E. Van Lowe's Blog
April 5, 2013
The Fiction Train
Back in the 70s the singing group the O’Jays recorded their hit song Love Train.
People all over the world
join hands
Start a Love Train, Love Train.
I loved that song. Yeah, I’m old. What of it?!?
Today I want to introduce you to a fun new opportunity to participate in an ongoing story with me on my blog. I call it The Fiction Train.
Here’s the origin of the idea. I love writing openings. I learned early on in order to grab readers you must have a good, catchy opening. Ever since I learned that lesson many years ago, I’ve been writing and perfecting openings. I’ve been writing openings for over 20 years. I have openings up the ying yang. Problem is, to complete a book or even a short story you need a lot more than an opening. Here’s where you come in. I thought we could have some flash fiction fun with some of my openings. On my blog(http://vanlowe.blogspot.com), I have posted the opening of a story; your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to continue the story in 175 words or less. It's FREE to join, there will be PRIZES.
For more deatails and to post your addition to the story, go to E's Blog now.
Peace.
People all over the world
join hands
Start a Love Train, Love Train.
I loved that song. Yeah, I’m old. What of it?!?
Today I want to introduce you to a fun new opportunity to participate in an ongoing story with me on my blog. I call it The Fiction Train.
Here’s the origin of the idea. I love writing openings. I learned early on in order to grab readers you must have a good, catchy opening. Ever since I learned that lesson many years ago, I’ve been writing and perfecting openings. I’ve been writing openings for over 20 years. I have openings up the ying yang. Problem is, to complete a book or even a short story you need a lot more than an opening. Here’s where you come in. I thought we could have some flash fiction fun with some of my openings. On my blog(http://vanlowe.blogspot.com), I have posted the opening of a story; your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to continue the story in 175 words or less. It's FREE to join, there will be PRIZES.
For more deatails and to post your addition to the story, go to E's Blog now.
Peace.
December 6, 2012
Heaven Sent Is Almost Here
It's like the butterflies I got in my belly as a kid on Christmas Eve, waiting for Christmas morning. That's how I feel now as I await publication of the next Book in the Falling Angels Saga, Heaven Sent. The ebook is due out on December 15th, the print will be out a few weeks later. If you're a fan of The Falling Angels Saga I know you've waited a long time for this book. If you haven't read the first book yet and are wondering about the series, there is a FREE (4 chapter) sample available on my homepage at http://evanlowe.com.
I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and Happy Reading.
E
I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and Happy Reading.
E
June 25, 2012
Heaven Sent Sneak Peek--FREE
Hey everyone, a downloadable sneak peek of Heaven Sent, the third book in the Falling Angels Saga, is now available on my website. It's FREE. Just go to the homepage of http://evanlowe.com, scroll down mid page and look for the link. These pages will give you a tasty morsel of what's in store for Megan and her friends when Heaven Sent launches in December.
If you haven't yet tried Boyfriend From Hell or Earth Angel, there's a Free Sample of Boyfriend From Hell on the home page, too. Read the books now so you'll be up to speed when the new one comes out.
Peace.
If you haven't yet tried Boyfriend From Hell or Earth Angel, there's a Free Sample of Boyfriend From Hell on the home page, too. Read the books now so you'll be up to speed when the new one comes out.
Peace.
May 28, 2012
The Boyfriend From Hell-Earth Angel Fun Quiz
I just created a 10 question Goodreads fun quiz for fans of Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel. It's multiple choice so you can take it without reading either of the books, but reading at least one of them helps. Have fun, and let me know how well you did.
Look for it on my author page.
Peace.
Look for it on my author page.
Peace.
May 9, 2012
How To Take Time Off
While the title to this week's post poses an answer, the truth is, "how do I take time off?" is a difficult question for me to answer. To begin with, I don't know how. It's not that I am some super driven workaholic who can't stop (although I have to admit I am driven), it's how do I stop and keep things afloat?
Like many of you, I am a writer. I am a full time writer, which means writing is how I earn my living. I do not have a side job. I do not teach or consult. My days are spent writing and marketing my work. And for me, that is a full time job. This year two of my novels (Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel) reached the top 10 on the Amazon ebook Best Seller list for Children's & YA books. They did not arrive there by happenstance. It took a lot of marketing to get my books there. But I have noticed that I spend far less time reading than I once did. The time I once spent reading, I now spend writing and marketing.
But the time has come for me to take a much needed break. I've been feeling the burnout coming for some time. And so I plan to take a week off. A week of R&R. A week where I will try not to tweet, or Facebook or blog. A week where I will recharge my batteries, hopefully for another year. But here's the thing--I feel that as soon as I stop, my sales will stop. This week I have cut down on my marketing, and already my sales have begun to slip. So instead of me spending the week resting, I will spend the week worrying. So, I have a question for you: how do you find the time to take a break without worrying that when the break is over your career will be over, too? I'd love to hear any and everybody's thoughts on this. In this new digital age, it is getting harder and harder to get away from it all. Please tell me how, or if, you do it.
