself after abuse, discover the value of trust again, and learn to fight for what matters most… because she’s worth it.
And follow A Promise in Ash as it makes its stops this month! (Intimacy, language, and violence depicted.)
If you join Promise Club, you’ll find out how you can win a signed paperback copy of A Promise in Ash, and you’ll get updates on upcoming books in the Promise collection.
March 4, 2020
Reblog: Author Interview by The Pulp & Mystery Shelf
You can find the original post here:
Interview with the Author
What initially got you interested in writing?
Since I was a kid, I spent free time coming up with new stories, playing out different scenarios with the people and events going on around me. I never really took a serious interest in it until my husband and I started traveling for his job to some pretty remote areas where there was little to do outside within reasonable driving distance. There’s only so much time a housewife can spend on Pinterest before her vision blurs. So I decided to try out that crazy writer dream. When I realized how many self-publishing services were available and the popularity of indie publishing (no longer feeding the stigma of “artists can’t make money”), I was thrilled. But I’m the type that sees an open door and wants to peek inside.
What genres do you write in?
I primarily write science fiction, fantasy, romance (holiday and suspense), and one children’s book (planning a few more). I should add that most of my books have a military subgenre or at least a character connected to the military in some way.
What drew you to writing these specific genres?
I’m a sucker for anything space-related. I love Star Trek and Star Wars and reading scifi novels. So that choice came about naturally. I enjoy romance novels that feature imperfect people struggling to better themselves in a judgmental world. Sometimes, I have to write what I only wish I could find to read. I also have a few fantasy novels in the works for publication in the next few years. Those are mostly a fun way to experiment with character stories that don’t fit the typical profiles.
How did you break into the field?
Stellar Fusion is my first book. I started with science fiction because I had the strongest, most-developed idea in that genre. I stumbled my way through a few different versions while learning the self-pub landscape. But soon after I published the first version, I had a five star review from a customer. So I thought, “Okay, maybe my writing doesn’t suck.” I’m now three books into that series with one romance and one children’s book published, and three more books coming this year, possibly four if I can manage it. I don’t think readers know how much they motivate us with their reviews.
What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?
There are countless messages in my books, so it would be hard to list them all here. It’s not so much that I’m imposing ideas, merely presenting them for consideration. I want readers to enjoy the action scenes and quieter loving moments, but I also hope they think about the conflicts. I have tons of symbols in my books, though I won’t define them outright.
A few messages in my works:
Family doesn’t have to be blood.
Love and understanding can mend most things.
We build more when we let go of our differences.
No one’s life is perfect, even if it looks that way.
Scars are beautiful symbols of strength.
Invisible illnesses hurt too.
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
When someone reviews one of my books and points out something that really stuck with them, it confirms that what I’m writing has meaning, that I made their life for the better if only for a moment. I write stories that I love, but I publish them for my readers. Knowing what makes readers happy, within my work, helps me (constructively) fine-tune the next books.
What do you find most challenging about writing?
Developmental self-editing is hard. It’s difficult to know how others will perceive certain events or bits of dialogue. This is why critique partners are so important. Getting multiple perspectives can make a huge difference. What is normal to me may not be normal for others. The most difficult part is finding CPs that will finish the whole book and give quality feedback. Without them, the manuscript can’t move on for further editing. I’m patient with most things. But when it comes to getting my books published, I’m a kid in a candy store, already hyped-up on Twinkies and caramel macchiatos.
What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field?
It’s not hard if you set up a plan and stick to it.
Write your book, and then take a class on editing/writing craft. Edit your book. Do this a few times before your search for CPs. And CP before you hire an editor. It will help you cut out unnecessary chunks so you don’t have to pay an editor to tell you the same thing.
Have a website and a marketing plan. Readers today want to see you in at least three places online to know you’re legit: Amazon, Goodreads, and a personal website for your books—at a minimum. If you can be on a few social media platforms like Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, do that.
Set up a blog.
Build an email subscriber list so you can send Advanced Review Copies of your books as a thank you for being loyal.
Set up a pre-order.
Run ads before, during, and after launch.
Do book review campaigns.
The list seems endless. It kind of is. Just try a few things and figure out what works for you. Most of us can’t afford to do everything, so be deliberate in what you choose to put your money toward. Look at reviews for the services and try to aim for your best ROI.
I will say this: no marketing platform = no one will know your book even exists. If you’re not getting sales, that’s likely the reason.
What type of books do you enjoy reading?
I love fast-paced scifi and fantasy that blend science and magic. Cyberpunk, biopunk. and space exploration/battle themes are my favorite. Action, crazy tech, galactic empires, aliens, robots, and comedic characters are some of my most enjoyed elements.
I’m also a fan of holiday romance for its cozy and uplifting mood and romantic suspense for the tense mystery and the ever-beating question of whether the lovers will make it together or not.
Is there anything else besides writing you think people would find interesting about you?
I actually don’t like sitting inside at my computer. I’d much rather be outside hiking, camping, riding ATVs, working on the car, gardening, bodybuilding at the gym, etc. I’m not your typical book lover. I am not librarian material. But I write from my experiences, from places we’ve traveled in our RV, and from the people that I’ve met. I want my stories to feel as real as they can, so I often write from experience.
What are the best ways to connect with you, or find out more about your work?
You can find more info on my books at: http://elstrife.com or on my Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/elysiastrife
I’m also on social media:
Thanks for having me!
Best wishes!
