Erin R. Howard's Blog, page 9

Behind the Story: Gift & News

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season!

We spent two whole weeks at home instead of having to go to Memphis for my son’s treatments. It was nice to be at home, but it was strange not to travel to St. Jude.. Especially when we’ve gone every week for the past ninety weeks! Since it was New Years this week, our appointment was moved to Wednesday, so it’s thrown off my entire week and I’m playing catch up.

There are a couple of things that I wanted to let you know about.

1. If you are a member of my newsletter community, The Hive, you received a booklet called Behind the Story in your inbox. It is a booklet about the portals in The Seer, and why I chose these particular locations to highlight in the book. Members of The Hive are the first to receive news, updates, freebies, and information about The Kalila Chronicles and my new novella series that is coming soon. If you would like to receive your free copy of Behind the Story, you can click here.

2. We are getting closer to the release of The Soul Searcher. YAY! Which means that I will have the cover reveal and pre-order dates soon. I will also post a list of dates for my blog tour and book signing events.

3. My website, www.erinrhoward.com  has recently been updated with a new page just for The Hive members. There is also a new Inner Circle (membership only) page for my Beta readers, and a new latest info section listed on the home page.

4. If you are an author, I have openings on my Wisdom Wednesday guest blog for February and March. If you would like to sign up to be a guest and share a writing tip, please sign up here.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Erin

 

 

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Wisdom Wednesday: Heather Greer

Did you travel anywhere for Christmas? My husband and I always plot new story ideas or on my current series when we are traveling. We go back and forth to St. Jude every week for my son’s treatment, so we are always in the car for hours. This time, we were going to my parent’s house for Christmas, but we still plotted. Now there are presents to put away, editing/writing to do, but it’s also Wisdom Wednesday. 

Today we have author Heather Greer with us. Thanks for joining us today, Heather!

Name: Heather Greer

Genre:  Contemporary Christian Romance

Upcoming Release: Grasping Hope (available in March)

Current Release: Faith’s Journey 

Writing Tip for Authors:

I’m not one who plots extensively or usually at all. Every time I went to writer’s conferences I heard about how I needed to plot out every detail and develop my characters completely before I even started writing. It was discouraging because I don’t naturally write that way. I went to a conference and my favorite author admitted to the group that she doesn’t plot either. She encouraged us to write in the way that works for us. That was so freeing for me. For the first time, I felt confident that I could be a good writer writing in the way that way that worked for me.

I love that you brought this up because when I first started writing, I didn’t have a single idea planned except for the main plot of the story. I found out that I was waiting for inspiration to hit to continue writing, which never worked. Now, I plan all of my major points of the story, but let the characters surprise me along the way. Experiment until you find what works for you, and then do it! 

Writing Tip for New Writers:

Always be willing to learn and grow. Even without industry changes, there are always areas where we need to improve and implement new techniques in our writing. Don’t wait until you’ve learned it all to start writing or you’ll never do it.

Exactly!

While we wait for Heather’s cover to be ready for her upcoming release, here’s a little more information about Grasping Hope.

 

When dreams turn to nightmares what’s left to hold onto?

Katie McGowan knows her fears are irrational. They’re also beyond her control. Her mind says her fiancé is faithful, but the betrayal of her past love ignites a fear stronger than her trust. Attempts to overcome it are unsuccessful. Nothing banishes her panic attacks for good. Dreading Austin’s response if he finds out about her struggle to trust, Katie hides the truth nearly destroying their relationship.

It takes a lesson in hope to start healing. Katie is released from the nightmare holding her captive to enjoy the blessings God has given. But when tragedies change her life forever, Katie’s understanding of hope is challenged. Unresolved anger and disappointment leave Katie doubting the sincerity of her beliefs. Desperate to prove her faith and minimize her failure as a believer, Katie buries her feelings beneath all the right words.

When she’s faced with losing everything, will Katie abandon her hope or cling to the lifeline God has given?

