Erin R. Howard's Blog, page 12

I Couldn’t Resist

Everyone else is still asleep, but I couldn’t resist opening the balcony doors to watch and listen to the waves.

Lots of things run through my mind this morning as I’m listening. How thankful I am that Gabe is doing so well, the kids are having so much fun, I could easily get used to having this view every day, and just how much writing I could get done with inspiration like this! Do you think Thea would like a setting change to the beach?

Wisdom Wednesday: Jason C. Joyner

Before you fire up those grills, eat lots of food, and celebrate with your families, let’s take a few minutes to get our writing tip for the week. It’s a good one, so you don’t want to miss out on the weekly boost we all need to get those words counts and goals accomplished.

Today, I have a fellow fantasy author with me, Jason C. Joyner. YAY! Welcome to the blog, Jason!

Name: Jason C. Joyner

Genre: A supernatural/fantasy/superhero (it’s a superhero book, and I see these classified all over the place!)

Latest Novel: Launch (Rise of the Anointed, book 1)

Writing Tip: 

Turn off your editor! No rule works for everyone, but I was a paralyzed writer early on when I tried to edit as I went. I couldn’t get traction because I’d obsess over the best word or phrase. When I turned off the editor and wrote, I made progress and got into a groove. Often my writing is better then anyway. Write first, edit later. You can’t edit what you don’t have on the page, so get it down first, even if it stinks.

Are we related somehow? This is exactly what I struggled with for years before I made myself turn off my internal editor and just write. It was hard for me at first, but once I made myself sit down and write without editing, the first draft flowed and was finished quickly. If you’re struggling to get that first edit finished, then try this.

Favorite Writing Tip for New Writers:

Find a tribe. Writing can be a lonely past time. If you find others who write what you do and understand it, the support can be invaluable. That’s made all the difference for me as a writer.

No one will understand quite like your tribe, the ones who write in your genre. Writing groups are wonderful and a great place to find those people and ones that write in other genres. (You need to learn from them too) Don’t have a local writing group? Start one! The one that I attend meets at a local library once a month. 

[image error] Sixteen-year-olds Demarcus Bartlett and Lily Beausoliel are among a select group of youth invited to an exclusive, all-expenses-paid conference at social media giant Alturas’ California headquarters. Led by charismatic founder Simon Mazor, the world’s youngest billionaire, this isn’t the typical honors society. It seems that everyone here has some secret, untapped potential, some power that may not be entirely of this world. An ancient prophecy suggests that if these teens combine their abilities, they could change the course of history. The only question is: Will it be for better or for worse?

[image error]Jason remembers sitting in 3rd grade, imaging he’d save the day when a dinosaur came through the window. Unfortunately he never had the chance. But his overactive imagination and love for the heroic has combined into a love of telling stories of people sacrificing for others to save the day, along with witty quips and a smattering of geeky references.

His “real job” is working as a physician assistant. When Jason’s not mending people, he’s traveling to exotic locales or coaching soccer. Or maybe watching Star Wars just one more time. He lives in the high desert of Idaho with his wife, three sons and a daughter, and two Star Wars-named cats that don’t get along.

Thanks for joining us today Jason!  I think everyone needs the reminder to turn off their internal editor and get those words on the page. Learn to love the rewrite phase. You can fix all your mistakes then, but you’ll never get anywhere if there’s not a first draft to work on. 

Please take a moment and connect with Jason on social media, and check out his new release, Launch (Rise of the Anointed, book 1) that was just released yesterday! Congratulations Jason! 

I love to connect with people on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Find me at www.facebook.com/jasoncjoyner, www.twitter.com/jasoncjoyner, www.instagram.com/jasoncjoyner. I also have my website, www.jasoncjoyner.com

*If you are an author and would like to be a guest on Wisdom Wednesday, please contact me. I have openings available this summer and would love to have you!

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Wisdom Wednesday: Barbara M. Britton

If you know anything about the publishing industry, you will have heard about building your platform. It’s something that everyone needs to do if they want to become a published author, regardless if they traditionally publish or self-publish their novel. 