Like many of you, I am a writer. I am a full time writer, which means writing is how I earn my living. I do not have a side job. I do not teach or consult. My days are spent writing and marketing my work. And for me, that is a full time job. This year two of my novels (Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel) reached the top 10 on the Amazon ebook Best Seller list for Children's & YA books. They did not arrive there by happenstance. It took a lot of marketing to get my books there. But I have noticed that I spend far less time reading than I once did. The time I once spent reading, I now spend writing and marketing.
But the time has come for me to take a much needed break. I've been feeling the burnout coming for some time. And so I plan to take a week off. A week of R&R. A week where I will try not to tweet, or Facebook or blog. A week where I will recharge my batteries, hopefully for another year. But here's the thing--I feel that as soon as I stop, my sales will stop. This week I have cut down on my marketing, and already my sales have begun to slip. So instead of me spending the week resting, I will spend the week worrying. So, I have a question for you: how do you find the time to take a break without worrying that when the break is over your career will be over, too? I'd love to hear any and everybody's thoughts on this. In this new digital age, it is getting harder and harder to get away from it all. Please tell me how, or if, you do it.
February 23, 2012
Heaven Sent
Heaven Sent is the title of the next book (Book Three) in the Falling Angels Saga. It's also how I feel about many of you book bloggers out there. You know who you are. And I am not just talking about the bloggers who have supported my work. I am talking about the bloggers who support all of us authors. Thank you.
Okay, I think I've heaped enough much needed praise, now I want to catch you up on what's happening with my novel, Heaven Sent. Heaven Sent (the sequel to Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel) is underway. SPOILER ALERT. If you haven't yet read Earth Angel, skip the rest of this paragraph...... The next book in the series picks up eight weeks after Earth Angel, and it starts off with a bang as Megan has a huge awakening about the abilities she may possess. Love is in the air, but not for who you might think. And as promised in the riddle at the end of Earth Angel, someone returns, but that's all I am going to say. I need to keep your appetites whet until December when Heaven Sent comes out. So I will tease you with tempting little tid bits over the coming months. Buaaahahaaaaa!
Boyfriend From Hell has 50 four and five star ratings, Earth Angel has 20 with more coming everyday. Both books are available now.
Peace.
Okay, I think I've heaped enough much needed praise, now I want to catch you up on what's happening with my novel, Heaven Sent. Heaven Sent (the sequel to Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel) is underway. SPOILER ALERT. If you haven't yet read Earth Angel, skip the rest of this paragraph...... The next book in the series picks up eight weeks after Earth Angel, and it starts off with a bang as Megan has a huge awakening about the abilities she may possess. Love is in the air, but not for who you might think. And as promised in the riddle at the end of Earth Angel, someone returns, but that's all I am going to say. I need to keep your appetites whet until December when Heaven Sent comes out. So I will tease you with tempting little tid bits over the coming months. Buaaahahaaaaa!
Boyfriend From Hell has 50 four and five star ratings, Earth Angel has 20 with more coming everyday. Both books are available now.
Peace.
January 22, 2012
My New Year's Revolution
I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. I used to make resolutions back when I was in high school and I didn’t understand what it takes to reach your goals. Back then, every January I’d say something like “I’m gonna lose some weight.” And “I’m gonna pay more attention in school.” Then midway through March when I was barreling toward an “F” in French and my love handles were spilling over the sides of my pants, I’d realize I hadn’t stuck to my resolutions. Okay, maybe I didn’t have love handles, but you know what I mean. Most people don’t stick to their resolutions, and so me not sticking to mine made me normal. I liked being normal.
At some point in my life I went from resolutions to plans. My plans don’t begin in January and end in December. Some plans take years to accomplish. I had a great year last year. It didn’t go entirely as planned, but it was fun and I learned a lot. So today I thought I’d look back with you a bit, but more importantly, I wanted to share my plans for what’s ahead.
In September my first independent novel, Boyfriend From Hell was published by White Whisker Books. I am so fortunate to have my friend Chris Meeks and his new book venture in my life. Self-publishing isn’t for everyone. I am certain I am one of those people it is not for. With an indie publisher I get most of the benefits of self-publishing and NONE of the headache. If you are an author who is like me, there are lots of new indie publishers springing up all over the place. Find one run by people like Chris with a background in publishing, and leave the headaches to them.
Before I tell you what’s ahead, I want to begin by thanking my friends and fans—frans—for their support the past year. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m not just thanking you for your sales. I know all of you aren’t buying my books. That’s all right. If you’ve left a comment on my blog or Goodreads page, or if you participated in the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge or some other contest, I thank you.
A few of you have lamented that Heaven Sent, the third book in the Falling Angels Saga, won’t be out until December. Sorry. I want you to know I have begun working on it, and it is going to be the best Falling Angels Saga book so far. Seriously. That’s why I am taking my time. I want it to be awesome.
