12 in 12

Write up in the paper about Pic Jump

2012-02-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

New Release: Hallow's Gate

2012-02-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

It has been an enjoyable vacation from the pressures of writing day and night, but I'm back in the saddle again and the first ride is Hallows Gate, my first paranormal romance/murder mystery. I don't know if it will be my last...my talented muses take me through many fields of ripe fodder to enrich my books.

They aren't always useful fields of ripeness - like last night. I had a dream which would now allow me to write a book entitled 'Dead Dogs in the Basement' if I wanted to. However, I don't care for the title because it sounds like horror and I can't do horror; actually, I probably could, but it evokes dark thought processes that leave me feeling hollow. I may put my characters through a lot, but I ultimately want a happy ending.

For those that don't want to click on the image to make it big enough to read the blurb here it is:

New Year's changed Angelina's life

She got lost and fell in love - with a ghost

Now she needs to save him by becoming his wife

The problem?

If she succeeds, she frees him, but loses him forever

Love is more complicated than she thought

And that doesn't include the elves

Local Newspaper Article about Klaus

2011-12-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

In our small burg, the local paper comes out three times a week. This issue came out Thursday, the day of the book signing - which, thankfully, she mentions. My sister in law brought a similar article to me months ago and I contacted Jenny via email to find out if she would be willing to read one of my books. I sent her the book trailers that I had at the time and let her choose - either Klaus or Chest of Souls. Perhaps it was because Christmas was on the way or the trailer looked more like something that appealed to her; in any case, she chose to read Klaus. She has agreed to read more of my work in the new year. Hooray!!!

First Book Signing

2011-12-17T03:40:00.000-08:00

Dreams come true.

Here is one of mine: I'm in 8th grade and in the basement of my mother's house, busily pounding the keys of my beautiful brand new (manual) red typewriter, spinning story after story as my mind takes me places that I want to explore. In the deepest recesses of my soul I want, desperately, to be an author. A REAL author - in my mind I've already published books, seen my name in print, become sucessful. For years, I faithfully pound away at the keys, buying typewriter ribbon and paper, never dreaming that personal computers are the future and the day will come when I will laugh at the memory. All I know, when I'm 12 going on 13 is that if I can't be an author, I don't want to be anything else.

Finally, after 40 some-odd years, that dream is coming true. I have 12 books out and I must take a moment and say I didn't do it alone. Yes, I'm an Indie, but the books would never have become reality without the support of heaven, family, and friends.

As an independent author, I am everything - writer, editor, cover designer, in charge of either doing or delegating every aspect of the business. Make no mistake, if you are an Indie it IS a business.

<------The artists that drew/colored the book trailer presentation you see on screen. The media people at the college were able to make the presentation loop so we didn't have to push 'play' every four minutes.

The book trailers are on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ChannelingMee

We brought the extra decor with us - the garland, the large baskets of flowers, the big bow with bells.

There were posters to be made, along with business cards, making arrangements with the store, treats (note: use chocolate). It was a lot of work, but fun.

One of my fans who has read all of the books (and previously asked me how I sleep at night) brought his wife with him and bought Pic Jump, the first book we sold that day. He'd already read it, now he owns it. I like satisfied customers! He can't seem to get enough of the COS series and was happy to find there is a prequel and a follow up in the works.

The campus director for special collections at the library bought four books and wants to buy the rest. Apparently, they have a collection of books written by local authors. Who knew?

The last books that were bought: a librarian bought two sets of the 3 award winners that will be going to two local libraries north of our little burg and wants the rest of the books in the New Year!

Links to all the books PLUS links to the YouTube book trailers (more coming soon!)

2011-12-07T02:09:00.000-08:00

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Chest-Souls-Book-One-ebook/dp/B00439H4KI/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310404939&sr=1-1
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Chest-Souls-Book-Michelle-Erickson/dp/0557680026/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1310404939&sr=1-1

YOU TUBE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyVemlugmto

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Lend-Your-Chest-Souls-ebook/dp/B0045UA6FU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1288542114&sr=1-2

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Lend-Me-Your-Mind-Chest/dp/0557716233/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310405346&sr=1-1

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Aftermath-Chest-of-Souls-ebook/dp/B004EEPNUA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310397989&sr=1-1

Paperback : http://www.amazon.com/Aftermath-Chest-Souls-Book-Three/dp/055779272X/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310397868&sr=1-8

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Klaus-ebook/dp/B004A8ZVUM/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1310405437&sr=1-10

Paperback http://www.amazon.com/Klaus-Michelle-

Erickson/dp/0557756243/ref=sr_1_10_title_1_p?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310405437&sr=1-10

YOU TUBE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Rq9eZLa9s

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Souls-Chest-ebook/dp/B004HFS2QI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1293639137&sr=1-7

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Souls-Michelle-Erickson/dp/0557829941/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Traps-Chest-of-Souls-ebook/dp/B004LLIJCU/ref=sr_1_13?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310398705&sr=1-13

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Traps-Michelle-Erickson/dp/1458341097/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310398629&sr=1-12

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Dreams-Chest-Souls-ebook/dp/B004PYDR0C/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310400525&sr=1-1

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Dreams-Michelle-Erickson/dp/1458373460/ref=sr_1_13_title_1_p?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310400689&sr=1-13

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Division-Souls-Chest-ebook/dp/B004UMOWE4/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1310401269&sr=1-6

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Division-Souls-Michelle-Erickson/dp/1257043307/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310401269&sr=1-6

EBook: http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Chest-of-Souls-ebook/dp/B004YQCDMO/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1310401603&sr=1-4

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Michelle-Erickson/dp/125712479X/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323252103&sr=1-1

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Lightning-Chest-Souls-ebook/dp/B0053HA96U/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310402428&sr=1-2

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Lightning-Michelle-Erickson/dp/1257635875/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323252272&sr=1-1

Ebook : http://www.amazon.com/Pic-Jump-ebook/dp/B0053HHDQE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310402662&sr=1-1

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Pic-Jump-Michelle-Erickson/dp/1257654624/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323252454&sr=1-1

YOU TUBE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rn4SY4syLs&context=C3f89762ADOEgsToPDskKKtf7f0BYqtWNSW20ubaZ0

Book Signing

2011-11-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

This is the first draft of the flyer that BYU-Idaho will be putting out into cyber space to the students at the school. It matches the poster and, coincidentally, my upcoming business cards as far as backgrounds go. Those of you who are on Facebook have seen what my business card looks like - on the front anyway.

Anyway, it is going to be more than just your usual signing. Not only will there be THREE books featured (usually author's only have one) It will be vastly unusual because because my daughters, both talented artists, are putting together a trailer presentation. My oldest daughter finished the line art on COS Book 1 and my youngest is coloring what was drawn. They are busier than elves on Christmas Eve.

Few people really understand the hours it takes to make one character turn their head, nod, etc. They get up early (6am), sit down with their bamboo pads hooked into the computers and work away - right now, they've both been working for eight hours. It will continue until the project is finished.

They are doing an AWESOME job. The presentation will be available on You Tube as soon as they get it finished and I will post it here.

NaNoWriMo and David Farland/Wolverton

2011-11-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

November is National Writing Month.... the goal was to write a 50,000 word novel.

Honestly, it isn't that hard to do if you have a really good idea that makes the flame of genius burn. If you break it down, it's only 1650 or so words a day for 30 days. If you exclude weekends (and I do) then it's more, but still manageable.

Once again, I have to thank David because he announced a contest in his newsletter that helped fan the embers of a story in my head. What he wanted was a short story that, if it won, it would be featured in his upcoming release by EIP (East India Press).  The setting was in the world he'd created. I read his sample chapters, and began my journey.

I took a few weeks and wrote, re-wrote, let it cool, took an axe to it, rewrote...and knew it was good...but not great. With that said, my teenage daughter really liked it, and the book David is writing is for Young Adults. It was a good sign and she gave me the reasons: it had a little of everything - characters she cared about, danger, romance, action. Still...for me, there was something missing.  I went back to click on the link so I could re-read the contest rules http://www.nightingalenovel.com/contest.html

After reading, I switched gears and picked up another story I'd been working on - Sky Signs.  No need to stress, I told myself. March is four months away. I wondered if I had anything else that would be a good fit for the contest as I re-opened SS to work on it. After a quick read-through of the prologue, I realized it was about the length the contest was calling for.  I re-wrote it, liked it enough that I had both my supportive daughters read it, then my husband, and we had a vote. At 3-1, SS got sent in.

Great, I thought, I'll move on. But I couldn't. Why? Because the story I started in the prologue wasn't finished...I couldn't stop thinking about it and when my husband told me he couldn't stop thinking about it I had to take action.

Did I mention I'm married to a man that was a non-reader? This man parked our car on the hill above our sleepy little hamlet and we watched sunsets galore while I talked about SS - course, the story has morphed, but the heart of it is still beating.

So, beginning the 10th of this month, I've been working on SS - as a novel.  I work M-F so I'm only 20,255 words into it and it's still strumming my creative chords. Yumch!

Thanks to the contest, I now have a much bigger picture for Sky Signs - and a self-imposed deadline. I want the final draft to be done by March - at the lastest.

