Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write and share my stories. I’m not exactly sure where the passion came from, I’ve just always had a story to share with my friends. Some of my friends just liked to watch me play with dolls because of the soap opera-like and sometimes scary stories I would come up with. I’ve written several short stories from those days to the present, completed 4 books, and have several others waiting in the wings… though I think every writer has more than one project gathering virtual dust in their computers just waiting to be completed and shared.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “A Warrior’s Path: Rise of a Legend” (The Originators series). Back in college, my creative writing teacher wanted everyone to branch out from what they were used to and the entire class change their genre for at least one story. I decided to write a soft, sort of child-like fantasy story. It was the only story I got a lower grade on, but I enjoyed the journey so much that I tried again. After the class had ended and “The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring” came out, I decided I wanted to try something a little more in the epic fantasy range. It took almost 16 years and a lot of story backtracking, but I completed book one with ideas for others. With any luck, it won’t take 16 more years for book two.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wish I did. It really helps to have some sort of habit so the ideas flow freely, but I haven’t had a habit in awhile. Right now I just get some coffee or tea, turn on the laptop, open the story I’m working on, and then ignore it in favor of watching what my favorite YouTubers are doing. Sometimes, they give me ideas for interesting scenarios in which case, they turn into background noise while I write like crazy. Well, I suppose that is my habit in its own way, but it would be so much better if I did more writing and less watching.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up loving Poe but fell absolutely in love with the Dragoneye duology (Eon and Eona) by Alison Goodman. Her descriptions drew me in and created a vivid image in my head without being too wordy. I wanted to achieve the same, no words wasted. Another of my favorite books is “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden. It’s such an interesting and believable story. I find myself reading all three of these books over and over again and finding something new to love about them every time. I hope that one day, my stories will be as engrossing to others as these three are to me.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on book two in my Originators series as well as jotting down notes and scenes for other short stories and books. I should really try to focus on just one story at a time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found the best method for promoting my books just yet. I’m only just realizing the importance of promoting. It’s like I’ve read the blogs and all the advice but just didn’t believe it, kind of like when I was a kid and never believed what my mom told me until I experienced it for myself. Some of us are just hard-headed.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be hard-headed. Listen to the advice of successful authors. Writing the book is the easy part. Always have other people, meaning more than one, go over what you’ve written because you may have missed something important. Just because the story is clear in your head, doesn’t mean it’s clear to the reader. And if you can afford it, for crying out loud, hire an editor. That one friend who’s good at English can help if you can’t afford it, but I’m sure there are places online who can do so as an exchange, they read yours and you read theirs. But above all else, learn about where and how you’re going to promote the thing even before you’re finished writing it. Promote it when you’re writing it. Promote it when it’s in the beta phase. Promote it when it’s finished and you’re ready to release it next month. Promote it again when it’s out. Always be promoting, but don’t be annoying about it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’re never too old to achieve a dream. Take breaks when you need to, but don’t ever stop reaching for the stars. I forget where I heard them. Probably everywhere, but my favorite is “Never give up, never surrender,” from “Galaxy Quest.” It’s all-encompassing.
What are you reading now?
“Unhooked” by Lisa Maxwell. “Peter Pan” has always been a favorite of mine and this book takes that idea to a new and interesting place. I’m really loving it so far.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write some more, read some more. I’m sure I’ll have a plan someday, but for now, I’m just hoping to get some work off the ground.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Eon: Dragoneye Reborn,” “Eona: The Last Dragoneye,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and the complete works of Edgar Allen Poe. I never get tired of them.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gena Ervin Website
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