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E.L. Johnson's Blog, page 5
June 20, 2020
4 things I've learned from publishing 2 books
Since the world has gone into lockdown, I've been productive (somewhat). Aside from starting a new job, eating more snacks and discovering that remote working sucks (zoom meetings are my new personal hell), I've been doing more writing, revising, querying and so here's some collective things I've learned.There are good deals and bad deals. There are joyful experiences like having a say in your book cover design and getting that first round of developmental edits from your publisher. Then there are compromises you may be asked to make on your story, and while some books can be a joy to write, others can earn a walloping $13 in royalties. The trick is to gain experience along the way and learn what you can for the next deal.There will always be writers who are more talented, higher earners, and some who will seem to reach heights of success early in their career while you struggle for years to get anywhere. Stop comparing yourself to other authors and keep writing.Don't be a lone wolf, unless you're writing. Join a writers' group, an online community, or take part in one of the many writing competitions on Twitter (i.e. #RevPit, #PitMad, etc). There's a whole collective of writers out there at different stages in their careers. Put yourself out there and make connections. Remember above all to keep writing. Find out what works for you. If the way you groove is with a glass of wine by the fireside, or in my case plonked on the sofa with a period drama on, find a method and place where you can write undisturbed. It's okay if you don't write every day, just like it's okay to take naps or cookie breaks. But don't stop writing. I think for authors writing is a love and without it we'd be lost. It's when the writing is no longer fun that you need to question your motives. Write because you love it, not because you're hoping to make a million dollars. Cheers
ELJ
ELJ
August 24, 2019
The guilt factor
I'm in a rut.
I'll admit, part of it's the summer, the hot days where it's too hot to think straight. I'm deep in the editing process of my new novel, the second in the Witch Hunter Tales series, and I need to motivate myself to meet my publisher's deadline. But it's August and there's so many things to do. So what have I started feeling? Guilt.
I think of it as the guilt factor. If you've got an overbearing friend or relative, someone who guilt trips you, or perhaps remnants of a religion you used to follow, these might be affecting you. But for writers, I find I've started feeling guilty whenever I've got a bit of free time and I'm not spending it writing/editing/proofread/revising/pitching/querying/etc.
Do any of you feel this way? Do you start experiencing pangs of guilt if you find yourself doing other things rather than writing?
I'm feeling it now. Wish me luck. Sitting down to write is the only way I get rid of it. Maybe it's a helpful demon, or my conscience, or a really annoying guardian angel. Whatever it is, it's the guilt factor.
cheers
ELJ
I'll admit, part of it's the summer, the hot days where it's too hot to think straight. I'm deep in the editing process of my new novel, the second in the Witch Hunter Tales series, and I need to motivate myself to meet my publisher's deadline. But it's August and there's so many things to do. So what have I started feeling? Guilt.
I think of it as the guilt factor. If you've got an overbearing friend or relative, someone who guilt trips you, or perhaps remnants of a religion you used to follow, these might be affecting you. But for writers, I find I've started feeling guilty whenever I've got a bit of free time and I'm not spending it writing/editing/proofread/revising/pitching/querying/etc.
Do any of you feel this way? Do you start experiencing pangs of guilt if you find yourself doing other things rather than writing?
I'm feeling it now. Wish me luck. Sitting down to write is the only way I get rid of it. Maybe it's a helpful demon, or my conscience, or a really annoying guardian angel. Whatever it is, it's the guilt factor.
cheers
ELJ
July 6, 2019
Wolf's Blood reviewed by The Bottled Imp
I'm really excited. I don't watch a lot of YouTube videos, but this one I watched the entirety of.
Ken Boyter, a fellow writer in my local writers' circle, has a YouTube channel called The Bottled Imp, where he reviews games, books and all things fantasy.
Ken very kindly reviewed my book Wolf's Blood, and touches on some of the themes in the novel, plus the good and the bad. No spoilers and a nice fair review I'd say.
Check it out!
Ken Boyter, a fellow writer in my local writers' circle, has a YouTube channel called The Bottled Imp, where he reviews games, books and all things fantasy.
Ken very kindly reviewed my book Wolf's Blood, and touches on some of the themes in the novel, plus the good and the bad. No spoilers and a nice fair review I'd say.
Check it out!
June 2, 2019
Check out my blog for NaNoWriMo!
I was privileged to write a piece for NaNoWriMo on the editing process. For everyone it's different, but my lazy ways (cue naps and cookies) seem to work.
For some useful tips when you're stuck editing your novel, check out my blog post:
Naps, hooks and cookies: how to tackle the editing process
NaNoWriMo said:
For some useful tips when you're stuck editing your novel, check out my blog post:
Naps, hooks and cookies: how to tackle the editing process
NaNoWriMo said:
Are you getting ready to tackle the editing process? @ELJohnson888 has some suggestions and spoiler alert: naps and cookies are featured.
— NaNoWriMo (@NaNoWriMo) May 31, 2019
(More lists of suggestions should include naps and cookies.) https://t.co/ZZKmZNkAIQ
April 6, 2019
Wolf's Blood is out! Hooray!