Kipped 5: Eidt...Edti...oh, Edit

2011-11-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

People wonder about the editing of my books.

I didn't have the funds to hire an editing team at $3 a page. I wanted Precision Editing Group http://www.precisioneditinggroup.com/ to be the ones to do it because I'd met Heather Moore, the owner. I'd still like to employ them, but that remains at some point in the future.

When I realized the staggering cost to hire professionals (about $1,000 a book) I had to look elsewhere. It is a tender mercy that someone in my family was a (retired) professional editor that had worked at a press on the east coast.  I openly admit that although I believe I know more than the average bear about writing a book, grammar and punctuation are not my forte. I was smart enough to realize the story was good, but my work had a lot of errors.

So my number one rule about editing: Don't trust Word, it isn't the Bible.
It's funny to look back now, but I can see why she thought I was having an affair with semi-colons.  I figured Word knew what it was doing, so I accepted all punctuation suggestions. When I explained to her why the manuscript had a plethora of semi-colons, we both had a good laugh.

I would set up my borrowed laptop in her basement and during my time there, I was given one of the greatest gifts I've ever been given as an author. I got to get a first-hand reaction of a reader for every page. To fully appreciate this, you'd have to understand that this woman is a voracious reader and has a genius IQ. She has a busy life and I knew her investment of time would be substantial. I decided the least I could do was be a good student and welcome correction by accepting any and all constructive criticism.

I learned more about punctuation and grammar in the short time we had than in any class I'd ever attended. When I profusely thanked her for her time and efforts, she laughed and said, I was worried that I'd have to tell you that your writing was nice - as a hobby.  Then she told me something I didn't expect: Editors are a dime a dozen, but good authors are rare and you are exceptionally good.
She helped to polish my grammar and correct punctuation, but refused to make corrections on the story itself with two exceptions that prevented her from enjoying the story. Other than those two things (which I did correct because of her confusion) she didn't correct anything in the storyline because she knew that the editors of whatever traditional publisher would accept the manuscript would make whatever changes were necessary. The idea, back then, was to go traditional publishing.

After I returned home, the task of finding a traditional publisher willing to read my manuscript began. I stopped counting after 100 rejections and did more research to find out why I was getting nos. The advent of electronic books was beginning to slap the traditional pub's in the pocketbook. The traditionals weren't really interested in finding new talent as much as they were in survival. Still, I got three nods of approval from the traditional market. I turned them down after doing more research and struck out on my own.

I had been told that once you self-publish, traditional pubs will never look at you. By now, everyone out there has heard the news about Amanda Hocking signing with traditional once they realized she was a money maker (over 450,000 of her paranormal ebooks sold). This sets a precedent and will probably hold true for the future.

When I decided to self-publish, I knew I had to rethink, not only rewrite the story.  An enormous task and one that my former editor had no part in. I did the only thing I could do: I drafted my family.

Kipped 4: Art of conversation

2011-11-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

Everyone's heard it: if you want to be an author you need to read. This statement should be followed up with because times change and so does the written word. What we write is dictated by the time in which we live.

Here's a good example of something that has changed: the words if and were used to be married. For instance, "If I were going to do that..." as opposed to "If I was going to do that..."

We use was in everyday conversation so using were sounds stilted and snooty, but it is correct. Here's another: Quote marks - do they belong inside or outside as you end a sentence? While I was growing up, they were outside, now they're inside - usually.

I don't know how many times I've said it, but the education system needs a major overhaul on what they force-feed English students at all levels. Too many of the authors known as 'masters' are dark and gloomy - the reason they are 'classics' is due to the fact that nothing else was being printed and a large percent of the population was illiterate. Our kids today are not sheltered the way kids used to be and their lives do not NEED more reality. They need a break from reality - just saying. The best-sellers of our day shout that fact loud and clear - HP, Twilight, etc.

I attended a writers conference a few years ago and asked the question whether or not books had to be 70% conversation (something I'd read). I was very concerned because, frankly, my books were more narrative. The person I asked was an editor and the answer, at that time, was no.

However, more and more books seem to be filled with conversation (the more characters talk, the quicker the pages turn, so there is a psychological effect).

In the end, you decide for yourself.

And the winners of the Book drawing are:

2011-11-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

Patricia German from South Dakota

Stephanie Bondlow from Louisiana

Rebecca Stephen from Indiana

Congratulations

I will be mailing your chosen books to you this coming week!

Interview coming up

2011-10-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Saturday October 22nd, my interview with romantic suspense author Ronda Hinrichsen will be posted on http://thewriteblocks.blogspot.com/ It was fun and thought provoking.

More than once I've been asked what my favorite thing has been that has happened since finishing and releasing 12 books in 12 months.

The answer is the response of fans.

For instance, I received word yesterday one of my fans went online to http://www.iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/ where the current giveaway the 3 of my award-winning books is being held and she left a comment there. She wasn't trying to enter to win the books (she'd already bought all of them) she just wanted everyone to know that she loved them all. Wow. It renewed my hope and made me want to plow ahead with more books.

Just this morning I received an email that told me one of my fans had a dream about a particularly potent scene in Walking in Lightning. Another Wow.

To me, the fact the fan had a dream about the characters in the book is affirmation that my writing has touched something deeper than a persons's eyes. It sank into their subconcious which then spun the scene out for them in a dream. The fan said it was like being in a movie it was so real.

Some of my fans have made drawings of my COS characters on deviantart.
http://chest-of-souls.deviantart.com/ You'll even see some of my tracings there.

For me, the fans reactions have been Powerful heady stuff and the best kind of reward because when I write, I do so from the heart. I want the books to be talked about, laughed about, and discussed with pros and cons for the characters. It's been one of my dreams for a long time.

I write because I must, but fans are why I continue to do so with a smile.

Free Ground Shipping (FedEx) from now until 20 October 2011

2011-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

For those people that prefer paperbacks, Lulu.com (my publisher) is offering free shipping from now until October 20th.

Do yourself a favor: Follow David Wolverton/Farland

2011-10-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

David Wolverton/Farland has great advice for Indies like me.

Visit his website http://www.davidfarland.net/ and SIGN UP FOR HIS KICK IN THE PANTS immediately!

This man knows what he is talking about and is generous enough to share it (we all need a mentor and, frankly, there are too few in the writing world).

He isn't sitting on his laurels, but actively looking for alternative ways to promote/sell books in NEW ways. He's seen the writing on the wall and been a pioneer for what is coming to all authors.

David is not just a best selling author, but he's done a bajillion other things that help him write great books. Confession: I didn't even know he existed until a co-worker of my husband's dropped by my husband's office and happened to notice the huge poster of all 12 books that I released in 12 months.

It just so happened that this man wants to be an author and was looking for advice and, in the meantime, he suggested looking at David's website and sign up for the Kick in the Pants newsletter.

It was one of the best things that happened to me, not because I had to make major overhauls, but I had confirmation I was doing many things right. It was such a relief to know that I had listened to the still small voice that said, 'No - don't go traditional' way back last year.

Sigh...what a relief! But I'm always looking for new ideas and promos, so if you have some, please share them here and we'll all know.

Writing a book Step Five: Destination

2011-10-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Step One: Dream
Step Two: Desire
Step Three: Discipline
Step Four: Determination
Step Five: Destination

Everything, up to this point, has been for this final step. You've dreamed, wanted it to come true, made sure you worked at it every day, and determined you were going to be successful.

Now, you decide what your destination is by taking the next (scarier) step in the world of Indie publishing. Where are you going to publish your work?

My personal preferences and why I chose them:

Amazon for Ebook - they have name recognition and are International. Their upload system is easy (and free) for Ebook. Problem: sometimes their uploads have issues. I use the same format, font, and 'formula' for each of my books. However, sometimes the work I've done shows up as a combination of large and small fonts or the spacing is wrong. I'm not HTML oriented. Is this a scheme to get you to buy their services so everything will be perfect? I have no idea. I'd like to give them the benefit of the doubt in spite of the fact there is one book they have never gotten right.

Lulu.com for my POD (Print on demand) - biggest reason I chose them: it's free. If you want to purchase professional services, they are available. I've had a few problems with the printing machinery creasing or misprinting pages, but as long as I took a picture of the problem and emailed them, they have been good to replace the damaged books. However, lately, I've had a problem with my soft covers showing on Amazon. Lulu was supposed to take care of that when I 'purchased' their extended reach program. They have Live Chat where you can 'speak' to a rep who then helps you with your problem. I found Live Chat a MUCH better way to go rather than email.

Now there is another issue: Lulu sends the information about the soft covers to Amazon, but Amazon is backlogged - REALLY backlogged. My last three books of the 12 I've written - Storm, Walking in Lightning, and Pic Jump, were published in May and June. They are not showing. I contacted Lulu and Amazon and the problem is on Amazon's end. It should not take them 4 and 5 months to list a product.
There may be something else going on. I guess I'll find out soon.

18 Oct 2011: Pic is now showing as a softcover but it will 'take longer' for the other two which were uploaded first - no reason given.