Today, my guest is Barbara M. Britton, author of Jerusalem Rising: Adah’s Journey. (What a beautiful cover, by the way!) Let’s see what she has to say about building your platform. 

Name: Barbara M. Britton

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Latest Novel: Jerusalem Rising: Adah’s Journey

Writing Tip:

Nine years ago, when the social media revolution was beginning, I sat at a writing conference and heard that I should develop a website and be active on Facebook (I don’t think Twitter was even around). I was pre-published at the time and I didn’t think I needed to be “seen” yet. I’ll admit, I’m also a bit tech-challenged. Flash forward nine years, and I will tell you that you need to be participating in the cyberworld even if you don’t have a book out. Your online platform will be checked by editors and agents and may even influence if you get a book deal. Sounds harsh. I’ve had agents go on my social media before a pitch session…they even liked my author Facebook page. I’ve also been told by agents that my work was wonderful, but my platform wasn’t big enough. Yikes!

What do I recommend as a minimum? Join Twitter and Facebook and post often about your life. On Facebook, your “page” will get likes. Don’t invite strangers onto your personal profile. Writing for teens? Choose Snapchat or Instagram. Some writers do Pinterest. I recommend picking 2 or 3 and sticking with those media outlets. You still have to have time to write! Also join Goodreads where readers hang out. If you can afford a website or blog, go for it. You will need one eventually. Being visible in the cyber world will help you–before and after–you sell a book.

These are all great tips about social media and platform! Choosing 2-3 to focus on will also give you the ability to get to know the people that follow your social media and help you interact with them. My publisher is always saying, “If no one knows you have a book, no one will buy it!” The first step to becoming published is building that platform. 

Favorite Writing Tip for New Writers:

I embrace Dory’s line in Finding Nemo, “Just Keep Swimming.” I’ve been writing for eleven years and it took me nine years to contract a book. My query life was full of rejection e-mails. I amassed over 200 rejections before I sold my first book. I had a passion for my stories and I enjoyed writing, so I wasn’t going to give up on my manuscripts. As a Christian, I claimed Ecclesiastes 3:1 that there was a God appointed time for everything—even publishing a book. I recommend joining a writing group for support because this business isn’t for the faint of heart. You can find other writers through professional writing organizations and by attending writing conferences. They are also in the above mentioned cyberworld. I follow a lot of authors, agents, and editors on Twitter to learn about the publishing world (and I re-tweet them).

 

This is a great reminder to not give up. I know at times it can be discouraging, especially when you receive a rejection. One of the best things that I’ve done is join a local writing group. They have given me a lot of support and encouragement. I always look forward to attending each month.

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When Adah bat Shallum finds the governor of Judah weeping over the crumbling wall of Jerusalem, she learns the reason for Nehemiah’s unexpected visit—God has called him to rebuild the wall around the City of David.

Nehemiah challenges the men of Jerusalem to labor on the wall and in return, the names of their fathers will be written in the annals for future generations to cherish. But Adah has one sister and no brothers. Should her father who rules a half-district of Jerusalem be forgotten forever?

Adah bravely vows to rebuild her city’s wall, though she soon discovers that Jerusalem not only has enemies outside of the city, but also within. Can Adah, her sister, and the men they love, honor God’s call? Or will their mission be crushed by the same rocks they hope to raise?

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Barbara M. Britton was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, but currently lives in Southeast Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. Barb writes romantic adventures for teens and adults in the Christian fiction and Mainstream markets. She is published in Biblical fiction and enjoys bringing little known Bible characters to light in her stories. Barb’s debut novel, “Providence: Hannah’s Journey,” released in October of 2016 from Harbourlight Books and kicked off her Tribes of Israel series. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate.

Thanks for joining us today Barbara!  I enjoyed having you on my blog today. Your writing tips about building a platform and never giving up are both things that we must do, and things that we need to be reminded about. 

Please take a moment and connect with Barbara on social media, and check out her novel, Jerusalem Rising: Adah’s Journey.

Barbara’s Social Media Links:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

 

*If you are an author and would like to be a guest on Wisdom Wednesday, please contact me. I have openings available this summer and would love to have you!