 

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Heather Greer is a pastor’s wife with a passion for encouraging and challenging women in the body of Christ to grow in faith. In addition to participating in women’s ministry, Heather enjoys directing a week-long youth camp for teenagers each summer. When she’s not busy writing, Heather enjoys reading and baking. And though her nest is nearing the empty stage, she loves spending time with her husband, four kids, and grandson in her hometown of Carbondale, Illinois.

 

 

Contact Info/Social Media Links:

Website: https://heathergreer.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Heather_Greer1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/1heathergreer/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1heather.greer/

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

Thank you for joining us for Wisdom Wednesday. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year. Before we go, how do you plot? Are you a planner or a panster? Maybe a little bit of both? Let us know in the comment section.

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Wisdom Wednesday: Beth E. Westcott

Christmas is almost here! I have a few more presents to buy and wrap, but now that my kids are officially on Christmas break, it’s starting to feel more like Christmas. Are you finished with your Christmas shopping?

Today, I have author Beth E. Westcott sharing her favorite writing tips for Wisdom Wednesday. Thanks for joining us, Beth!

Name: Beth E. Westcott

Genre: Christian Romance

Latest Release: Meadow Song

Writing Tip for Authors:

One of the first things I learned about writing is to do it regularly. At my first writers’ conference, we had to repeat over and over: “A writer writes. I am a writer, therefore I write.” You may be “gifted” to write and have ideas galore, but you have to become a “good” writer by learning the craft and practicing it. Read books, attend conferences, join an online webinar. Learn from the veterans in the publishing community. And practice. Like an Olympic athlete, we need training and practice. Being a regular and consistent writer has been a challenge for me because life so easily gets in the way.

Life can definitely get in the way. Discipline is the key to consistently writing every day. I struggle with this as I’m sure most writers do. 

Writing Tip for New Writers:

Be persistent. Keep at it. If writing is your calling, don’t give up.

If you feel like giving up, find a writing group (online or in your local area) and get plugged in. Other writers know exactly what you’re going through and have been there themselves at some point. Let them encourage you. Get recharged and keep going!




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Artist Kate Greenway moves to a new town to escape the memories of her dead fiancé. While painting beside a meadow, she meets a young girl and the girl’s uncle Jack Chambers. Kate is ready to move forward with her life, but Jack resists commitment. Kate returns home to care for her ill mother. Will she ever fulfill her dreams in art and love? Will Jack overcome his fear and realize that life without Kate will be his greatest loss?

 

 

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Beth grew up in upstate New York, the youngest of seven. Married to Frank for 45 years, she served with him in Child Evangelism Fellowship for six years and beside him in the pastoral ministry for 33 years. Beth is the mother of three and has five granddaughters. She enjoys music, sewing, and gardening, as well as reading and writing. She has had church programs and devotionals published, and her short story “Sadie and the Princess” is included in Heart-warming Horse Stories on Amazon. Her contemporary Christian romance novel, Meadow Song, was published in 2018 by Mantle Rock Publishers.

 Thank you for joining us today for Wisdom Wednesday. Don’t forget to connect with Beth on her website,  www.bethewestcott.com and check out her novel, Meadow Song. 

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Do you struggle with consistently writing every day? Do you have any tips to help become disciplined in writing every day? 

 

Fantasy writer Erin Howard talks about her favorite genre.

Today, I’m a guest on author Pam Watts Harris’s blog talking about the fantasy genre. Stop by and check it out!

via Fantasy writer Erin Howard talks about her favorite genre.

Wisdom Wednesday: Ellie Gustafson

Hello everyone! It’s time for Wisdom Wednesday and I’m not sure about you, but I need some extra motivation this week.  As Christmas and the new year approaches, what goals are you working on? 

Today, we have author Ellie Gustafson with us. Welcome, Ellie!

Name: Ellie Gustafson

Genre: Contemporary

Latest Release: An Unpresentable Glory

Writing Tip for Authors:

I am a slow writer. My brain works slowly, for one thing, and my start-off writing is pretty awful. I love to edit, however—going over each manuscript, in bits and pieces, at least fifty times before it’s fairly presentable. Editing does require a competent grasp of grammar and punctuation, and I’ve learned these skills, along with just plain good writing, through the tutelage of several editors.

