Eva Pohler's Blog, page 13
May 2, 2021
Persephone Is Free!
I'm experimenting with making Persephone, the prequel to The Underworld Saga (formerly The Gatekeeper's Saga), free in ebook. I'm not sure how long I'll keep it free but wanted you to be among the first to know. You can enjoy this story with or without having read the rest of the saga.
Amazon Apple Kobo Nook Google Play
Unrest brews among gods and mortals alike when Hades makes a deal with the Fates to end his loneliness in the Underworld.
But when Persephone proposes to conspire with him in a plot against Demeter, things get out of hand.
Find out the truth of how Hades and Persephone met and fell in love and the impact it had on the rest of the pantheon in the throes of the Trojan War. Learn how their children--Hypnos, Thanatos, Megaera, Tisiphone, Alecto, and Melinoe--came into being. Discover why they were assigned their respective duties as Sleep, Death, the Furies, and the goddess of ghosts. Find out the real reason why the Olympians possessed such profound disdain for these Underworld gods.
This prequel to The Underworld Saga is more than a retelling of the Persephone myth. Many more of the ancient myths are woven together to reveal the conflict, tension, and relationships among the gods in one of the most beloved pantheons in human history.
Persephone can be read before or after The Underworld Saga.
"I love how Eva created the love story of Hades and Persephone. It's both beautiful and tragic in many ways."--Book Lover Reviews ★★★★★
"This is such a beautifully and originally retold version of the legend of Persephone and Hades while still feeling true to the mythology. This is an emotional roller-coaster of a book; my heart just breaks for Persephone but I'm not going to say why... you'll just need to read it."--Tamara, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"Such fun heart warming stories. You really, really want things to work out for the them but well, life and death wait for no one."--Kathy Goodwin, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"Well written and fast paced! Really enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading the next ones!"--k.giegkorov, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"Although this doesn't follow the exact timeline of the more traditional Greek mythologies, this is definitely a good read! I had the HARDEST time putting the book down and was even reading instead of working at times. By far one of my favorite younger targeted books that I've read in a long time. Easy read, detailed, and exciting to the very last page! Well done!!!"--Princess Julie, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"Excellent! Very easy to read. Liked the mythology mixed with a modern vibe."--Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"I finished this book in one day. Romantic, and I love this series."--Alis, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"This book blew me away!!"--Brooke Wilkinson, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"Eva Pohler tells a story of love, betrayal, and punishment, that makes the rest of the series make even more interesting."--Storm Saunders, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
March 26, 2021
Calling All Bloggers
Please sign up between now and May 10th to participate in Eva Pohler's Release Blitz!
Pirate Academy is the second book in her young adult paranormal series based on Greek mythology and vampire lore. It releases on May 23rd.
All participating bloggers will be entered into an exclusive $100 Amazon gift card giveaway--for bloggers only. (This is not a giveaway for your readers, but for YOU.)
To be eligible to win, your release blitz must be posted by May 23rd.
The graphics and posts will be emailed to you on May 15th, so you have plenty of time to schedule your post.
If you would like an ARC so that you can include a review with your release blitz, you can sign up to be on the ARC team by May 5th here: https://forms.gle/pRzb9WSP9NK4M4t56.
To sign up for the release blitz, please go here: https://forms.gle/5LVmcEZ6S8cQ9UQk8.
This is what readers have said about the first book:
"Vampires and Greek Mythology combined in one fabulous adventure!"--Brie Strauss, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"I absolutely cannot wait for more Adventures. I tried not to read so fast but honestly I couldn't be patient. This book blew me away and I honestly just need more."--Southernmermaid85, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"Must read!! Anything this author writes is amazing to read. It's what got me into loving anything about the greek gods! And her vampire series is so interesting as well! This book combines both and draws you in!!"--Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"Everything I've come to love and expect from Eva's book, was to be found in this latest episode, constant drama, intrigue and adventure, not forgetting the romance. Can't wait for more!"--Traceyann, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"I really liked the new characters that were introduced in this book. The story was interesting and had a lot of twists and turns."--Kathy E, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"It's a story with lots of thrill and enthusiasm, drama and mystery. The mixing of Gods and Vampires is really fantastic and something different. ⚡Eva Pohler has written many vampire and mystical god series. Her work is always different and the storyline keeps on changing from one book to another. I like to read her work as the language is quite simple and interesting. She is now one of my favourite story writers." ★★★★★ --Shiny Jane, Goodreads Reviewer
"Eva knows how to write a good story. I couldn't read this fast enough." ★★★★★ --Terra, Goodreads Reviewer
"☕What an amazing story it is, this is the first book in the series and it definitely took me by storm because of the unique concept and theme. The story is a perfect blend of fantasy with action and thrill. Eva is definitely a master storyteller who doesn't let her readers down no matter what." ★★★★ --Rutuja Ramteke, Amazon Reviewer
"Love it! Amazing read as always. Very well written. Can't wait for the next one." ★★★★★ --Tonya Edmonds, Goodreads Reviewer
Thank you!