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Wisdom Wednesday: Brett Armstrong

I’m glad it’s Wednesday because that means it’s Wisdom Wednesday, where I have the honor of hosting guest authors, their books, and favorite writing tips.

Today, we have author Brett Armstrong with us. Thank you for joining us, Brett!

Name: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Historical Fiction

Latest Novel: Destitutio Quod Remissio

Writing Tip:

Trying to find novel (pun intended) advice is a bit of a challenge. Recently I’ve been very concerned about world-building, as I’m developing a high fantasy series. Making the world come to life and stand as distinct is critical to the experience of high fantasy, historical fiction, Sci-fi, any story where the world is not precisely the normal world around us (even then you can argue some contemporary contexts still take extensive world-building). My tip for world-building? While writing take on some side projects. I’m working on a prequel novella that expands on the history between a pair of characters. That extra focus has given me the chance to explore not only more of the story world, but of the characters themselves. Moments that before had one layer of significance suddenly became multi-layered. Some of the concepts and details that developed in the novella have made their way into the novel in softer form.

Be careful to not just expand the world you’re building, but to deepen what is essential around the story at hand. To do that take time to explore the world yourself in short stories, flash fiction, novellas, and sequels. I view publishing a book as taking readers on a tour through lands you’ve visited as the author. When you pause while blazing the trail to get a view of what surrounds your story, you’ll find things, things you want to show readers on their trip through the world later. In short, look around your story and look close. In the end, you’ll have a more richly detailed world and the start to a view of a broader world as well.

Worldbuilding is one of my favorite things about being a fantasy writer. I love sitting down with my characters in mind and creating the world as they know it. I think you bring up an excellent tip to help keep our focus on the right path when we are world building. You said, “I view publishing a book as taking readers on a tour through lands you’ve visited as the author.” I love this! We can’t take our reader somewhere that we haven’t been ourselves. So good!

Favorite Writing Tip for New Writers:

Be very aware of why you are writing. If you’re doing it for fame and fortune, there’s a good chance you’ll want to brace yourself for impact. Even “good” writers don’t necessarily make it in that way. People can tell you they love your books and they’re incredible, but it doesn’t instantly translate to sales. I’m not saying that things can’t work out in that way, just brace yourself if that’s what you’re after.

If money and notoriety aren’t what you seek, then still brace yourself. People are mean. Sometimes people are harsh and may not even realize it. Sometimes they’re just indifferent. Particularly if you write something that is different from mainstream, don’t expect to be embraced like mainstream writing. Since that isn’t why you’re writing, know what your why is and hold on to that. If you’re a Christian writer, so much the better, because at some level God’s honor and glory are probably behind your writing. That is noble and worthwhile and yields rewards independent of the things typically used as measures of success.

When reviews (good, bad, and ugly) come in, awards come and go, sales fluctuate, and you have creative differences with agents and publishers, through all of that you can weather it. You’ll have that why to fall back to, and keep writing and loving writing.

I think this is a great point that everyone needs to remember, especially new writers. You have to know why you’re writing and what drives you to keep writing. I have to constantly remind myself that not everyone will read and fall in love with my stories, and guess what? That’s normal and perfectly okay! There will be readers that connect with your type of stories and that’s what you are aiming for. 

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For decades, Roman Senator Marcus Servius labored to become a wealthy and admired patrician man. But now, his world is shattered. After he is exposed as a Christian during a time of intense persecution, his home, wealth, and prestige are stripped from him. The most painful loss of all is that of his beloved wife, Cassandra. Destitute and wary, Marcus prays he will be delivered from his enemies’ hands as he struggles to realize a new path.

In desperate need of help, Marcus disguises himself and embarks on a dangerous journey to find Benjamin Truvias, the leader of a hidden church and the man responsible for Marcus’s conversion. After Benjamin offers aid, Marcus’s life finally finds needed direction. Yet, the more he helps the church through persecutions, the closer he comes to finding who betrayed him. Caught in a maelstrom of intrigue and deception, should Marcus discover the awful truth of who caused his fall, he must choose between vengeance and forgiveness–a decision that will affect the fate of all the believers in Rome.