Beta readers are invaluable. I’d recommend getting at least five who are not shy about telling you what stinks. Your brain sees the big picture of your story, the necessary details, but other brains don’t have that advantage. Your beta readers will help you find the blank spots. Don’t shoot your wad of readers all at once, though. Space them out, and keep making changes as suggested by each one. The care and feeding of beta readers is high on my priority list!

Your brain may work more efficiently than mine, but I would advise you to slow down to improve your end product.

This question took me over an hour to answer—and still, it’s not perfect. But then, I haven’t gone through it 50 times. Only about 30!

I love the editing phase. To me, that’s when the real writing takes place! If I try to edit before the rough draft is finished, I will never get anything accomplished.

Writing Tip for New Writers:

Read well-written books and take notes—not to plagiarize, but to learn how good writers do it. What makes the plot flow well? How does the author build tension? What makes that sentence zing? Learn to think outside the box. My very first editor, Judith Markham of Zondervan, spoke of a particular passage: “Ellie, you can write better than that.” Her words keep coming back to me, prodding me along the road of writing excellence.

I’ve heard other writers say that they don’t have time to read and that’s so sad. In order to grow, you need to keep reading and learning. Never stop reading!




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“I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands.”

Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. However, finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums does not bring joy. The mysterious man is sick, unable to do more than drink water—and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, and unpresentable glory.

Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda’s garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Linda’s garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers—on a national scale.

[image error]Having lived a few years, Ellie has collected long-ago memories—playing cowboys and Indians, watching first-run Wizard of Oz, collecting tinfoil for the war effort, driving a pony to a red ribbon, getting married and pregnant, and finally, enjoying the pleasures of kids, grandkids, and authoring. Add to this list gardening, house construction, tree farming, and loving on people—all of which bring color and humor to her fiction. One of Ellie’s major writing goals has been to make scriptural principles understandable and relevant for today’s readers through the power of story.

 

Ellie’s Social Media: 

Email: egus@me.com

Website:  www.eleanorgustafson.com/

Blog www.eleanorgustafson.com/  HOME, scroll down

Amazon Page: www.amazon.com/author/eleanorgustafson

Twitter: @EgusEllie

Facebook: Ellie Gustafson

An Unpresentable Glory: https://tinyurl.com/y9lpft6a

Dynamo:  http://tinyurl.com/otdxwad

The Stones:  http://tinyurl.com/nf5o63d

Thank you for joining us today for Wisdom Wednesday. Don’t forget to check out Ellie’s book, An Unpresentable Glory, and connect with her on social media.

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Do you enjoy the editing phase of writing? Do you have a team of Beta Readers? Let us know in the comment section!

Wisdom Wednesday: Gail Kittleson

How do you organize all of your story information, and how do you respond to negative reviews?

Today we have author Gail Kittleson on Wisdom Wednesday to share her favorite writing tips for authors and new writers.

Thanks for joining us, Gail!

Name: Gail Kittleson

Genre: Historical Romance

Latest Release: Kiss Me Once Again

Writing Tip for Authors:

Pay no attention to negative reviews unless your publisher brings up a concern. Why read them and expend all that emotional energy, when there are POSITIVE ones to focus on?

I think you bring up a good point that unless there’s something that we can learn from them and do better, there’s no reason to focus on those negative reviews. What you write won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay! You will find readers who love your genre and will enjoy your writing. 

Writing Tip for New Writers:

If you’re a character-driven writer, the plot may evolve in snitches and snatches as you do your research. It really helps to keep a little notebook with sections for each character. For me, it’s difficult to remember dates and connections that might come in handy later, as the story develops.

“Alice’s family sailed from Germany on the PROVOST the first time, when she was eight. Sea was wild.”

