Uncommon Writing Tips

A while back, I wrote about the common writing mistakes we see at BookFish Books and Tenacious Books Publishing. Today, I'm going to offer some uncommon writing tips that apply to your craft and regular life in general. 

I've heard many times how important it is for authors to have experiences in life to make their writing richer. That's not to say that people without experience or certain experiences can't write quality novels, not at all. But I think the point is to get out there and live life. Find things that interest you and do them. Don't stay locked behind your computer. Go out, observe people, and experience the world. Your writing might thank you. ;) 

Shakespeare was one of the best people watchers around. 

He observed and understood human nature on a deep level.

Before you get all discouraged because you don't have a lot of money or a lot of places to go, you can explore right where you are, often times for free. There are many resources for finding out about local events--friends, FaceBook, local advertisements.

Recently, Deek and I had the rare opportunity for a middle-of-the-week date. I picked him up at lunch time (one car life), and we tried a new place. Then, I picked him up a little early from work that evening, and we went to a free, local concert.

A little lunch date smooching

Kissing continued at the free concert. Do you see a theme? LOL!

There was a huge crowd at the concert, so there were plenty of people to observe. The interplay between young lovers. The behavior of a group a friends. The uninhibited dancing their hearts out. Those who scowled despite the laughter and joy going on around them. Each person becomes a potential character, or traits of characters, for future books.

This past weekend, we went to an art museum and walked their art trails (a free activity). We had a total blast, got some artistic inspiration, observed a lot of people, and got a little exercise to go with it. Winning all around!

Talking heads. 

It's a no-no in the writing world but a yes-yes in the art world!

I like big butts and I cannot lie.

Very cool perspective!

Pause for a little reflective time.

Find your inner peace.

I adore this man SO much!!

Where fairground gates go to die...

It's a flesh wound...

I love weeping willows. They're so romantic!

Just being near this tree stirred up some creative ideas!

Remember, in writing and in life, coffee is a must! 

A writer's elixir.

This special bean helps turn sleepy gibberish into magical words.

The Deek and Erin summer special

Word. An oldie but goodie!

Don't forget a special treat for your pals as well.

Here's Gus enjoying a puppyaccino!

Remember to exercise! It's just as important to keep the body as fit as the mind! Deek and I lift, run, hike, box, and walk a lot. Walking is a great way to work in fitness and creative musing. We often hash out a lot of our plots this way.

An evening walk with my love

Training

Ropes are a tough one!

Excuse my cheesy grin--I'd just completed a half marathon in the pouring rain!

Even better, coffee AND fitness combined! ;) 

Find people who share your creative passions and will exchange ideas with you. Friends are a must--they encourage and support. Other authors provide crucial insight into the industry. Beta readers and critique partners help sharpen and shape your work. 

My Dream Team (plus two amazing bloggers)

Hanging out with some author pals

Chrissy Lessey, Dave Atwell, and Papa Stro Maestro

And some of my critique partners over the years....

Jessica Calla

Michelle Pickett

Meradeth Houston

Mary Waibel

T.C. Mckee

Heather Van Fleet

Deek Rhew! Yep, my husband!

He started out as my critique partner, and we fell in love!!

Have pets. I'm not kidding. If you have the financial ability and the heart capacity, they're wonderful little writing assistants! 

Bring me Solo...

Our snuggly, gorgeous Trinity!

He trips me out. 

He looks like a meerkat here, but he knows I caught him doing something he shouldn't.

Gus could not be a better dog!! 

He's quiet, loving, cuddly, and he has the best possible personality.

Wondering how Mommy got puppy ears too. Thanks for the laugh, Snapchat!

Remember to have fun. Life is short, and writing is hard. So, take a break, laugh, and enjoy time with those you love. I lost my beloved PaPa unexpectedly in July, so I'm acutely aware of just how finite our time here really is.

Until next time...create wonderful things, love hard, and...

YouTube, Readings, Family, and More...

I have a feeling this post will be filled with a little bit of randomness because that's what I'm good at. In my last post, I talked about Illogicon and some upcoming cons and author events we have scheduled, and I mentioned a YouTube video of Deek and me reading our first chapters. Well, it's live!! You can check it out on our Rhewination site here!

Illogicon 2017

Speaking of readings, Deek recorded a the first chapter of 122 Rules, and you can listen to that here! Let me just warn you...strap in! Prepare for a sexy voice AND a total thrill ride of a story!! PS. If you're interested in learning how to do this type of recording yourself, he'll be writing a how-to post soon, so keep an eye out for that!

So, you may (or may not--LOL) have noticed I've been a little MIA on the blog lately. I usually try to do one post a week, but something has happened that made me miss a few deadlines. On MLK Day, my dad went in to have a stint put into his heart. When they got in there, they saw a lot of blockage (up to 90%) in some arteries, so they elected to do a quadruple bypass right then and there.

That's my Dad, former Marine, and my lovely Mom!