My book is out! Wolf's Blood is out and available now for purchase. Buy it now!
Okay, obligatory push to buy my book is now over.
I'm really excited. It's been such a fun and exciting ride getting this book together. It's been an absolute pleasure working with my publisher, who is a fantastic editor and really devotes the time to make the manuscript something special.
I'm really pleased with how it turned out. So if you're curious to have a read about witches, wolves and more, check out my novel. It's the start of something really cool.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1732787255?pf_rd_p=1581d9f4-062f-453c-b69e-0f3e00ba2652&pf_rd_r=QS1V3V6Z14NN3N82YNTN
Okay, obligatory push to buy my book is now over.
I'm really excited. It's been such a fun and exciting ride getting this book together. It's been an absolute pleasure working with my publisher, who is a fantastic editor and really devotes the time to make the manuscript something special.
I'm really pleased with how it turned out. So if you're curious to have a read about witches, wolves and more, check out my novel. It's the start of something really cool.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1732787255?pf_rd_p=1581d9f4-062f-453c-b69e-0f3e00ba2652&pf_rd_r=QS1V3V6Z14NN3N82YNTN
January 27, 2019
Thrilled
So it's been a while since I've blogged. A lot of times, it's cause I have nothing to say.
There's this quote I think attributed to Abraham Lincoln, where when asked why he didn't say anything, he responded, "Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought the fool, then open it and remove all doubt."
But not this time. I'm really excited. I have a new publisher, and a new book coming out this year. It trods the line between historical fiction and fantasy.
Super exciting news: my publisher recently posted a competition for book cover designers to compete for the chance to design my novel's cover. The responses has been incredible. There have been some amazing cover designs submitted and I can't wait to see what the final design will be.
Update soon.
cheers
ELJ
There's this quote I think attributed to Abraham Lincoln, where when asked why he didn't say anything, he responded, "Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought the fool, then open it and remove all doubt."
But not this time. I'm really excited. I have a new publisher, and a new book coming out this year. It trods the line between historical fiction and fantasy.
Super exciting news: my publisher recently posted a competition for book cover designers to compete for the chance to design my novel's cover. The responses has been incredible. There have been some amazing cover designs submitted and I can't wait to see what the final design will be.
Update soon.
cheers
ELJ
May 6, 2018
How writing your synopsis will help your novel
So like a lot of people, I've left off writing my synopsis till the very end. Why? Because at that point you're supposed to know all the nitty gritty details of your novel, and at the early stages you're still at the crafting stage.
It doesn't matter if you're a plotter or a pantser. Even if you plot out all the details beforehand, I wouldn't be surprised if your story took a different turn. It happens, and that's the beauty of writing a manuscript. It takes you as the author down different avenues you never would have explored, and it's up to you and your characters to find your way out again.
Writing the synopsis can help. If you're halfway through, three quarters through, sitting down and writing that synopsis of your work in progress will help focus your thoughts, nail down the details and leave you with a draft that needs work but is the skeleton of a story.
I'd start with a standard opening:
In this world, MAIN CHARACTER is (facing some issue).
Here's mine: The story begins with CRYSTAL (POV) whose romantic interest ALRIC is flirtatiously teasing her about her poor taste in men and how now that she has accepted her gift of seeing ghosts, she must start to develop her talents. He turns Crystal’s antagonistic attitude against her and challenges her to help track down a child whom their seer has seen will go missing. Crystal agrees to prove she can do it.
Remember, a synopsis should be dull, dry and full of all the spoilers. I'd start by getting as far along writing this as you can. Even if you're adding way too much detail and subplots go for it, you can always take them out later.
I find this has really helped me identify plot holes and loose ends in my work. Things I thought I had concluded and hammered out, nope. Try writing the synopsis and see how it helps you. You might be surprised.
Cheers
ELJ
It doesn't matter if you're a plotter or a pantser. Even if you plot out all the details beforehand, I wouldn't be surprised if your story took a different turn. It happens, and that's the beauty of writing a manuscript. It takes you as the author down different avenues you never would have explored, and it's up to you and your characters to find your way out again.
Writing the synopsis can help. If you're halfway through, three quarters through, sitting down and writing that synopsis of your work in progress will help focus your thoughts, nail down the details and leave you with a draft that needs work but is the skeleton of a story.
I'd start with a standard opening:
In this world, MAIN CHARACTER is (facing some issue).
Here's mine: The story begins with CRYSTAL (POV) whose romantic interest ALRIC is flirtatiously teasing her about her poor taste in men and how now that she has accepted her gift of seeing ghosts, she must start to develop her talents. He turns Crystal’s antagonistic attitude against her and challenges her to help track down a child whom their seer has seen will go missing. Crystal agrees to prove she can do it.
Remember, a synopsis should be dull, dry and full of all the spoilers. I'd start by getting as far along writing this as you can. Even if you're adding way too much detail and subplots go for it, you can always take them out later.
I find this has really helped me identify plot holes and loose ends in my work. Things I thought I had concluded and hammered out, nope. Try writing the synopsis and see how it helps you. You might be surprised.