“Next trip was on the Heinrich, and the main thing she remembers is the food. Her youngest brother got sick, and she had to care for him. This was when she determined to become a nurse.”  (That younger brother became a medic in WWII…)

Without notes like this, I tend to get the trips or the brothers mixed up. These jottings can also be very helpful in writing a flashback later.

This a such a helpful tip! I have so many notebooks sitting on my desk right now. I like to dedicate one journal for each story. I keep notes on my computer as well, but I really like having those notebooks handy. 




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No one ever accused Glenora Carson of being a breathtaking beauty. Her tall, gangly figure and angular face are more solid midwestern stock than Hollywood glamour. But Joe liked her. He even told her, “You’re the one for me.” He gave her a locket with his picture inside, to remind her of him while he was away, serving his country on the U.S.S. Arizona. After December 7, 1941, Glenora shelves her dreams of attending college on the scholarship she was offered by Iowa State University, locks her heart away, and focuses on holding down the home front by helping out the family business – Carson’s Garage. The grease-stained overalls didn’t do much to compliment her female figure, but they cover her female heart well enough. That is, until Hank Anderson, a wounded warrior back from battle, walks into the garage and into Glenora’s life. Is an old maid’s future Glenora’s fate, or will Cupid throw a wrench in her plans?

 

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Gail writes from northern Iowa. She and her husband enjoy their grandchildren and exploring WWII sites.

The writing bug bit Gail later in life, along with a love for the World War II era. She’s hopelessly addicted. Her historical fiction honors Greatest Generation women who made a difference despite great odds. Her second love, teaching, leads to facilitating writing workshops and retreats, where she loves cheering others on.

 

 

Gail’s Social Media: 

http://www.gailkittleson.com/

http://www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor

http://amazon.com/author/gailkittleson


www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson

 

Thank you for joining us today for Wisdom Wednesday. Don’t forget to check out Gail’s book, Kiss Me Once Again and connect with her on social media. Do you have an organization tip or how to deal with negative reviews? Share it with us in the comment section!

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Wisdom Wednesday: Sharon Rene + Giveaway

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

I’m back at the computer this week after spending time with family and co-hosting an FB event on Cyber Monday. 

How are you doing with your writing goals this week? Need a boost to get you through the week? Today, I have author Sharon Rene with us. Welcome, Sharon!

Name: Sharon Rene

Genre: Children’s fiction

Latest Release: A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace

Writing Tip for Authors:

Don’t be afraid to develop your unique voice. There are so many writing “rules!” The rules are great, and my writing has improved dramatically because of them but they can become stifling. At times, I have to remind myself that writing is an art and we all have a special style and voice that shouldn’t be ignored.

You’re right, we can’t forget to let our voice shine through when we are writing. We all want polished, error-free books, but voice is important too. We need to find the perfect pairing of both.

Writing Tip for New Writers:

New writers need to study the craft and develop a style. Experiment with different areas of writing – flash fiction, short story, creative non-fiction. Attend writer’s conferences and join a local group if possible. I recommend becoming a part of the Scribes Critique group on ACFW. I have learned so much about writing from this group and made a lot of good friends.

These all great tips! Learning how to write in different ways like flash and short stories are a huge benefit to our writing. We constantly need to find new ways to learn and grow. 



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A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace is a collection of short stories for children, ages seven to eleven. The stories are biblical, historical and contemporary. The biblical section includes Daniel in the Lions’ den from the perspective of one of the hungry lions and the apostle Peter’s miraculous escape from prison. In the historical section, the reader travels to England in the middle ages and encounters a queen, knights, and a ship full of pirates. Modern young Christians face a variety of issues in the contemporary section. A devotion, prayer, and scripture follow each story.

 

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Sharon Rene enjoys writing children’s and young adult books. Several of her flash fiction stories have been published by Splickety Magazine, and she’s also had nonfiction pieces published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Life Changing Miracles. Her book for children ages seven to eleven is entitled A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace and was published in May 2018. Currently, she’s working on a YA speculative series. She is a columnist for Pursue Magazine, an online magazine for Christian teens, and also a member of The Storyteller Squad blog.