Eva's ARC Team
Hey, Pohler Bears!
It's time to sign up to be on my ARC team for Pirate Academy.
Requirements and Expectations:
1. In order to join, you must have already posted your review of the first book, The Marcella II, to Goodreads and Amazon. If you haven't read it yet, you can grab it for 99 cents here: https://geni.us/kI9zb or email me at eva@evapohler.com for a complimentary copy. Please specify in your email whether you need epub, mobi, or pdf. Then return here to sign up for the Pirate Academy ARC.
2. Post your review of Pirate Academy on or before May 22nd at Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub (or at least two of the three places).
What you get:
1. A digital ARC of Pirate Academy emailed to you on May 7th (16 days before release).
2. Entry into a $10 Amazon gift card giveaway, exclusive to ARC readers (only those with reviews up by May 22nd will be eligible to enter).
3. Entry into a signed paperback giveaway, exclusive to ARC readers (only those with reviews up by May 22nd will be eligible to enter). The winner can choose which of my paperbacks they want.
*You may still want to preorder your copy of Pirate Academy, even though you get the digital ARC for free, because all who do will also receive bonus material: a beautiful digital coloring book of scenes from the series. Be on the lookout for details.
Please sign up for the Pirate Aademy ARC here:
https://forms.gle/UcncQMmKHJghNcQ76
If you are a blogger and would like to participate in my release blitz, please sign up here. All participating bloggers will be entered into an exclusive giveaway for a $100 Amazon gift card.
This is what readers have said about the first book:
"Vampires and Greek Mythology combined in one fabulous adventure!"--Brie Strauss, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"I absolutely cannot wait for more Adventures. I tried not to read so fast but honestly I couldn't be patient. This book blew me away and I honestly just need more."--Southernmermaid85, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"Must read!! Anything this author writes is amazing to read. It's what got me into loving anything about the greek gods! And her vampire series is so interesting as well! This book combines both and draws you in!!"--Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"Everything I've come to love and expect from Eva's book, was to be found in this latest episode, constant drama, intrigue and adventure, not forgetting the romance. Can't wait for more!"--Traceyann, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"I really liked the new characters that were introduced in this book. The story was interesting and had a lot of twists and turns."--Kathy E, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"It's a story with lots of thrill and enthusiasm, drama and mystery. The mixing of Gods and Vampires is really fantastic and something different. ⚡Eva Pohler has written many vampire and mystical god series. Her work is always different and the storyline keeps on changing from one book to another. I like to read her work as the language is quite simple and interesting. She is now one of my favourite story writers." ★★★★★ --Shiny Jane, Goodreads Reviewer
"Eva knows how to write a good story. I couldn't read this fast enough." ★★★★★ --Terra, Goodreads Reviewer
"☕What an amazing story it is, this is the first book in the series and it definitely took me by storm because of the unique concept and theme. The story is a perfect blend of fantasy with action and thrill. Eva is definitely a master storyteller who doesn't let her readers down no matter what." ★★★★ --Rutuja Ramteke, Amazon Reviewer
"Love it! Amazing read as always. Very well written. Can't wait for the next one." ★★★★★ --Tonya Edmonds, Goodreads Reviewer
Thank you!!
March 24, 2021
Eva's Giveaway Event
My giveaway event begins today!
Enter for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of The Marcella II: Vampires and Gods, Book One.
"Devoured it in one day. . . There are pirates, scavenging, adventure and young love so curl up on the couch and get comfortable. You won't be disappointed."