I called Deek, and I'm not even sure what I said. I just know I was a blubbering mess of random words and tears. Now, here's where my husband shows me he's the best guy ever and loves me beyond beyond. Since we only have one car, which I had at the time, he asked a coworker to drive him home. About fifteen minutes after I called him, he walked through the door and wrapped me up in his arms. And then he made sure I got to the hospital to sit with my mom ASAP. He spent the day comforting me and my mom and making sure we had anything we might need or want while we waited. He did exactly what I needed without me even having to ask. I can't even begin to tell you how much that meant to me! And a big shoutout to his teammate Jen for racing him home to be with me! <3

I am SOOOOO thankful for this man. He is incredibly, mind-blowingly giving and loving.

I can't get over how lucky I am to be his wife!!

My father came through the surgery with flying colors, but he had a lot of trouble waking up afterward. We hung in limbo for three days waiting for him to wake. And thank goodness, he did. So, nearly every day since MLK Day, Deek and I have been at the hospital supporting my mom and encouraging my dad. He's moved out of cardiac ICU and into cardiac rehab, and he's doing exceptionally well. I am BEYOND relieved he pulled through and is on the path to recovery! 

When you're at the hospital daily, you have to find things to entertain you...

My brother drove down to visit my dad again on Sunday.

Jay and I had the best time talking and laughing with my parents and brother.

I can't tell you how grateful I am to still be able to talk and laugh with my dad!

Between PaPa (my grandpa) and my dad's illnesses, it's been quite a time since this summer. I think I have the layouts of two separate hospitals memorized. And I tell you, if I never see the inside of the hospital again, it will be too soon. 

Here's an interesting fact we learned though: weight training is super important. My dad lifted and boxed when he was a Marine, and because of that, his bones resemble that of someone twenty years younger. The doctors could not believe how "young" his bones were when they went in to cut the sternum for surgery, and the youthfulness of his bones wills aid dramatically in his healing. Deek has always been a big lifter, but he said he's going to redouble his efforts after that tidbit of info from the cardiologist. And don't think lifting is just for the boys. Get into that gym and lift heavy things, ladies! Research shows lifting is very beneficial for staving off osteoporosis! 

Girl power. Get lifting, ladies!

Well, hello there hawt man! <3

Until next time, wishing health and happiness for you and yours!!

New Place, New Adventures!

So, I think I mentioned how Deek and I had been spending a lot of time chillaxing after our move across the country. When you travel across the nation at break-neck speed, live in a hotel for a month, interview like crazy, and search for a place to live, you get a bit worn out. And that's the state we've been in for about two months. But we're finally starting to get that familiar "let's adventure" itch. Naturally, it started with ziplining!

Did you say ziplining? Why, yes, I did. When we decided to get back into the adventuring saddle, we didn't start off small. LOL! In fact, we chose to go ziplining over a waterfall!

Here's a pictorial view of our amazing weekend!

Friday, I picked Deek up from work for a dinner date.

And we immediately started laughing. We LOVE our time together and cherish each precious second.

The next day, we lounged in bed talking, laughing, and writing until it was time to go ziplining. Rules: Close-toes shoes, comfy clothes, all long hair pulled back

 I don't know why we decided to do this pose, but it's adorbs. LOL! 

Deek is ready to rumble.

Half excited, half scared.

On the practice line

Me on the practice line with a photobomber...

We're ready to go. Geared up, we know how to zip, and now it's time to do this thing!

Deek was brave enough to let go.

I wasn't. LOL! 

But I did make sure to hold a tight plank while going through the air to get an additional ab workout. That counts, right? Haha!

And we climbed bridges. This ziplining wasn't just fun in the trees; it required a quite a bit of strength and cardio too!

Case in point--look at how steep that bridge is!

High up in the sky and about to climb higher!

Our guides were awesome! They took good care of us, made sure we were safe at all times, told us interesting stories, and made us laugh!

The waterfall. It was so gorgeous! First, we walked on a suspended bridge to get a good view, and then we ziplined back across that baby!

Stopping for a moment to enjoy the view!

And to sneak a kiss!

We had a total blast with our awesome guides and with each other!

A little celebration and mediation on the way back to our car. LOL!

And now that we're back in my home state, we have opportunities to meet up with old and new friends as well as participate in more author events. Recently, we traveled a little farther east and attended a Q&A session and book signing with our buddy, Chrissy Lessey! Deek will be writing a blog on that, so stay tuned for more Deek and Erin Adventures!

I am beyond thankful to have a partner who chooses to be involved in all aspects of my life. We chill out, adventure, write, attend writing events, and just "do" life...together. Together. That's the key word. I've lived a life of loneliness before, where I did all things by myself, and I'm just tickled pink to have a partner to do them with now. And more over, I'm blessed that partner is Deek. :)

Be sure to check out Deek's upcoming post about Chrissy and our book adventures!

Until next time, live out loud!