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Brett Armstrong, author of the award-winning novel, Destitutio Quod Remissio, started writing stories at age nine, penning a tale of revenge and ambition set in the last days of the Aztec Empire.  Twenty years later, he is still telling stories though admittedly his philosophy has deepened with his Christian faith and a master’s degree in creative writing.  His goal with every work is to be like a brush in the Master artist’s hand and his hope is the finished composition always reflects the design God had in mind.  He feels writing should be engaging, immersive, entertaining, and always purposeful.  Continually busy at work with one or more new novels to come, he

Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/brettarmstrongwv

Twitter:        https://www.twitter.com/BArmstrongWV

Pinterest:      http://www.pinterest.com/ChristianKid044

Website:       https://brettarmstrong.net/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8281587.Brett_Armstrong

YouTube:      https://www.youtube.com/embed/n8RdGQ6jQiE?rel=0

Please take a moment and connect with Brett on social media, and check out his novel, Destitutio Quod Remissio.

Thanks for joining us today, Brett! I enjoyed having you on my blog, and your reminders to know our journey and the reason why we write!

*If you are an author and would like to be a guest on Wisdom Wednesday, please contact me. I have openings available this summer.

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Behind the Story: The Seer Locations #2

I am home from the Inspire Conference, hosted by my writing group, Ken Ten Writers. This year the retreat was held at Montgomery Bell State Park. I came back armed with information from lots of great workshops and connected with some amazing writers.

Two months before Gabe was diagnosed with cancer, we went to LBL (Land Between the Lakes) to have our fall family pictures taken. Once we were finished taking pictures, Jacob took me to a graveyard tucked behind a camping area. We took a short walk back behind the campground, and I instantly knew that I had to use this location in my story. I took some liberties with the layout of the area because I wanted Thea to be close enough to the water to hear it hit the shore.

I also wanted the setting of the book to be in the fall because it’s my absolute favorite season. The crisp cold air, colorful leaves, hoodies, bonfires, and s’mores are all things that I love about the season.

Instead of showing another picture this week, I want to hear from you and giveaway a Kindle copy of my novel, The Seer.

Have you been to any locations from the books that you’ve read? If so, I would love to hear about them. Please take a moment and add your picture in the comment section and tell us where the location is and what book it is from. You have until next Wednesday to enter, and I will announce the winner next Thursday.

 

Hugs,

Erin

 

Behind the Story: The Seer Locations #1

Lots of guesses were given on the photo that I posted last week. I had fun reading all of them!

I had one person that was the closest! Makenzie, a member of my beta reading group called The Hive, guessed that it was a church.

The picture is actually what’s left a wall that was once the National Headquarters of the Cumberland Presbyterian church located in Memphis TN. When the headquarters moved, Chick-fil-A bought the land and kept the front side of the building. The back side is now a patio for outdoor eating.

Memphis has played a huge role in our lives since 12/29/16, so I knew I had to use some locations from there. We love Chick-fil-A, (my favorite is the nuggets) so once Jacob and I saw the wall we had to find out what it once was. I was so surprised when I read that it was once the location of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church National Headquarters. I grew up attending a Cumberland Presbyterian Church (that my ancestors helped to found in 1870) and I knew instantly I had to use this location.

Most of the locations in The Seer have to do with portal locations. However, I don’t want to spoil what’s at this location in case you haven’t read it yet.

Are you ready for the next picture?

Or how about three?

 

 

 

 

Please comment with your guess and next Thursday I will reveal the location, why it’s important to me, and give you another picture.

If you haven’t had a chance to read The Seer, it’s available on Amazon and Books-A-Million.

Hugs,

Erin

Behind the Store: The Seer Locations #1

Lots of guesses were given on the photo that I posted last week. I had fun reading all of them!

I had one person that was the closest! Makenzie, a member of my beta reading group called The Hive, guessed that it was a church.

The picture is actually what’s left a wall that was once the National Headquarters of the Cumberland Presbyterian church located in Memphis TN. When the headquarters moved, Chick-fil-A bought the land and kept the front side of the building. The back side is now a patio for outdoor eating.