As I was outlining Heaven Sent, I realized I needed one more book to conclude the series. That book (currently entitled Falling) will tentatively be out late spring 2013. See, you won’t have to wait an entire year for that one. If you don’t see me on the blog or Twitter or holding fewer contests in 2012, please know I will be hunkered down writing. I’ve got a lot of writing to do.
Something else I am excited about this year is the first book in my Hollyweird series. I sold this project to a publisher last year and it stalled. That’s because it was sold to a new Indie publisher who wound up going out of business. The principal, however (a woman with tons of big time publishing experience), asked several of the authors to hang in there with her as she searched for new financing. Her deal is done; the new pub house is open. I will tell you more about it when I can, but editing on Hollyweird should begin in the next few weeks. That book will be out this year as well. I will post about my journey to publication right here on a regular basis.
Peace.
At some point in my life I went from resolutions to plans. My plans don’t begin in January and end in December. Some plans take years to accomplish. I had a great year last year. It didn’t go entirely as planned, but it was fun and I learned a lot. So today I thought I’d look back with you a bit, but more importantly, I wanted to share my plans for what’s ahead.
In September my first independent novel, Boyfriend From Hell was published by White Whisker Books. I am so fortunate to have my friend Chris Meeks and his new book venture in my life. Self-publishing isn’t for everyone. I am certain I am one of those people it is not for. With an indie publisher I get most of the benefits of self-publishing and NONE of the headache. If you are an author who is like me, there are lots of new indie publishers springing up all over the place. Find one run by people like Chris with a background in publishing, and leave the headaches to them.
Before I tell you what’s ahead, I want to begin by thanking my friends and fans—frans—for their support the past year. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m not just thanking you for your sales. I know all of you aren’t buying my books. That’s all right. If you’ve left a comment on my blog or Goodreads page, or if you participated in the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge or some other contest, I thank you.
A few of you have lamented that Heaven Sent, the third book in the Falling Angels Saga, won’t be out until December. Sorry. I want you to know I have begun working on it, and it is going to be the best Falling Angels Saga book so far. Seriously. That’s why I am taking my time. I want it to be awesome.
As I was outlining Heaven Sent, I realized I needed one more book to conclude the series. That book (currently entitled Falling) will tentatively be out late spring 2013. See, you won’t have to wait an entire year for that one. If you don’t see me on the blog or Twitter or holding fewer contests in 2012, please know I will be hunkered down writing. I’ve got a lot of writing to do.
Something else I am excited about this year is the first book in my Hollyweird series. I sold this project to a publisher last year and it stalled. That’s because it was sold to a new Indie publisher who wound up going out of business. The principal, however (a woman with tons of big time publishing experience), asked several of the authors to hang in there with her as she searched for new financing. Her deal is done; the new pub house is open. I will tell you more about it when I can, but editing on Hollyweird should begin in the next few weeks. That book will be out this year as well. I will post about my journey to publication right here on a regular basis.
Peace.
January 8, 2012
Twitter Party Yo!
Hey everyone, I’m having a Twitter Party next Friday January 13th at 7pm EST (4pm PST). It’s the perfect time for me to celebrate. Boyfriend From Hell dipped its toe into the Kindle top sellers last Friday, peaking at #533 in overall sales, and was in the top 100 sellers in three categories. That’s an amazing accomplishment for me, so it’s time to party. For more details, stop by my blog http://vanlowe.blogspot.com/
If you’ve ever had a question you’d like to ask me about writing, about my career in TV, about the Falling Angels Saga , or if you’ve ever wanted to sit and chat with your old pal E, please join me on Friday January 13th at 7pm EST (that’s 4pm in the west) for the tweet up.
If you’ve ever had a question you’d like to ask me about writing, about my career in TV, about the Falling Angels Saga , or if you’ve ever wanted to sit and chat with your old pal E, please join me on Friday January 13th at 7pm EST (that’s 4pm in the west) for the tweet up.
December 8, 2011
Holly Zombie Awesome Giveaway
T’is the season to be zombie. And to kick it off I am sponsoring a Holly Zombie Giveaway. I am giving away a swag bag filled with goodies any serious zombie aficionado is going to want to own. The contest starts today, December 9th and ends next Friday, December 16th. There’s only one prize, but it’s easy to win. Just go to the contest section of my website (http://evanlowe.com/fun-stuff/contests/) watch the short video, check out the goodies, and follow the instructions.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good bite!
E
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good bite!
E
November 22, 2011
E-Book Holiday Sale
In honor of today's Kindle Daily Nation feature, my publisher has reduced the ebook price of Boyfriend From Hell to just ninety-nine cents. Yes! Just NINETY-NINE CENTS!
If you have a Nook or Kindle and have been looking for an awesome read to go along with your Thanksgiving turkey, I think you just found it.
If you have a Nook or Kindle and have been looking for an awesome read to go along with your Thanksgiving turkey, I think you just found it.