Cheers
ELJ
February 18, 2018
Why I'm not giving up
So I've written this medieval mystery novel, and I love it.
It stars a ten year old girl who comes from a good family but is poor, and whilst dealing with issues of growing up, she takes it upon herself to ditch the embroidery and try to solve a murder. She's a medieval Nancy Drew.
Sounds promising, right? The problem is I can't succeed in finding an agent to pick it up. So far I've amended it, redone the first chapter numerous times, had friends and family look over the story, had it professionally critiqued and received feedback from some very nice agents but still, no luck.
I read that if you send your manuscript to 100 agents and no one is interested, it's time to either give up on your ms or leave it be and move on to the next one. I've written 5 novels so far, and have been extremely lucky to have one of them, The Inheritance Murders, published by Sands Press.
I love my medieval mystery, I believe in the characters and revisiting the story is like stepping into a medieval world. I don't want to give up on this manuscript. From elegant brides, some medieval CSI, family issues, all wrapped up in an MG growing up tale, it's great.
So far I've sent out my medieval mystery to over 20 agents. Will I stop if I hit 100 rejections? Don't know. I've been fortunate that all the agents who have responded have been extremely nice.
Wish me luck as I keep trying. This story wants to be told.
It stars a ten year old girl who comes from a good family but is poor, and whilst dealing with issues of growing up, she takes it upon herself to ditch the embroidery and try to solve a murder. She's a medieval Nancy Drew.
Sounds promising, right? The problem is I can't succeed in finding an agent to pick it up. So far I've amended it, redone the first chapter numerous times, had friends and family look over the story, had it professionally critiqued and received feedback from some very nice agents but still, no luck.
I read that if you send your manuscript to 100 agents and no one is interested, it's time to either give up on your ms or leave it be and move on to the next one. I've written 5 novels so far, and have been extremely lucky to have one of them, The Inheritance Murders, published by Sands Press.
I love my medieval mystery, I believe in the characters and revisiting the story is like stepping into a medieval world. I don't want to give up on this manuscript. From elegant brides, some medieval CSI, family issues, all wrapped up in an MG growing up tale, it's great.
So far I've sent out my medieval mystery to over 20 agents. Will I stop if I hit 100 rejections? Don't know. I've been fortunate that all the agents who have responded have been extremely nice.
Wish me luck as I keep trying. This story wants to be told.
December 26, 2017
Does this need to be here?
I'm in the first revision stages of my second novel, and I find myself questioning my original draft.
The big question I keep coming back to is: does this need to be here?
Example: in my current draft my main character (MC) is called over to a client's flat to investigate some ghostly phenomenon. However the client's husband accuses the main character of causing the issue and gets her arrested. Once arrested the MC meets her love interest (a cop) and is hit on before being released.
I'm now asking myself, what does the MC being arrested accomplish? Does it help move the plot along? Does she need to get arrested and does it seem realistic or even plausible? What's the point behind it? Does it help the MC solve the mystery and if so, how?
Asking myself these questions helps strengthen the plot and the story. It's a question I'll ask myself about scenes, actions, even characters. So when you're thinking of a way to revise your novel, ask yourself: does this need to be here? If the answer is no, take it out.
Cheers
ELJ
The big question I keep coming back to is: does this need to be here?
Example: in my current draft my main character (MC) is called over to a client's flat to investigate some ghostly phenomenon. However the client's husband accuses the main character of causing the issue and gets her arrested. Once arrested the MC meets her love interest (a cop) and is hit on before being released.
I'm now asking myself, what does the MC being arrested accomplish? Does it help move the plot along? Does she need to get arrested and does it seem realistic or even plausible? What's the point behind it? Does it help the MC solve the mystery and if so, how?
Asking myself these questions helps strengthen the plot and the story. It's a question I'll ask myself about scenes, actions, even characters. So when you're thinking of a way to revise your novel, ask yourself: does this need to be here? If the answer is no, take it out.
Cheers
ELJ
December 17, 2017
interview with the writer's workout
I'm pleased to share that The Writer's Workout has shared an interview with me on their website!
This is after I came in as the overall winner for their 2017 individual writers' games. It was a huge surprise and I was delighted to win.
Here's a snippet of the interview:
WW: Was there an Event that was more challenging for you than others?
EL: Writing the tragedy where no one dies was quite difficult, and the spooky campfire story especially tough. To write a story that involves a bit of a scare, a bit of an urban legend that could be related orally over a campfire, and not be too scary, was definitely challenging!
For the full interview, see the Writer's Workout website.
Cheers
ELJ
This is after I came in as the overall winner for their 2017 individual writers' games. It was a huge surprise and I was delighted to win.
Here's a snippet of the interview:
WW: Was there an Event that was more challenging for you than others?
EL: Writing the tragedy where no one dies was quite difficult, and the spooky campfire story especially tough. To write a story that involves a bit of a scare, a bit of an urban legend that could be related orally over a campfire, and not be too scary, was definitely challenging!
For the full interview, see the Writer's Workout website.
Cheers
ELJ