24 Oct 2011: All books with both formats are now showing (insert big sigh of relief)

Writing a book Step Four: Determination

2011-10-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Step One: Dream
Step Two: Desire
Step Three: Discipline
Step Four: Determination

To write, you must be determined. Some people might call it pure pigheadedness. Call it what you will, without it, you will not be able to reach any goal, much less write a book.

My definition of Determination while writing is persistence married to intentions.

Are you persistent? Can you stick with something until it's finished?
I'm married to the a man that descended from generations of good hard-working farmers.  His very DNA will not allow him to quit until a job is finished - he is incapable of calling it quits until he is comfortable with the job.

As writers, we need to do the same. As Indie authors, it is critical. We are our own company - CEO, editor, everything.

As an author, you can't please everyone. You can get a 5-star 'WOW' from one person and a 1-star 'YUCK' from another on the same book. Why is that? The same reason some people like vanilla ice cream better than chocolate.  For instance, I prefer 'clean' books - I don't like profanity of any kind, I prefer romance over sex, and if there is violence, it must have a purpose such as self-defense, to save the world, etc. I'm sure there are millions of readers just the opposite. To each their own and this is a GOOD thing - it means we can write what we like to read and millions can appreciate our efforts.

What are your intentions for your book?  Do you intend for your books to be successful or are you willing to just let family have a copy and call it good?

Success takes work.  It means doing things others don't like to do. One of those things is rewriting.
I usually have about six drafts.

1) Bare bones: the idea and whether or not I can build a book around the idea. Maybe how I want the book to end
2) Bones:  Basic manuscript - I usually write about 20-30 chapters and try to be consistent with length. In this draft, I made the connections between characters and the main plot
3) Sinews: Manuscript is expanded and I'm refining characters/plot and making sure the book flows
4) Muscles: Another rewrite. I polish the manuscript and fill in holes. Is it exciting enough? At this point, I seek to destroy bad elements
5) Guts: Another re-write and expansion. Plots and sub plots: is there enough action?
6) Flesh: Final re-write/edit/polish.  This is the point I allow pre-readers to see it and point out the things I missed (there are usually typos, sometimes grammar, and an occassional oops - like having a character be 6 years old on one page and 8 on another)

Writing a book Step Three: Discipline

2011-10-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Step One: Dream
Step Two: Desire
Step Three: Discipline

Writing is - wait for it - WORK! This seems to be the step where most people get lost.

For some reason, they feel that if genius is not burning, they can't or shouldn't write. Think of it this way: What would happen if you didn't go to work until you felt like it? That you called in and told your boss that you weren't coming in today because your muses were silent?

Here's another step in the basket of discipline: Rewrites. As an author you have to be willing to RE-write entire books and continue for as long as it takes to whip your manuscript into shape. I was willing to comb through my manuscript as many times as it took - each time tightening loose bolts, or elminating fluff. The upside to rewrites: you learn to write cleaner manuscripts so your effort won't take as much editing.

Writing a book Step Two: Desire

2011-10-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

Step One: Dream
Step Two: Desire

Writing is my bliss, my passion, my job and, even after writing 12 books in a year, I love it. There were times I wondered if I would. I'm grateful I can say YES!!!

One of the first things I do every morning is go out to the computer and press the power button. Why? I can't wait to see what my characters are going to do! During the night, ideas come to me (last night I dreamed in technicolor about a kind and good-natured redheaded king, old ruins where cattle were watered, and the future of DVD's - they no longer existed) Okay, that is called creative fodder - the kind of stuff I can and do use in my books.

Writing novels is something I've wanted since I was a teen and, sadly, when I went to college, I listened to the 'experts' of my time and let my dream fade when they said the only writing major they offered was journalism. It was a big blow. I wasn't fond of the news (most of it is bad, even then, and why would I focus on that?) Because I believed them, for decades, I limited my talent to birthday cards, journals, etc. I was a - dare I say it? - closet writer! I still penned ideas, but I seldom shared them.

Then I read The Jack Rabbit Factor by Leslie Householder. The cover of the book had three importnat words that opened doors in my mind: Why You Can.

Thanks to the book, which woke my dreams, I made the decision to write professionally because I LOVE writing. Once I gave myself permission to follow my dream, there was no going back to the dark cave where my creative juices used to bubble and hiss while I ignored them.

Writing a book Step One: Dream

2011-10-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

After writing 12 books, you have a pretty good idea about THE formula you use to get your book into print. This is the first step I take in writing:

Write a book : Dream BIG (and don't let anyone steal your dream!)

Take a fantastic idea and be willing to slap the reader with images that blow their minds - if it doesn't blow yours or suck you in, do a rewrite. Don't use old phrases: "The dream began..." to begin a book unless in the first page the dream explodes in the reader's face and grips them by the lapels and shakes them hard. Don't give them any choice but to turn the page.

Important: length of book. You may laugh, but the first book I wrote was over 252,000 words. What I learned was traditional publishers won't take a look at you - there are a few exceptions, but for the most part, a first book should be around 200-250 pages. With that said, simply write the story in your heart. I had to write it until the story (Epic COS) was finished to my satisfaction. Now my books average 300 pages (some are more and some are less). If I did it over again, I would try for 250 and simply add another book to the COS series so that each softcover isn't quite so expensive.  I may still do that...and the good news is that I can because I'm in control of my work, not a publisher, editor, or another person. I own ALL rights to my books.

What sells best in fiction? Character-driven books. One of my editors, who used to work at a press, told me the reason she loves my books are the characters. If you don't love your characters, or understand them, it will show in your work. There are reasons why most people (there are exceptions to every rule) won't write believable books until they are in their 30's - 40's. The biggest reason: they haven't lived long enough to experience life on enough levels to really grasp the interactions of people on more than a superficial basis. Experience counts.

Even if you have the talent to create great characters, you must be able to weave a story around them that's worth telling. If you can't do that you won't be successful either.

I've been asked where I get my ideas.
The answer is everywhere. Some books come from dreams, others spring from the ashes of unused ideas I had for a different book. I might watch a movie, read a book, or, as in the case of my upcoming trilogy Sky Signs, watch sunsets and sunrises with the love of my life - for more than a year. I didn't know watching all of those God-rendered wonders that I would be adding all the information to a stack of ideas.

After some people read COS, they think I'm a master plotter. You would think I would be writing murder mysteries and maybe I will - someday.  What they fail to really consider is the fact that COS is an EPIC and as such, had to have significant plot, subplots, and sub-sub plots.

While there is "nothing new under the sun" the way people retell stories in this era is the difference between a ride in a 1960 Lincoln Continental and a 2012 Ferrari. The world is plagued by instant gratification and books are competing with X-Box and other games so they MUST grab the attention of the reader.

The Harry Potter epic and the Twilight series took tradition and tweaked its nose a bit, re-introducing characters that have always existed (wizards/vampires) in such a way that they sold millions of copies.

In my life time, every 20 or so years, books with particular themes recycle. For instance, 20 or so years ago, it was Anne Rice and her Interview with a Vampire series that was being touted as new and exciting. Now, when something is successful, we have three or more copycats and the publishers rush to get the novels out to the world in hopes of riding the wizard/vampire wave of success, knowing the readers are hungry for more.

Whatever you write, let it be original and something you are interested in.   Love your characters and paint them into a corner as much as possible and get them out of it using unique ideas.

Giveaway at I'm a Reader not a Writer

2011-10-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

From now until Nov 1st, you can win one of my award-winning books

Chest of Souls (Book 1)
http://www.amazon.com/Chest-Souls-Book-One-ebook/dp/B00439H4KI/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1317767653&sr=8-1
Klaus
http://www.amazon.com/Klaus-ebook/dp/B004A8ZVUM/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
Pic Jump
http://www.amazon.com/Pic-Jump-ebook/dp/B0053HHDQE/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317767794&sr=1-1

For extra chances, you can follow this blog and/or tell your local library to buy the book(s)

Kipped 3: Indies - shooting yourself in the foot?

2011-09-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Getting shot is painful.
I've never been shot in real life, but I have in dreams (I've also hit the ground after a fall, so nix the theory that you die if this happens).

Indie authors are sprouting like weeds because of the easy-to-publish formats we are blessed with. Unfortunately, some of them never learned to write and are polluting the system with the idea they can get rich quick by offering a 99 cent book.  Vultures are also emerging from this era of epub. They are the people that steal others people's work, cobble it together, and resell it under a different title.  I resent these kinds of authors because they are giving ebooks a bad name. The only way to clear it up is personal responsibility: when you release a book, make it your very best work.

Here are some ways to avoid shooting yourself.

1) READ
Before I set my goal of 12 in 12, before it was even a vision, I loved reading. I was/am a voracious reader. Focus on the genre you like and choose its best selling books - study them. However, expand your mind and your talent by reading other kinds of books. You may be surprised where ideas can come from.

2) Edit...Edit...Edit...repeat
I usually go through 5 drafts of my work before I let anyone read it and after they read it, I edit at least one more time. If you can afford one, hire a professional editor (their prices vary, but $3 a page is what it was the last time I checked). Do NOT trust your spell checker. Get a dictionary, a thesaurus - tools for grammar, etc.