"This story sucked me in and took me on a ride of a lifetime. I absolutely cannot wait for more Adventures. I tried not to read so fast but honestly I couldn't be patient. This book blew me away and I honestly just need more."
"Everything I've come to love and expect from Eva's book, was to be found in this latest episode, constant drama, intrigue and adventure, not forgetting the romance. Can't wait for more "
If you're in the US, you can enter for a chance to win one of three signed paperbacks in my Goodreads Giveaway until April 2nd here.
For a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card and an unsigned paperback internationally, enter the Rafflecopter widget below (enter as many ways as you wish, and if you already follow me on Insta and Goodreads, you can still get entry credits--though all will be verified, and invalid entries will be disqualified):
If you're having trouble with the above widget, go here instead.
For a imited time, you can purchase the ebook edition of The Marcella II for 99 cents on Amazon here, or click on the image below.
You can also preorder the next ebook in the series, Pirate Academy, here, or click on the image below.
The final book, Guardians of the Sea, releases in May 2022.
I'll announce the winners of Eva's Giveaway Event on April 19th here, in my newsletter, and on all my social platforms.
Best of luck!
P.S. The second book in The Underworld Saga is currently on sale for 99 cents in ebook. Grab it here, or tap on the image below.
If you haven't already read the first book, Thanatos, you can get it for free by joining my VIP list/newsletter, which is one of the entry options in the giveaway. Good luck!
March 14, 2021
Advice for Authors
I'm honored when new writers come to me for advice, because they wouldn't ask if they didn't value my opinion or believe I had something worth sharing. But rather than repeat myself each time I'm asked, I've decided to dedicate a page with my advice and resources all in one place.
PERFECT YOUR CRAFT
It goes without saying that the first step new writers should take is to perfect their craft. I recently delivered a lecture at Trinity University with my best writing advice here: .
A simplified version of that presentation can be found here: .
One of my favorite books written on the craft of writing is an oldie but goodie: John Gardner's .
HIRE AN EDITOR
Once you've perfected your manuscript to the best of your abilities, you should hire a professional editor--not a copy or line editor, who will basically proofread your work, line by line, but a developmental editor. A developmental editor (also known as content editor) will help you with the "big picture" issues, such as character development, plot problems, and your use of dialogue.
Back when I first started writing, hiring a developmental editor wasn't in my budget, so I swapped manuscripts with cirtique partners. Some advice was helpful and some wasn't, but it was a start. Eventually, I managed to find a developmental editor who agreed to edit the first fifty pages of my manuscript for $300. I later took a course from her through the Writer's League of Texas that was worth its weight in gold. I highly recommend Sara Kocek and her team at .
DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO PUBLISH
If a professional editor thinks your book is ready for the reading public, it's time to decide if you want to publish traditionally (through a publishing house) or on your own. The traditional route usually requires an agent. Before submitting your manuscript, do your due diligence in finding those who represent your genre and are open to taking on new clients. You can research agents at and . You will also find resources on those sites for writing good query letters. Most authors receive countless rejections before they receive an offer of representation, so don't let that discourage you. William Golding, the author of The Lord of the Flies, was rejected 21 times before Faber and Faber agreed to publish what has now become required reading at most high schools.
While you're waiting to hear back from agents, you should start writing your second book. The first question any interested agent will ask you is, "What's next?" I have found that creating a stand-alone novel with series potential is a smart way to start.
If you don't want to put yourself through the emotional rollercoaster that comes with submitting to and being rejected by agents, you can choose to self-publish; however, the road to becoming an independent author is just as much of an emotional rollercoaster, though in different ways.
If you are self-motivated and a jack- or jane-of-all-trades, you can become a successful indie author. The advantages, in my opinion, outweigh the disadvantages, which is why I chose this route. I enjoy being in control of my publication schedule, cover art, and storylines. I also love marketing and finding new ways to help readers to discover my work. But, although I once succeeded in getting my books on the shelves of Barnes and Noble stores, it was too difficult as a one-woman operation to keep up with returns, so I pulled my books. Now they're only available for purchase online--though I do have many readers who order their paperbacks through brick and mortar stores.
Here is a slide show that accompanied my presentation to several writer groups, including the San Antonio Writers' Guild and the Fredericksburg Writers' Group: . The slides provide only an outline of my talk, but they still may be useful to you in making your decision about how to publish.