Memphis has played a huge role in our lives since 12/29/16, so I knew I had to use some locations from there. We love Chick-fil-A, (my favorite is the nuggets) so once Jacob and I saw the wall we had to find out what it once was. I was so surprised when I read that it was once the location of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church National Headquarters. I grew up attending a Cumberland Presbyterian Church (that my ancestors helped to found in 1870) and I knew instantly I had to use this location.

Most of the locations in The Seer have to do with portal locations. However, I don’t want to spoil what’s at this location in case you haven’t read it yet.

Are you ready for the next picture?

Or how about three?

 

 

 

Please comment with your guess and next Thursday I will reveal the location, why it’s important to me, and give you another picture.

If you haven’t had a chance to read The Seer, it’s available on Amazon and Books-A-Million.

Hugs,

Erin

Behind the Story: The Seer Locations

Locations play a huge part in a novel. It sets the tone of the story, and gives the reader something to help connect them to the story so it seems more real and believable.

For The Seer, I didn’t want to just use any random locations. Since The Seer is an urban fantasy (which uses today’s world and fuses it with supernatural/paranormal/fantasy elements) I wanted it to be somewhere that would feel familiar. However, I also wanted to use locations that have special meanings for me.

Over the next few Thursdays, I will post a different location picture and give you the opportunity to guess where it is and what scene it is used for in the book. I will also let you in on all my little secrets as to why it’s special to me.

Here’s your picture for next Thursday! If you think you know where it is and what scene it is used in, or if you just want to guess, comment below and I will announce who was correct next week. (For those of you that are in my special group, The Hive, you have already got a sneak peak!)

 

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If you are local, please stop by my Scavenger Hunt & Book Signing event at the Benton Library on Saturday (June 2nd) from 2-4. I will also be available for a Meet & Greet, book signing, and FAQ.

Can’t wait to see you all there, and to read your guesses!

Hugs,

Erin

Scavenger Hunt & Book Signing

Last month, I participated in a FB book party, and was able to interact with readers in a thirty minute time frame. It was difficult to keep up with all the questions and comments, but I had a blast getting to know the readers in the group and tell them more about my book, and myself. I had so much fun, that I knew I had to book other events this summer and do the same thing in person!

On June 2nd, at the Benton Library, I will have a Scavenger Hunt & Book Signing from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. The Scavenger Hunt is going to be a lot of fun, because you will be able to find clues (about me, my writing, and my job as an editor)  take selfies with the clues, post to my social media page with the party hash tag, and be entered into a drawing for a FREE copy of The Seer! I will also be available for a Meet & Greet, FAQ session, and book signing.

I hope you make plans to attend, I would love to see you all there! Be on the lookout for more information about upcoming events. We are in the planning process of expanding the events to include some fun writing workshops and publishing related panels.

Hugs,

Erin

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Author Event- Speculative Fiction FB Party

Gabe’s fever is still going up and down. So far, his blood cultures have not shown any growth, so they believe it must be a viral infection. There’s not a lot they can do for a viral infection, but he is still on several different antibiotics, and fluids. They just came in a took more blood to do a new blood culture to see if anything new pops up over the next 24 hours.

Gabe has slept a lot today, which is great because last night he was restless, and they had to monitor his fever, which meant a nurse was in here every hour. He has to be fever free for 24 hours before we will be released to housing, so we will most likely be here for a couple days.

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While he’s sleeping right now, I’m getting caught up on some writing on my second book, and finalizing for my author FB event that I am participating in tomorrow evening. (As long as he is doing okay and resting)

It almost seems fitting that I’m logging in and doing the party from Memphis. The Seer was written while we were in Memphis sitting around the hospital.

Make plans to join me tomorrow evening, 6 pm Eastern/ 5pm Central for the Christian Fiction Lovers Speculative FB Party. There you will meet six authors and their novels, fun trivia, and of course giveaways. We are giving away 7 books, and a $50 Amazon Card. The rules for the contest are listed in the discussion in the event link. I hope to see you there!

I also have a book signing event coming up at the Benton Library on June 2nd from 2-4.

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