 

 

Sharon’s Social Media: 

Purchase Link for A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace: Click here

Website:  www.sharonreneauthor.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/sharonreneauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SharonRene4

The Storyteller Squad blog:  https://storytellersquad.com/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ane-mulligan

Thank you for joining us today! Sharon is giving away a copy of her book, all you have to do is comment on this post to enter! The winner will receive a paperback copy if in the USA and ebook if outside of USA.

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Wisdom Wednesday: Ane Mulligan

Have you ever read a book and no matter how hard you tried, couldn’t relate to the characters? 

Today, author Ane Mulligan shares how to help your characters more real and to reach the heart of your readers. 

Thanks for joining us, Ane! 

Name: Ane Mulligan

Genre: Women’s fiction

Latest Release: A Magnolia Blooms in Winter. It’s part of a novella collection: A Southern Season – Four Stories From a Front Porch Swing.

Writing Tip for Authors:

Motivation is the key to great characters and a good plot. To reach the hearts of readers, they have to relate to our characters. To do that, we have to make them real. They have to have deep seated motivation, not superficial. That motivation comes from a past wound. Find that wound and you’ll find their motivation. Once you know that, you will know how your character reacts to things, why she/he seeks the goal they do. You can actually plot a novel by the motivation.

Great advice, Ane! I’ve read books where I couldn’t relate or believe the characters and what ends up happening is that I can’t root for them to achieve their goals. Everyone has wounds from something, and if you can show that motivation in your writing, you’ll get that connection that you’re talking about.

Writing Tip for New Writers:

Enjoy the journey and grow a thick skin. Don’t be in such a hurry to publish that you miss the fun along the way of the friends and contacts you make. And it’s vital to grow that rhino skin. Critiques may sting at first. Contest judges’ remarks can hurt. But if you have rhino skin, you can view them subjectively and apply what profits you and grind the rest to dust beneath your heel. Snicker.

I haven’t heard anyone call it rhino skin yet, but I love it, and the part about dust beneath your heel!

Full of Character with Erin Howard

I’m on Heather Greer’s blog for a Full of Character interview about The Seer. Stop by the blog and feel free to share!

Thank you for having me, Heather!

By the Book

Today’s Full of Character Author Interview guest is Erin Howard. Erin is the author of The Seer, a great Christian fantasy story that takes you into the spiritual battle raging that only a select few characters can see. Welcome, Erin. Let’s get to it.

What character from the books you’ve read has impacted you more than all the others?

You know how to ask some tough questions! I’ve read so many wonderful books, that it’s almost impossible me to narrow it down to just one. That’s one reason why I think reading is so wonderful, we can take something away from every book we read, and it’s always different depending on what we may be going through at that particular time in our lives.

I’ve not received that answer before, but I like it. What character you created was the easiest to write? The hardest?

The easiest character for me…

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Recharge Friday: Thankful String Art

It’s cold outside, and I want my pretty fall weather back!

I’m bundled in my favorite hoodie and deep into edits of The Soul Searcher for my publisher. I need to run out to the grocery store later, but I would rather curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and finish a crochet hat that I’m making. My mind is busy editing, and my fingers are itching to create something.

Two years ago, before my son was diagnosed with Leukemia, I was teaching craft classes, and we had a Thankful string art class. If you haven’t ever made string art, you’re missing out on a ton of fun! I sold my thankful sign, but I’m ready to make another one to display for Thanksgiving this year. A trip down the craft aisle may be in store for me later this evening.

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I love Thanksgiving, and I have a lot to be thankful for. Gabe has 37 more weeks of treatment left and my second book is getting ready to release. I sent off the cover questionnaire today to our cover designer, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with. The Soul Searcher releases 2/19/19 and I can’t wait to be able to share the cover with you all!

What about you? What have you done this week to recharge? Have you made anything crafty? Share your pictures in the comment section, I would love to see them!

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