Here is one of my personal reasons for needing an editor: As a young adult, I intended on becoming an Executive Secretary and among my courses: Speed Reading. The first day they tested us to see where we were.  I was already at 700 words per minute. When I finished the class, it was well over 1,000 - not a large jump, but speed and retention (remembering what you read) are two different animals; one is a cheetah, the other is a domestic cat.

One thing you're taught in Speed Reading is to ignore small words (if, and, but, for...). Because my eyes are trained to ignore small words, when I edit, I tend to skip over 2-3 letter words. This really becomes apparent to my pre-readers. I'm getting better at it, but a far cry from perfection.

3) Amputation: what you do for rot
During my 12 in 12, I probably cut 300+ pages of unusable material. That may not seem like a huge amount to a non-writer, but that's an entire book (months of work). I toss all my cuts into a junk bin to use later, perhaps in the same series, or another book. Just because it doesn't fit into one book, doesn't mean it won't work in another.   If you get stuck, you can always go to the junk bin and see if there is an idea with merit, dust it off, modify, etc.

4) Cool off
While the manuscript(s) are in the hands of pre-readers/editors, I'm usually writing another book. When your work returns and you re-read it, mistakes can jump out at you and you can take an axe to them, tighten loose nuts, or laugh at yourself and make a few quick changes.

5) If it's not fun, don't do it!
One of the first things I do every day is turn on my computer.  Now I write 5 days a week instead of 6. sometimes I only get 2 hours in, other times, its 8.  No matter the number of pages, this is a business for me.  It is a privilege to have the freedom to delve into the world of imagination and I intend to make the most of it.

Kipped 2: Traditional or Indie publishing, that was the question

2011-09-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Another question I've been asked: Why not traditional publishing?

I tried traditional publishing. I had no idea at the time, that it was going to fade because of the advent of ebook (which was being touted as a fad and no match for tradition).

My efforts to query were successful with more than one publisher, but because of the rumors that were already flying on the net and in the market place, I was already taking a serious look at Ebooks. After a lot of prayer, research, and my gut feeling, I opted to go Indie. Now, a year later, while traditional publishing is going the way of the Dodo bird, I see divine intervention again.

Here's one personal example of why the current/traditional system doesn't work:
8 months after I had sent the email query for 5 Blanks to multiple sources, I was called and a publisher wanted to know if 5 Blanks had been sold yet. I had already self-published 5 books; ironically, the first to be published was 5 Blanks. The publisher was disappointed, but assured me the query was good enough that they still tried.

I had wondered why it had taken them so long to contact me and I was told my query had ended up on the slush pile. Some may ask by accident or design? In hindsight, I have to say by design. The traditional market, as most people are coming to realize, is losing its monopoly.
I informed the publisher about what I was currently doing. They assured me that they would be very interested in looking at anything else I wrote. In a way, the call was a verbal nod to my talent - a tender mercy of sorts that reaffirmed my faith that what I was writing was good enough for publishers.

I'm really grateful now I didn't succumb to the temptation of going with a traditional publisher. I read in David Farland's Kick in the Pants articles that some traditional publishers are heading for years of litigation because they are not paying their authors the royalties earned.
Bottom line: God understood all of this before it even happened and gave me a heads up and set me on the right path. He has been good to me.

Kipped 1: How I released 12 books in 12 months

2011-09-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

The question I am asked most often from both readers and writers is: HOW did you do it?

My best and most simple answer for that: with God all things are possible. Most people believe there is something bigger than themselves out there and I would be foolish not to recognize the divine intervention I experienced; some of those experiences too sacred in nature to share.

Along with that inspiration, I was blessed to have a lot of support from family and friends.

Also, it took LOTS of hard work and painful stretching of my soul and brain.

Many claim hindsight is 20-20 but when you have a vision the size I had, I promise that you must keep your eye on the end result or you're going to stumble over the path when it gets hard and, people, it got hard!

At the beginning of my journey, when the way was still crystal-clear and my characters were still behaving themselves, I was wrapped in ignorant bliss of exactly how much it was going to take to release 12 books in 12 months. My vision seemed to skip the part where I would be spending 12 and sometimes16 hours a day at my computer, typing, thinking, creating, and, oh, the tale-twister that kipped me: EDIT.

The simplified process goes like this:

1) Idea - make that a Mind-blowing, fantastic idea.
2) Write
3) Edit
4) Rewrite
5) Edit
6)...repeat all 5 steps until the book(s) is/are done

Stay tuned for more of the insiders story.

3 books 3 awards: Readers Favorite!

2011-09-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

May I humbly screech: I won! I won! I won!

There, now that the 'humble' part is over, I will now proceed to blow my own trumpet and proclaim that Chest of Souls Book One, Klaus, and Pic Jump, all won awards in the 2011 Reader's Favorite contest. WAHOOOOO! These awards provided validation for my long journey/goal of becoming a multi-award winning author.

To purchase or read exerpt from COS 1 go here:
http://www.amazon.com/Chest-Souls-Book-Michelle-Erickson/dp/0557680026/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319285923&sr=8-1

I must get a grip on myself. Okay, screeching and horn-blowing aside, it was also a deeply humbling experience and I must recognize the divine hand and tender mercies that brought it all about. I'm grateful I had divine guidance along the way and the perk of getting to know more quality people. The miracles that brought me and my family this far belong in a book.

Hmmmm....maybe down the road you will get to read about the trials/inspiration/divine intervention that kept us afloat.

To purchase or read of Klaus go here: http://www.amazon.com/Klaus-Michelle-Erickson/dp/0557756243/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2

In the meantime, celebrate with us. In honor of the awards, I have reduced the price of my EBOOK versions (on ALL 12 ebooks) to $4.99 - and I added the award-winning digital 'sticker' proclaiming me a winner! I love the sound of that word...

To purchase or read exerpt from Pic go here: http://www.amazon.com/Pic-Jump-Michelle-Erickson/dp/1257654624/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_4

EBOOK revolution and cover art for indie authors

2011-09-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

For indie authors like myself, there is a critical step that we cannot forget in order to make our books a success and that is COVER ART. In the big houses, they have book cover artists that are paid four figure fees for one piece of art.

I can't do that on a baby shoe-string budget. David Wolverton/Farland (best selling author) mentions in his kick-in-the-pants (KIP) articles to hire the best - $5,000 or so if you can afford it.

I couldn't. So, like David, I recommend either finding someone in your circle of influence/friends that can do it for you (and please be realistic - don't settle for soothing the feelings of a budding artist who really doesn't have any talent but you're related). Keep in mind that it is your work and your name will be on the cover.

Another alternative for reasonably priced cover art: http://deviantart.com/ There are a lot of VERY talented young artists with galleries of samples of their art. You will have to wade through those that are just beginning, but many have a lot to offer. Be warned: I wanted to commission a piece of work based on a unique twist in the art of one young artist. However, upon contact, he was balky and wouldn't cooperate. He was, frankly, unprofessional (in part due to his age) and, in the end, I chose another artist even though I really liked what he had.

Defining Moment: Readers Favorite Awards Finalist!

2011-08-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

It has been said that moments define our lives.
I'm perched on one of those moments right now, balancing on the peak of hope and looking over at the next one. The next peak is MUCH bigger. It's called Winners and I' m ready with grin on my face and hope rising in my heart.

Rewind/recap:
A few months ago, I entered the Reader's Favorite Award's Contest. I know that when books win awards, people take more notice of the books and since I am self-published this is critical.

When I set out last July to release 12 books in 12 months, I had faith I could do it - and I did (in eleven months in point of fact). I knew when it was over it would mean more work - of a different kind. Promotion. Self-promotion - many author's succumb at that point because it is so challenging.

Honestly, anyone can write a book if they want to - especially now with Ebook phasing out paperbacks at such an extraordinary rate. As an Indie-author I have to be an entire company - writer, editor, publisher, etc. For Indie authors you ask: How do I get my books to stand out?  Well, one way is to win Awards.  The question then becomes: did I write well enough to win?

Short version: I took a risk - I entered some of my books in a contest where the competition is heavier than it's ever been because of the economy. The good news is, I received word this morning that yes, three books are Finalists!   Here they are:

1) Chest of Souls Book 1: Fantasy
2) Klaus: Romance - Fantasy
3) Pic Jump: Romance - Suspense

That's why I am looking up at the next peak - the 'Winners' peak, the one I long to be standing on. The winners will be announced September 1st.  The winnings are not monetary in the sense that you get $$$ - but your books get exposure and exposure brings sales.
I'd appreciate it if you keep your fingers crossed, and prayers said, while I swim in a wide sea of gratitude, bathing in the glory of being one step closer to my 40-odd-years-goal.

And of course...I continue writing - it's what I do.

Book #12 of 12: Pic Jump

2011-07-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Reviews:
August 11, 2011

First rate story with a unique plot

By Readers Favorite "Book Reviews and Award Contest" (Hawesville, KY USA) - Reviewed by Alice D. for Readers Favorite

Pictarine Nebbie loved her parents but not her name; she prefers Pic. Pic and her best friend/cousin, Dar, run an employment agency. Pic meets the most marvelous man, Mason Jump, in the elevator of the building where her employment agency is located. Mason entertains terminally ill children, gives to charity and is totally devoted to doing for others. He and Pic fall deeply in love, meet each other's families, and marry weeks after meeting. Do they live happily ever after? No, their wedding car is sideswiped, Pic suffers massive head injuries and lies in a coma!