If you want someone in the industry to guide you through the process of becoming a published author, who can provide you with an editor, a cover artist, a publication schedule, and possibly a book tour, the traditional route may be your best path. With that guidance will come a lower payout in royalties per sale (others will get their cut before you will) but may also mean more exposure that you couldn't have managed on your own. A traditional book deal also brings with it more prestige than self-publishing--though the stigma against independent authors has significantly reduced as people become aware of how much money many of us make.
If you want to be in control of your career and aren't afraid to work hard and learn new things, independent publishing might be for you. I work very hard for the money I make, but it's work I enjoy immensely.
BUILD AN AUTHOR PLATFORM
Whether you publish through a traditional publishing house or go it alone, you will need to build your platform. A "platform" is your readership or your fan base. A number of books are available on the subject, but here's a simple slide presentation I gave to a few writing conferences in recent years: .
I also created a series of six thirty-minute video modules to help writers. My initial plan for these was to sell them as an inexpensive course for new writers, but I'm not happy with the audio, so I recently decided to publish them on my Youtube channel to make them available for free. The modules include:
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My best advice comes from the motion picture The Edge, starring Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin, in which one character assures another, "What one man [person] can do, another can do."
Best of luck!
With Love,
Eva Pohler
March 8, 2021
Greek Mythology Lesson Plans
Students in junior high and high school classes can benefit from a curriculum that includes reading Thanatos: The Underworld Saga, Book One in that the book introduces students to almost every deity in the Greek pantheon.
Below are lesson plans teachers and librarians can incorporate with Thanatos.
Teachers can also find a map of the Underworld, a reading log, book review templates, a Greek names pronunciation guide, Greek mythology bingo and flashcards, and other resources here.
Click to tweet: #Teachers and #librarians can use this #free #lessonplan in #Greekmythology using #Thanatos for #students in grades 8-12 by @evapohler.
A Map of the Underworld
Enjoy this map of the Underworld, also known as Hades, created especially for The Underworld Saga, The Vampires of Athens Series, Vampires and Gods Series, and Cupid's Captive Series.
Click on the map to download and print your FREE copy.
Greek Mythology Bingo
Download this FREE Greek Mythology Bingo Game with game cards and flashcards so you can become better acquainted with Greek mythology and have fun at the same time.
Below are nine Greek mythology bingo cards and sheets of forty-seven Greek mythology flashcards that can be printed out, cut, and used in the classroom or library. Although there are only nine different bingo cards, the students can either work in groups, or you can print out multiples and have more than one winner with each game. If possible, use 8 1/2" x 11" (letter) size paper or card stock to print out the flashcards and bingo boards. You can laminate them if you use regular paper. Here's a short tutorial on how to download, print, and play your FREE game
Before you go, if you're looking for an interactive adventure that you or your kids or grandkids can enjoy involving the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology, take a look at Gods of Olympus on Amazon here.
If you found these Greek mythology resources helpful, please share using the social buttons below.
Your Free Online Reading Journal
If you're like me, you sometimes have trouble remembering a book, even within weeks of reading it. I even have trouble remembering the books I've written! I have to reread them before writing a sequel--that's how bad it is.
Years ago, when I used to run a book club in my neighborhood, I created an online journal to help me keep track of the books I read. It really helps to be able to go back and reread my summaries and reviews. Over the years, I've managed to simplify this process--because who has time to write summaries and reviews?
I now keep my reading journal on my Google Drive. For each book, I copy and paste the blurb from Amazon and use my review templates to create a positive, negative, or mixed review.
I created a clean copy of my journal for you, so you can duplicate it and use it as your own. Be sure to make a copy of it, because the one I have here is only viewable--not editable. But after you make a copy of it, you can save it to your own Google Drive and use it as you wish.
Click on the links below to grab your free copy of my Online Reading Journal. It includes a reading log, review templates, and a journal template that you can simply fill in.
Click here for the Reading Log
Click here for the Book Review Templates
Click here for the Reading Journal Template
I hope you found this useful. If so, and if you're on twitter, please share on social media with the buttons below.
And click here to retweet: Here's a #free online #reading #journal from @evapohler. Just duplicate, save to your Google Drive, and fill in as you wish. Great for keeping track of #bookreviews. https://www.evapohler.com/post/your-free-online-reading-journal
