Journalistic writing is much different than creative writing. If you watch my publishing timeline, I didn't write a novel the year I worked at the newspaper as an editor. I just couldn't pull off both writings at the same time. Mostly because my newspaper writing was extensive, so when I had time to write creatively, I just couldn't do it. Once I quit the newspaper, it was my goal to write my third novel and I set aside the journalism and went to full-blown creative writing again. My third novel resulted at the end of that year and I loved it. I've been writing novels ever since.
When you self-published your first book how much of the project did you do yourself or hire others to do the steps for you?
I hired editors. One was a friend I'd made at a writing conference but editing was her day job. She did much of it for free which was helpful. I then paid for my cover and also, of course, my ISBN. Other than that, I did the rest by myself. I learned more about what to hire out and what to do myself as I've progressed. I now have three editors that I hire but I have done the last three book covers with the help of my professional photography daughter. We like our covers better than hiring them out. I always get positive feedback from my covers from my readers.
I've currently started my 8th novel and writing the first chapter is always hard. I've started three times and this last version was my fourth and I like it the best. I will probably change it three or four times more. Yet from that point, it seems much easier. There is also a stumble around 2/3 of the novel. I usually know how it will end but those last few chapters before the climax seem to always be a struggle.
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
My encouragement comes from my readers. I have some very encouraging readers. Last summer I had a woman who stopped by my table at a local craft fair. She sat a bag beside my chair and said, "Can you sign all of these?" They were all of my books except for one. She then went around to the front of my table and placed her hands on it and said, "I have to tell you. I love your books. I read one and got online and ordered all of the rest. I couldn't get enough of them. And now, I'm finding my life has changed."
That was the most encouraging moment in my writing career. That's why I write. To help change lives. To make a difference. It made all those moments when I stumbled, felt frustrated and inadequate as an author...all worthwhile. I've had several encounters like this and thankful for every single one. It keeps me writing.
There are places I've sold multiple books in just hours where I've joined a vendor fair at the last minute. I continue to go back to these markets because I inevitably have returning customers. I recently was the top book seller at a local bookstore for the summer. Unfortunately, that bookstore went out of business in the fall.
Do you sell more eBooks or print books?
I do sell many more print books than ebooks. I also do fairly well at local retail stores and gift shops. My books all have Michigan settings and I do well at gift shops in tourist locations.
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I am my worst enemy. It took me some time to get over the fact that I was a writer and a good one. I doubted myself for years. The first time I handed a book to a reader and she paid me, I clutched the book so tight I wasn't sure if I could actually give it to her. Doubting yourself does one thing, it freezes you. It stops momentum. It stops you from writing and you don't appear comfortable in front of your readers. Don't doubt yourself!
Use critiques wisely. Edits as well. They aren't meant to ruin your life but to help you. That's why you are paying for them. As much as they hurt your feelings or your self-esteem, every comment is a help to make your writing better. Look at it that way. So many new writers hate to have comments on their work. They look at their work as perfect or their babies and forget that it is just writing and EVERYONE needs critiques. Everyone needs editing. See how much better a sentence becomes with less words. Don't let edits cause you to stop writing. But...be careful that an editor doesn't take away your voice. Know the difference between editing and voice stealing. LOL!
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Find other writers to collaborate with. Join a writing or critique group. You need other writers. They encourage, help, cheer you on...if you find the right group. Each one can help you in different ways. Avoid the ones who don't. Be an encourager to others. It always comes back...triple fold. Always.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
I'm working on the last book in my recent series. It will be the fourth book in the series. The Newburg Chronicles is based on one of the first farmers to come into The Michigan Territory in 1833. The saga family-like series has been successful. I've taken the family through establishing a new village, through Indian encounters/situations, planting crops/gardens, making new friends/neighbors, family deaths, and many details of making a virgin forest into a small community.
That's all for today's interview. Lots to ponder! If you'd like to learn more about Elizabeth's writing, here are some links to get you started.
Facebook for North Newburg Chronicles:
Website: https://summitstreetpublishing.com/
And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post, and next Friday we'll choose a winner for one of her eBooks of your choosing. So, write a comment now!
What an exciting thing for an author to have someone love your work so much that the customer buys all the books that author has written. Congrats, Elizabeth. Your writing apparently spoke to her and I'm sure it does for others. Hope I win the ebook! Thanks, Chris.
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