Though badly injured, she is given an out-of-body ability to transfer from one pair of eyes to another. Pic connects with a trucker named Trig, and then lands as a little girl's Barbie doll's eyes. The little girl, Emma, and her mother and father board a plane with a terrorist on board. Pic, Emma and Emma's mother flee for their lives. Pic and Emma land back in Pic's hometown of Evanston, Wyoming, with one of the terrorist's comrades coming after them. Pic has visions of Mason and her loved ones when she's held under water, but will she ever awake from her coma get away from all the terrorist troubles and resume her life with her wonderful husband?

This is a really first rate story with a unique plot that flows well from beginning to end of story. It offers romance and then adventure that will keep the reader enthralled until story's ending. It is well-edited, extremely well-written with believable characters who hold true throughout the story. A wide number of readers will enjoy this when it's in book form. The discerning will be delighted at the author's insertion of a book written by herself into the storyline.

Get ready for an amazing journey., August 23, 2011

almahar -

"Pic Jump" starts out as a love story with the character Pic finally finding the one guy she has been waiting for only to have her happily ever after cut short-she goes into a coma on her wedding day.
The novel then follows her spirit as she journeys to Los Angeles and the road back home, her companions a four year-old child named Emma, a Barbie doll head, and a murderer whose one goal is to get a hold of Emma.
The intrigue involved keeps the reader turning pages while ignoring the clock that is letting them know dawn is just a few hours away.

Where did I get the idea?

At the time, I was outlining 5 Blanks my post-apocalyptic sci-fi. While thinking of ways for people to transfer from one body to another I had to consider what was plausible and what was impossible.

Insider information:

I wrote this book in two months, feeling the press of time on my self-imposed deadline. I wasn't sure it was long enough so my pre-readers (bless their tired eyes!) had to run their way through it in record time and they assured me it didn't need anything more.

The cover was my first attempt to do one myself. I took the picture you see on the front cover in February of this year using one of the roses my son gave me for Valentines Day. I placed the rose on a puddle of ice in front of our mailbox. I didn't want to use photoshop to remove any impurities, they just added to the symbolism and the picture fit the story perfectly - Pic and Mason's families own flower shops, the story takes place in winter. On top of that, the rose is beginning to die - the top edges are brown, foreshadowing Pic's coma. The broken ice symbolizes the sacrifice and precarious position we find the main characters in - and its symbolic of the shattered beginning to Pic and Mason's marriage.
The back cover picture I took on Mother's Day of this year - it was pouring rain, freezing cold, and I simply threw the umbrella on a section of road between Ririe, Idaho and Swan Valley. It was the first picture I took. The eyes belong to one of my many nieces (thanks Amanda!)

What the book is about

Here's what's written on the back of the book

My happily ever after started with a coma
I didn’t think things could get worse.

Then I was accidentally eye-napped.

It’s complicated, but because of me, a four-year old is being hunted by a kidnapping-murderer and all she has is a Barbie head to help her out.

If I don’t do something, she’s going to disappear –permanently.

I have one question:

How can I save her when all I can do is jump from one set of printed eyes to another?

TO ORDER

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Pic-Jump-ebook/dp/B0053HHDQE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310402662&sr=1-1

Book #11 of 12: Walking in Lightning (Book 9 and final of COS series)

2011-07-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

The final battle for the souls of men has come in the final book in my epic fantasy Chest of Souls.

Here are some reviews:

The perfect ending!, September 15, 2011

T. K. Arispe - See all my reviews

A completely epic ending to a completely epic series! Michelle Erickson finishes off her nine-novel opus with a very satisfying finale! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to wring Haddy's neck again! Everything is resolved perfectly and yet still leaves room for the characters to continue to learn, grow, and adventure. You won't want to miss this ultimate standoff between good and evil!

Wonderful Ending, June 4, 2011

B.C. Sipling - See all my reviews

Beautiful end to an awesome series that made me laugh, cry, scream, angry and frustrated and finally relieved and joyous because of this magnificent happy ending where good triumphed over evil once again. It's an ending that never gets old.

SALVATION IS HERE! Hold nothing back! June 25, 2011

G. Junkert "forestnuts" (Washington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

BRAVO, bravo what a wonderful epic story! Read the kindle version of this book in 4 hours but will buy the softcover for my "Michelle Erickson" collection on my bookshelf! I knew there would be a twist to the ending and I was not disappointed. The "Chest of Souls" series soared into the atmosphere and beyond! Bravo again.

How the book came to be:

This book was part of the final third in the original trilogy and is the final book in this epic. Does that sound like a hint. It is. There is a prequel and some follow ups planned. They will not be written by me, but my daughter - who wants more.

Insider Information:

This one was one of the easiest to write because everything led up to what takes place. All I had to do was write...and write....and write. Still, when it was all finished I was happy AND sad. Happy that I could say "It is done!" Sad for the same reason. I love my characters. I've had a few complaints about some unanswered questions - Mal's stupidity being one of them. Don't worry about Mal, I'm sure he'll figure things out - eventually. The lightning on the back cover is actually real lightning - I was able to get a picture one day when we had a storm.

What the book is about:

On the back of the book:

The final battle for the souls of men has come.

Brenna is isolated.

Courtesy of Nez, the ruler of Sogo, she now has a Temis Belt to accompany the Suque he infected her with. As a result, she is possessed and no longer has access to her power. Meeting Talon in dreams is no longer safe because the Suque has made plans to betray Nez and rule Sogo - at Talon’s side. Until the city falls, she’ll have to rely on wit and will to deal with the Suque, the Temis Belt, Nez, and his army of Nightshades. She fears she is no match for all that has combined against her.
Talon is out of time.

Brenna claims she loves him, but she remains in Sogo with Nez – by choice. He doesn’t agree with her reasoning. Each time he comes close to gaining her freedom, something or someone stands in his way. He’s done all that’s been asked of him and more. If she doesn’t come to him, he will go to her. His choice will end in death or finally having a life with Brenna, who may or may not choose him. It’s a chance he’s willing to take.

TO ORDER

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Lightning-Chest-Souls-ebook/dp/B0053HA96U/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310402428&sr=1-2

Softcover at Lulu.com - will be coming to Amazon soon!
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/walking-in-lightning/16182385?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

Book #10 of 12 Storm (Book 8 of COS)

2011-05-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

The end of the tunnel is in sight and things are just get more and more dangerous. Of course, it also means my characters must perform better and better!

Here are some reviews

You'll be blown away!, September 15, 2011

T. K. Arispe - See all my reviews

If there's one thing you learn quickly when reading the works of Michelle Erickson, it's to never assume that she can't possibly add more to a plot--or that you have everything figured out! Several important, incredible, exciting, and heart-rending plot twists happen in this penultimate chapter in the Chest of Souls saga and you'll just have to read it to find out what they are, and to get yourself prepared for the finale!

Great Read, May 7, 2011

B.C. Sipling - See all my reviews

First off, I LOVE this one! I guess because things are getting closer to fruition. I mean, once I really started to read it. I took off! I read half the book in one sitting! Then finished it with one more!

Addictive! Thrilling! Love this collection! June 25, 2011

G. Junkert "forestnuts" (Washington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

My eyes are bloodshot, my heart is racing, I need a break but I can't put the book down until I'm finished! Good news and bad news I even cried at the death why did that need to happen? Never can second guess this author!

How the book came to be:

This was originally the middle of book 3

Insider Information:

In part, the cover is a picture I took of a particularly beautiful sunset. This is supposed to be a picture of the magnificent building that stands in Ogdones - the building where the boys went into the underground cisterns to escape being killed by Sand Slashers, Suck-egg mules, and to avoid suffocating in a sand storm. It is also the private residence of Lady Revaya millenia ago when she ruled the country of Teris.

What the book is about:

Brenna's not herself.
In Sogo, she's discovered what she's capable of - the streets are littered with living proof. All that keeps her sane is when she can meet Talon in dreams and that becomes impossible when Nez infects her with a Suque (soo-kay). Brenna comes to realize the Suque wants Talon more than it wants Nez and will do anything to have him.

Talon is getting bad news on all sides - the Ammonites refuse allegiance until the storm of prophecy rages, he's uncovered old secrets that make him question Brenna's loyalty, and the traitor is one step ahead, leaving Talon and his army to face certain death.

In spite of outward appearances, Talon is sure that somewhere inside Brenna is the woman who loves him. That's the woman that he'll risk everything and everyone to free.

TO ORDER:

EBook: http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Chest-of-Souls-ebook/dp/B004YQCDMO/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1310401603&sr=1-4

Softcover: at Lulu.com - coming soon to Amazon!
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/storm/15743481?productTrackingContext=product_view/recently_viewed/left/4

Book # 9 out of 12: Division of Souls (COS Book 7)

2011-03-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

With Division, we have the beginning of the end of Sogo and all of it's inhabitants.

