Xlibris Author| Erin Eldridge Pt 2

Xlibris returns with Erin Eldridge, a three time Xlibris author.

 

Are you working on a sequel to your latest book?

Right now, I’m working on a sequel to my third novel, a medieval fantasy, Ravening Heart of the Wolf, which is now part of a trilogy called The Valarsard Chronicles. Part two is called The Wolf in Winter. Part three will be Noble Heart of the Wolf. I have two 5-year contracts with US publishers and the same with a British publisher.

 

 

 

Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book?

 

The publishers will help me with that, I hope! The usual things like, social media, book signings, blogs, library talks, etc and I have my own website. I’ve got some good reviews on Amazon.

 

 

What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with Xlibris?

 

Holding a book you’ve written in your hand and seeing your name on the cover is an amazing feeling. I started off self-publishing because I didn’t think I’d get traditional contracts, but now all of my books are under contract to traditional publishers. It’s been a huge learning curve. I don’t regret self-publishing first though. I liked the control the author has and I found Xlibris so helpful and professional, really great communicators, always there to advise and support, or answer queries, and they work fast, which I particularly appreciate. Traditional publishers work much more slowly, but that’s just how it is. You have to be patient. Their reputation is on the line so they want it all perfect. The finished product from Xlibris looks very professional. Also, I think if you self-publish, it impresses traditional publishers because they see that you’re totally committed to your writing. I always say, Xlibris launched me.

 

 

 

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

 

Keep a lot of notebooks handy! Inspirational ideas can melt away, if you don’t get them down promptly. Writing is really hard work so you have to be prepared to put in the effort. Hemingway said, when you write, you sit down to the typewriter and bleed. That’s what it feels like! Find the time of day that suits you best to write. Mine is morning. Take regular breaks and exercise though, to keep your brain oxygenated. Drink water and keep your bottle at hand.

 

Make sure you work to build your vocabulary and get your grammar right. I’ve been an English teacher all my life so I have an advantage there. But I still make errors. Find a good style dictionary – I use The Oxford Guide to Style — and a really good thesaurus. There are some good books out there advising writers. I recommend Sol Stein’s Solutions For Writers. The Internet is a brilliant tool for writers. We are so lucky to have that and computers in general.

 

A good writer needs to master 4 things: dialogue, handling sex, using humor and expressing deeper thinking or insights. Your own philosophy of life should shine through.

 

Above all, you have to have passion and resilience. You’ll get knock backs and criticism, but NEVER give up and always believe in yourself. When you submit a manuscript to a publisher, follow their guidelines to the letter and your ms must be flawless, repeat, flawless. The best response I’ve ever had was when I submitted on a Friday and was offered a contract on the Saturday. Opened a bottle of bubbly that night!

 

All the best with your writing.

 

 

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