Here are some reviews:

Divided souls still stand..., September 15, 2011

T. K. Arispe - See all my reviews

The decisions needed to overthrow Sogo have not been easy ones for our heroes, but they have made unbelievable sacrifices for the cause. Now Brenna is trapped in a dangerous game of wits with the most powerful man in Sogo, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, the tunnel itself is still very long, dark...and filled with pitfalls. Naturally, this will keep you at the edge of your seat and have you ready with your hand on the next page (or, if you're like me, your mouse's scroll wheel)! Get ready for the beginning of the grand finale, folks!

How the book came to be:

This was originally the first of book 3

Insider Information:

I wanted to spank Brenna - hard - for choosing to go with the nightmare at the end of the last book. Ever hear if you play with fire you'll get burned? Brenna is still a very young woman and she doesn't have the wisdom experience can bring in spite of the fact her parents plot in their sleep and Brenna's DNA is full of intrigue and lots of natural talent.

This book was a real challenge. Writing an emotionally-numb Brenna was stifling and this book had a lot of revising done to it to meet my higher standards. If you've followed the series, you'll know Brenna is passionate by nature and the indifferent but logical woman she became was a stranger to me - I wanted my Brenna. Talon...well, my heart bled for him. He was heart-broken and tortured by her choice that it seemed, at first, he wasn't going to get over it. I even feared for his sanity.

The cover of this book was also a challenge. We took a crystal heart and hung it in front of the flames dancing inside our woodstove. The crystal reflected the darkness and appeared to turn black (symbolic of what is happening to Brenna). I snapped several pictures, but this one worked best. Stravenlite then used photoshop to add the cracks and the fingers. The cracks are the energy spilling out of the heart (symbolizing what happens to Brenna in this book).

What the book is about:

After powering the Chest of Souls, Brenna’s severed from her ability to love and that isn’t all that’s missing. She has made her choice and it isn’t Talon.
Her plan is to save as many lives as she can before Sogo falls.
Logic rules her days and remorse rules her nights.

Talon survived Day of Air and must survive the coming days of Water, Fire, and Earth – ending with the travesty of the blood sport called Cubes. He thought the greatest test was when the Chest of Souls was powered, but his greatest challenge lies ahead.
He has to find a way to heal the division between Brenna and himself and if he can’t, he has to ask himself if he loves her enough to do what must be done, no matter what

TO ORDER

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Division-Souls-Chest-ebook/dp/B004UMOWE4/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1310401269&sr=1-6

Softcover: http://www.amazon.com/Division-Souls-Michelle-Erickson/dp/1257043307/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310401269&sr=1-6

Book #8 of 12: Stone Dreams (Book 6 of COS)

2011-03-07T06:01:00.000-08:00

The 3 Sisters fall!

Here are some reviews

Cubes has begun!, September 15, 2011

T. K. Arispe - See all my reviews

This is the beginning of the end...the sordid competition that Talon has been training for his whole life, and his friends have been training for for seven years, is at an advent and everyone who wants to see Sogo fall also wants to make sure that this is the last game of Cubes ever held. But will their plans come to fruition? Read on and find out! Michelle Erickson once again never disappoints on action, depth, characters, and of course more Shees than you can shake a Pursha at! The end of this second cycle in the Chest of Souls saga will not disappoint and will leave you wanting more!

How the book came to be:

This was originally the end of book 2

Insider Information:

One of the easiest covers - it was finished before Traps. This is the second book in which you will see the stars. Yes, they are significant. You'd have to read the book to find out how special they are.

The rock on the front cover is among a group of stones that are currently resting on the edge of the Snake River in Mesa Falls, Idaho (I highly suggest going there in late September or the first part of October - gorgeous!) The 'writing' on the stone doesn't actually exist. That symbol belongs to Jaydren and Stravenlite used Photoshop. The stone in the book rests at the edge of a River and was formed to activate and protect the southern border of Teris - a gift from Jaydren, one of the "5 Creators" but, like many things in the series, it isn't what it seems. The large rocks - called stacks - hold a lethal surprise for those invading the borders.

What the book is about:

Talon and his men have been training for seven years, but there is one competition they can’t train for. Stone Dreams is an invitation-only nightmare Nez will arrange with one goal in mind: death of all competitors. You do not know the enemy and it takes place in the black of night on enemy territory. He has still not uncovered who the traitor is among his men and in the dark, accidents can happen.

Brenna now understands what it’s going to take to power the Chest of Souls. There’s only one choice she can make that will save Talon and bring about the fall of Sogo. She’d rather repeat all the traps the Ancients made by herself than tell Talon what will make the constellation Three Sisters fall and what his part in powering the Chest will be.

To Order:

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Dreams-Chest-Souls-ebook/dp/B004PYDR0C/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310400525&sr=1-1

Paper back: http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Dreams-Michelle-Erickson/dp/1458373460/ref=sr_1_13_title_1_p?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310400689&sr=1-13

Book #7 of 12: Traps (Book 5 of COS)

2011-02-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

Talon was born of a woman without a heart, a man without a soul, into a world without a conscience...now he has to fix it.

Reviews

You'll get trapped...inside this book!, September 15, 2011

T. K. Arispe - See all my reviews

The plot thickens! The characters continue to move slowly, but steadily, and always excitingly, toward their ultimate quest to destroy Sogo, and along the way we are introduced to many very important revelations, and the introduction of characters whose unique abilities, and the things they did long ago, are going to tip the scales in the coming conflict...but which way? Once again Michelle Erickson continues to add characters, plot, and world-building into a story as deep as Tassy's appetite.

How the book came to be:

This was originally the middle of book 2

Insider Information:

This is one of my favorites in the series. I backed the characters into a corner and then had to find a way to get them out. Over the space of hours my oldest daughter and I talked about the fates of all the characters who were literally stuck in the Traps resting beneath the Phoenix House orphanage. It was fun - and a LOT of work!

The cover of this book was tough - I knew what I wanted, but not how to do it. This cover is definitely going to be reworked for the second edition, but, for now, it is eye-catching (maybe even...eye watering?), I need to learn more about photoshop to make my 'vision' a reality.

What the book is about:

By now, the readers know that Talon is a prisoner in the Barracks by choice. He has had the training and nothing could really stop him if he wanted to leave Sogo. Yet, this wonderful self-sacrificing man puts all of his efforts into the training he and his men would never get anywhere else in the world and he does it in the name of love, knowing that he must become the best so he can be the Champion of Legend - the one destined to save Brenna.

Brenna is getting training from the Forest Wife and trying to find ways to visit Talon in Sogo (silly love-struck girl!). Things really come to a head when accident-prone Eli Mampus discovers something in the basement of the Phoenix house orphanage that will answer and create questions no one thought to ask and which will lead Brenna to deeper understanding of the word 'Traps'

To Order

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Traps-Chest-of-Souls-ebook/dp/B004LLIJCU/ref=sr_1_13?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310398705&sr=1-13

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Traps-Michelle-Erickson/dp/1458341097/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310398629&sr=1-12

Book # 6 of 12: Sacrifice of Souls Book 4 of COS

2010-12-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

Halfway to my goal! Here it is, book 6 in the COS epic.

Reviews

Sacrifice of Souls, August 30, 2011

almahar - See all my reviews

With the Sacrifice of Souls the reader enters the world of the Barracks a training ground for Sogo's Cubes, a gladiatorial "game" in which only one survives, and the new home for Talon and fourteen friends, some new and some old. If it isn't bad enough that he will be under Tasut's watchful eyes 24/7, he knows that one of the fourteen men he trusts with his life will betray him.
While Talon fights to just survive training, Brenna is also being trained with one thing hanging over her head-if she fails to learn what she needs to know Talon will die. With the help of those around her, and a visit from the dead, Brenna strengthens her resolve to do what she must to save Talon. But only if she can survive the Forest Wife's training first.
From a land beyond time to a city with an ancient evil to Sogo, the journey of those that stand in defiance of Sogo will lead the reader through the first leg to what will be the end of Talon and Brenna's world as we know it.

Ready to kick it up a notch?, September 15, 2011

T. K. Arispe - See all my reviews

If you thought things were intense in the first trilogy of this series--think again! The ante has been upped in this dynamic beginning to the next season in the plans to destroy Sogo...but the best-laid plans of Shees and men oft go awry. This book introduces vibrant additions to the cast you knew and loved in the first three books, and they don't take away from the dynamism and depth of the established characters but simply make the fun exponential! Our heroes and heroines certainly have their work cut out for them in the trials to come!

How the book came to be:

This was originally the first part of book 2. Again, I had to divide it into thirds and again, I had a good time expanding characters that hadn't been able to come out of the shadows.

Insider Information:

The cover of this book was very simple - light a fire in our wood stove and take a picture for front and back. However, see how many faces you can see in the flames (we found 2). In the book there is a constellation known as "The 3 Sisters" There is a prophecy concerning them in the book. The bright white one symbolizes Loni, the blue one is Mari and the red one (which, frankly, looks like a zit on one of the faces) is the notorious Hadasha.

What the book is about:

Talon is on his way to be sold at the Sogoian auction - courtesy of his father's great fist. He has no way of letting Brenna know where he is and that he can't help her any more. The odds of his surviving are 300 to 1 in the Barracks. To his horror, his friends are with him - all captured in various ways explained in the last book.

Brenna is now on the other side of time via a giant hand that came out of a sandpool. She has a new instructor - a mysterious woman known only as the Forest Wife. Brenna is accustomed to getting her way - no matter the obstacles, but in this realm, she is the fish out of water and the woman has as much power as Brenna - almost. Once she discovers that whatever she fails in, Talon will pay the price, her rebellious nature (which always peaks when Talon is threatened) crumbles. For now, she must learn or Talon will die.

To Order

Ebook: Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Souls-Chest-ebook/dp/B004HFS2QI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1293639137&sr=1-7
Softcover: http://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Souls-Michelle-Erickson/dp/0557829941/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Book #5 of 12: Aftermath (COS Book 3)

2010-11-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

If you would like to order this book in Ebook or Softcover format, the links are at the end of the post.
Reviews

Part three does not disappoint!, August 18, 2011

T. K. Arispe - See all my reviews

Once again the plot thickens--and readers will love every moment of it. The characters we've come to know and love in the first book face even more growing, learning--and tragedy. I am constantly impressed with the author's ability to not only tell a handful of stories simultaneously, but have all of those seemingly disparate tales connect with each other in one vast overarching narrative that never grows stale. You'll be reading about one group of characters, and then another, and another, and before you know it a hundred pages have gone by and you're still hungering for more. Absolutely marvelous work.

How the book came to be:

This was originally the end of book 1 - now greatly expanded.

Insider Information:

I expected the continuing flack I get from people about what happened in this book. However, killing off a main character (especially one of my favorites) was not easy, but you'll have to take my word for it that it was necessary.

The cover for this one was the toughest up to this point. It became the most eye-catching of the first three. I had envisioned the hand looking more monstrous than spectral and holding Brenna, ready to pull her into the sandpool. It just didn't work so we compromised - and the swirls in the background behind the hand which I had originally envisioned being ghostly purple/green mist morphed into what we call Ketchup, Mustard, and BBQ sauce - another serendipity that happened while Strave was learning how to use Photoshop. The colors came from the exact same flames that are pictured on the front cover of SOS - it worked! Question: How many of you knew the spelling for Ketchup was once Catsup?

What the book is about:

Brenna yearns for Talon's love with all the passion her 13-year old heart can muster, but she knows he sees her as a child. She's determined to change that before her parents keep their word to take her where Talon will never find her. No one seems to understand the depth of her love for him and that he is the core of her existence, not even Talon...yet. She is unaware that the evil that had been searching for her has found her and if it can't take her, it will take those she loves.

Talon has read the Book of Benamii and is beginning to understand that if Brenna dies all hope perishes with her. He will not allow anyone or anything to hurt her. Not even Tasut. He is determined to stand between her and what is coming. His father is looking at him with an air of expectancy and that makes Talon nervous. Tasut wants something from him and Talon wants to avoid whatever it is at all costs.

TO ORDER

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Aftermath-Chest-of-Souls-ebook/dp/B004EEPNUA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310397989&sr=1-1
Softcover : http://www.amazon.com/Aftermath-Chest-Souls-Book-Three/dp/055779272X/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310397868&sr=1-8

Congratulations to the WINNERS!

2010-11-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

If this were the price is right, the following three women would race down to the front and begin their journey with Bob Barker to win, win, and win!

Vivien from Wichita, Lisa from Springville, and Sophia from Riverside! WOOHOO! Congratulations on winning and watch for the book in the mail!

Book #4 of 12: Klaus (Released November 2010)

2010-10-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

Reviews:

I highly recommend Klaus for the whole family, July 10, 2011

Readers Favorite "Book Reviews and Award Contest" (Hawesville, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)

Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite

Have you ever wondered how Santa Klaus met Mrs. Klaus? Michelle Erickson brings readers a delightful story of a princess and a human carpenter.

Eralee's father is a River King and her mother is a Queen. They live in the forest of Everaude, a world filled with immortals.... Her parents planned a marriage for her to a River Prince. He was busy sowing his wild oats, and she had no desire to marry him. When she saw a human freezing to death in the woods, she wanted to save him, although it was forbidden by her people.

The reader watches as Klaus and Eralee fall in love. Throughout this enchanted story the reader learns the answers to many Santa questions. The reader also meets several incredible secondary characters such as Dasher, Dancer and Vixen. Erickson explains why reindeer can fly and why their antlers glow. A lonely witch wants Klaus for her own selfish reasons. Eralee refused to give up the man she loves, no matter the cost.

Erickson combines romance, adventure, suspense and humor to create one of the best Christmas tales I've ever read. Eralee's antics were very funny and her innocence was extremely heartwarming. Of course Eralee was my favorite character, but Klaus and the other characters each had their own distinctive personality. This book will become a family favorite. I can see this tale making it to TV as a Christmas special. I highly recommend Klaus for the whole family.

Christmas legends come to life in a new and exciting way!, September 7, 2011

KAdams - See all my reviews

I so enjoyed reading Michelle Erickson's "Klaus." The story was heart-warming, cleverly written and full of fantasy! I don't think anyone has ever linked together such a magical story of how "Santa" came to be. It truly is worthy of being made into a movie for the holidays. I just enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend reading this enchanting tale.

How the book came to be:

I've always loved Christmas and I never got enough background on Santa's wife. This was a book that I HAD to write because I fell in love with Santa when I was 3 and my family made the holiday so FUN!

Insider Information:

Ironically, the cover picture was taken by yours truly out in my yard in SUMMER! I have a line of spruces, the sprinkler was going. The beads of water were dripping down the needles and I couldn't resist the shot. The holly pin on the top left is an actual pin that was photoshoped in by Stravenlite who also did the heart. The back cover picture was taken on a hike.

What the book is about:

Eralee is a misfit among immortals. She's supposed to marry a philandering River Prince. She doesn't want him. She wants to save the human called Klaus.

Klaus is a woodcarver that lives alone on the edge of the Everaude Forest, a dangerous forbidden place. Because his father disappeared, he's considered socially inferior by many in the village and lives alone. He's convinced he'll never know love until he meets Eralee; a woman that has haunted his dreams. Unfortunately, she's immortal.

Neither has any idea that there is another immortal who wants him. She is Kamichen, the Winter Witch. Legend claims she eats men's hearts. She has plans for Klaus and they don't include Eralee.

TO ORDER

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Klaus-ebook/dp/B004A8ZVUM/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1310405437&sr=1-10
Paperback http://www.amazon.com/Klaus-Michelle-Erickson/dp/0557756243/ref=sr_1_10_title_1_p?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310405437&sr=1-10

Book #3 of 12: Lend Me Your Mind (COS Book 2) Released October 2010

2010-10-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

I give you...

A strange journey,
Strange revelations, and
Dangerous waters...
All in the name of fun!

If you would like to order this book in Ebook or Softcover format, the links are below.

Reviews

Lend Me Your Mind, October 24, 2010

B.C. Sipling - See all my reviews

"...But what I really loved about the book was the plot. Just when you think you can predict the plot, it goes into a completely different direction! Part of the fun is trying to guess where the next plot line is going to take you. So it makes me think. I crave books that make me think instead of just knowing that around the corner that the character is going to do A and follow up with B. It's nice to have a book that surprises you."

The epic continues! August 18, 2011

T. K. Arispe - See all my reviews

If you thought Michelle Erickson couldn't possibly cram any more into her world than what you were introduced to in Chest of Souls...think again! In book two the reader is introduced to even more exotic and imaginative locations and characters. And of course this doesn't stop the characters from the first book from receiving fascinating growth and development, as even more of the plot falls into place--which of course also opens up many other mysteries that keep you guessing.

How the book came to be:

This was originally the middle part of book 1. When I had to divide it into thirds, I was free to expand some of the characters - which was a lot of fun!

Insider Information:

The wave on the cover of this book was a mistake I made while learning how to use Photo Shop smuge tool - I was having a good time and it just morphed into the cover. I did the background and wave. StravenLite did the eyes under the wave, which symbolizes Soline, one of the 5 creators and with the wave coming over her 'head' those waves become her hair - a wild and dangerous attribute.

What the book is about:

In the last book, Brenna's powers were becoming stronger - she modified an entire species, raised the dead, and spoke with Deity. She is becoming frustrated because even with all her power she can’t make Talon love her.

Talon thinks of Brenna as a too-talkative sister, on he's been ordered to protect. She's just a small part of what bothers him. His true angst lies in the fact he has questions no one will answer. Like why he has to keep moving when he’d rather stay with the Brenna's parents, what his father does for a living (no one wants to tell him), and what really happened to his mother (an absolutely forbidden subject). The answers he receives aren’t comforting, they just create more questions.

His brutal father has plans for Talon that he never talks about. In this book, odd things start to happen in Talon's life – the ship he's on sinks, a woman from legend rises from the sea, and he has to keep a secret he never wanted to know. Everywhere he goes, danger tracks him, from the Ammon Islands to the far western shore of Utak. Through it all he can feel where Brenna is and her most powerful emotions, but isn’t sure what it means…

TO ORDER

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Lend-Your-Chest-Souls-ebook/dp/B0045UA6FU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1288542114&sr=1-2

Softcover: http://www.amazon.com/Lend-Me-Your-Mind-Chest/dp/0557716233/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310405346&sr=1-1

Book #2 of 12: Chest of Souls Book One (released September 2010)

2010-10-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

The journey of Talon Ryhawk and Brenna Tybar begins...

If you would like to order this book in Ebook or Softcover format, the links are below.

Reviews
A new series sure to please the pickiest fantasy readers.., August 12, 2011

Readers Favorite "Book Reviews and Award Contest" (Hawesville, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)

Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite

Michelle Erickson has created a new series sure to please the pickiest fantasy readers. In Chest of Souls Book 1, we meet nine year old Talon and the adventure begins with a human sacrifice. The Sons of Ammon were present as the Guardian clasped the willing sacrifice tightly to protect those around them. This was their only chance to destroy the wicked city of Sogo. The scene quickly shifts to an isolated "village" in the midst of a forest. Tasut briskly woke his son Talon and sent him running into the forest with no food and dressed only in his underwear. The young boy instantly obeyed, not knowing if he was in danger or being punished. Talon and a young man named Nyk end up running for their lives. When they returned to the cottage, Talon met Brenna, a beautiful six-year-old with power beyond the imagination. Talon and Brenna were the only hope to destroy Sogo. Together they would make a formidable team...if they could live long enough to develop their powers.

Michelle Erickson does exactly what all authors should do...begin the book with a dynamic, attention grabbing scene. However, she doesn't stop there; she continues with one heart pounding scene after another. Her talent for description brought to life the strange creatures previously only seen in her mind's eye. There are plenty monsters to fear and battle in Chest of Souls: a fierce, part-horse creature, green crabs and ice monsters. Brenna was one of my favorite characters. Although only six years old, she already has self confidence and knows she belongs with Talon. Mee was a creature I could only describe as part cat and part squirrel with an appetite for crab. Tasut was easy to dislike until you realize he does love his son, but he certainly has a problem showing it. Lyon was an assassin believed to be dead, and Mari, his wife, had powers of her own. This is the first book in a new series; I can hardly wait to see what our two heroes face in the next book.

How the book came to be:

MANY years ago, I told my children stories - they liked mine better than anyone else's and my oldest child wanted something new. I began to tell her this story, which has no connection or even a slight resembalance to what the story is now. During the years my children were growing up, I read A LOT and among those books was David and Leigh Eddings' Rivan Codex. I sort of followed their suggestions about how to write fantasy.

I loosely based my COS epic on the Biblical account of the fall of Sodom and Gommorah (Sogo) as it is recorded in the Old Testament. Few people realize most of the names of Talon's eventual friends/fellow prisoners are based on the names of the 12 apostles. Along with these magnificent men, I had to have very strong women with enormous willpower, sharp minds, and 'to-do' lists of their own.

Insider Information:

Originally, this book was over 252,000 words long (about a 1,000 pages). I had to break it into thirds. My idea was to write a trilogy - I had NO idea it would become 9 books. The original titles were: It Begins, It Continues, It Ends (insert a snort and barking laughter, maybe some knee slaps). I simply didn't know what to call it and then, after I really got into the books, I based the entire series on what happens in the Prologue of book one where the Chest is being summoned/powered. I wanted the book to be 'clean' - no sex, no swearing (although the characters do use some local terms). Readers are aware that things go on behind closed doors, but I never enter in - I didn't find it necessary.

What the book is about:

Talon and Brenna are destined to bring down the wickedest city in the world (Sogo)

They are not told they've been hunted their entire lives by the very evil they must destroy or that if they manage to get enough training to take it down, they may not win.

Brenna is safe because she’s oblivious to everything but Talon. She doesn't know that her mother is Hi-Sha of Eyes, or that her father was an assassin and he’s supposed to be dead. She doesn't even know her pet (Mee) is the Queen of all Shee’s (squirrel-like animals that can talk).

Talon felt safe until he met Brenna. Once he is ordered to protect her, he's had to fight monsters he never knew existed, run away from an assassin, and escape a forest full of carnivores. His father burned down their cottage and left him with people he just met and he isn't sure who to trust.

The Chest of Souls waits to be powered and these children have no idea what the price will be.

My favorite character in the book?

It's like trying to choose a favorite child. There are things I love about all of them - yes, even Tasut and Haddy (those we love to hate)

I'll just mention the Ryn sisters since they were there planning and plotting before the story begins.
Loni (I picture Emma Thompson) is the ultimate-mother-bear figure that devotes her energy to loving her gaggle of orphans. She is a composite of the best women I've known.

Mari (I picture a young Jane Seymour) is the driven one - devoted to the cause (Keeping her daughter alive long enough to destroy Sogo - not an easy task given Brenna's tendency to disobey). Organized, driven, very passionate about her family. She is classy, but deadly. I would not want to cross her - ever.

Haddy (Megan Fox - with curly long hair). Haddy is selfish, impulsive, carnal-natured, defiant, disobedient, careless, often cruel, judgemental - and looking for love/attention in all the wrong places. I decided early on to kill this character off - writing her was annoying. Things change...

To Order

EBook: http://www.amazon.com/Chest-Souls-Book-One-ebook/dp/B00439H4KI/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310404939&sr=1-1

Softcover: http://www.amazon.com/Chest-Souls-Book-Michelle-Erickson/dp/0557680026/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1310404939&sr=1-1

Book #1 of 12: Five Blanks (released August 2010)

2010-10-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

Original cover shown here - it did change before I was finished with all 12 books I wanted to write in a year.

If you would like to order this book in Ebook or Softcover format, the links are below.

Reviews

Most Original Story Ever! January 21, 2011

hjtcrow - See all my reviews

"I find myself getting bored with the books of today, I mean they are just so predictable! I love it when I can be surprised in a book and say, Wow, I didn't see that coming! That is exactly how I would describe this book. You never have time to be bored, it is action-packed and you never know what is going to happen next. Loved it!"

5 Blanks book author Michelle Erickson, August 22, 2010

G. Junkert "forestnuts" (Washington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

"...Usually I can predict an ending, in this storyline I had no clue until the last paragraph. Very exciting and new! Would highly recommend purchasing this book to anyone. Get ready for a thought provoking and wild ride to the WEST side of a blank's life."

How the book came to be:

A dream I had about Layton, Utah, Liam Neeson (whom I would choose to play the part of Nick) and the fact that we had to run from robots that were looking for 4's and 5's. I didn't use the robots idea, but the rest of it is what I based the book on.

Insider Information:

Getting in this author's mind might be a scary thing for some people. I've had more than one person ask me how I slept at night (insert chuckle). I dream in vivid technicolor and my dreams are the fodder for many of my books. It's very realistic - plots, twists, characters...almost like watching a better-than-tv movie.

What the book is about:

Nick is a pacifist whose been killed for the fourth time. His soul was transferred into the wrong Blank. Not just any Blank, but Creed: a Combat- Ready- E-series- Elimination- Drone.

And he has to share it.

It’s supposed to be impossible. His life defines the word so that isn’t what bothers him. It's the irony that he’s to blame for making the E-series a reality. He always said it would be the death of him. He may be right.

He's homeless and being hunted by the people who killed him four times. They want to make him dead-dead before he can expose the truth. That’s if the original Creed doesn’t return from war and kill him first.

Nick has a lethal to-do list:

He needs to gain Creed’s co-operation so he can save the friends who risk their lives to hide them, find out how and why they are sharing the same Blank before the original Creed shows up, and uncover the truth about Leigh, a beautiful scary woman that claims she’s Creed’s fiancée and Nick’s friend, but whom neither man remembers.

Welcome to day one of Blank Five.

My favorite character in the book?

Christina - she's SO much more than the book explained. She is the core of all that matters in the world between first and last page. Without her, there would not be a story - and she morphed from the love-interest to mastermind.

If I got to choose who would play the part in a movie?

The only (living) people I thought about playing a role in 5 Blanks were:

Nick: Liam Neeson
Creed: Chris Evans
Christina: bunches of people - if you read the book you'll know why

Will there be a sequel?

I toyed with the idea of "First Blank" and writing about Pre-Apocalyptic Christine, but the muses didn't give me enough, so it's not in the plans at the moment (that doesn't mean it won't happen - just that it won't be right now)

TO ORDER

Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/5-Blanks-ebook/dp/B003YOSD9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1288540609&sr=1-1

Softcover: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/chest-of-souls-book-one/12915222?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

Defining the Goal: 12 Books in 12 Months

2010-10-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

Isn't it interesting that so many people who have never tried something are quick to tell you it can't be done?

I love the Chinese proverb, "The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
People think I'm being over ambitious in claiming I will release 12 books in 12 months.

It won't be impossible because very little in the life I lead is actually impossible. This is especially true when you make a living using your imagination.

Still, the question was asked and the thought is there: Can it be done?

That thought has an answer: I'm going to do it. God is good. He will help. Things will be orchestrated so doors open when I need them.

Which morphed into the realization: I am doing it - but not alone, never alone. I have faith, family, friends, and people that will come into my life because I WANT this. Already I have had help and that means success.