By S.E. Smith
In a previous article I talked about the unexplainable need to write a story. I’ve had that happen over the last few years: Gracie’s Touch: Zion Warriors Book 1, Voyage of the Defiance: Breaking Free; Choosing Riley: Sarafin Warriors Book 1, The Old Dragon of the Mountain’s Christmas, For the Love of Tia, and Dust: Before and After. These are just a few stories that hit me and wouldn’t let go.
The story for Dust came to me last October when I was sitting in the middle of a conference workshop. The speaker was talking about the Asian market and a bunch of other stuff. It was when he mentioned superheroes that Dust suddenly popped into my mind. It hit with such intensity, that I opened my iPad and began writing the story right then and there. I spent the next several days writing like crazy. My mind and heart fell in love with the character of Dust and the crazy world that he woke up in.
When a story hits you with such intensity, you would be foolish to ignore it. It is one of those times when the story literally writes itself. You become invested in the world and the characters and you care about what happens to them. That is what happened with Dust. I knew it was crazy to start another series, but I didn’t care. All I could think about was what happened next to Dust and the unlikely group of friends he met along his journey.
Yes, I knew readers weren’t familiar with me as a Young Adult author and the sales wouldn’t be all that great should I publish Dust like I intended, but I didn’t care. Writing is not about the money, it is about the passion. If a writer tells you it is only about the money, then their stories are going to lack that touch of magic, that passion, that makes a story move from good to great. I live the lives of my characters when I’m writing them. I feel their pain, hope, and happiness. I share their grief and their joys. I also share this with my readers, pulling them into the worlds with me so they can experience that same sense of passion that I do.
The reason I wrote Dust is simple – I had to share his amazing journey and life with readers. It would have been a travesty to deny his existence because I thought it wouldn’t sale. The story may not be as popular as some of my other stories, but if you take a chance to let Dust, Sammy, Todd, Josie and the others capture your heart the way they have caught mine, then it is worth it. Open your heart, your imagination, and take a journey with a young teenager named Dust. You won’t regret it!
About S. E. Smith
S.E. Smith is a New York Times, USA TODAY, International, and Award-Winning Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
I asked Michelle why she writes and here is what Michelle had to say:
“When first asked to put together a piece to describe or explain why I write, I panicked. I didn’t know how to put into words the constant buzz in the back of my head telling me all of these fascinating stories about people I didn’t even know. I can, however, tell you where it started.
A couple of years ago, a friend asked me if I had ever tried my hand at writing and I told her no way not happening. (Fear had a firm hold on me.) Then for my birthday, my sister gave me a membership to RWA, a journal and an engraved pen with a note to write the stories in my head. Under this kind of gentle persuasion aka pressure, I succumbed. LOL. I wrote a paranormal wolf shifter story. I loved what I wrote so much that when I read my monthly RWA, I noticed a contest offered by River City Romance Writers so I entered without telling anyone. Much to my surprise, I finaled and went on to win. I know some writers have mixed feelings on writing contests but for me it was so motivating and empowering. The judges feedback was very professional and detailed. Not sure if that always happens or maybe I was fortunate. I only know I appreciated what was provided at the end of the contest.
After that, I placed the story on the side and began another. It was as if a dam had opened and I couldn’t control the ideas streaming through my conscious. I wrote a novella to the wolf shifter, then No Reason to Run and then dived into the National Novel Writing Month. (NANOWRIMO) I know, I know, I was a little manic. The good news is that I went on to self publish No Reason to Run as well as my NANO project which became published as Honor Bound, my sci-fi romance.
I guess, in answer to SE Smith and anyone interested, I write because I can’t NOT write. It’s crazy, hectic and sometimes discouraging but I’m loving every bit of it and owe it to two people who pushed and prodded until I gave in.”
Project Genesis
Vin Michaels gave up a lot when he “volunteered” for Project Genesis: a career, a normal life and a budding romance with the career-minded Helen Scott. But what else was he supposed to do when the government offered him no other option?
When a surprise attack on Earth brings Helen back into Vin’s life, he realizes he has a bigger fight on his hands than just getting rid of aliens, because his connection to her couldn’t be denied or brushed aside. But after Vin dumped her without explanation, Helen’s guarding her heart against the Alpha Squad team leader.
With a battle brewing on both fronts, Vin wonders if he’ll ever win either of them.
About the Author
Michelle Howard enjoys a crazy life that involves wild kids, a loud dog, and a husband who tolerates the madness. Like many authors, she’s dreamed of writing since reading her first romance novel many years ago. She loves paranormal and contemporary romances and is a fan of the classic romances, such as Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood.
I love to hear from fans so please reach out to me if you like the book and if you feel like it, leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads.
Email: michellehowardwrites@gmail.com
Twitter: @mhowardwrites
Website: www.michellehowardwrites.com
Author Spotlight – Carol Van Natta
I am thrilled this month to shine my author spotlight on Carol Van Natta. Carol is a real sweetheart and I love her. I hope you enjoy discovering more about Carol.
Carol’s social media links:
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/CVN-news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolVanNattaAuthor
Website & blog: http://author.carolvannatta.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3980825.Carol_Van_Natta
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+CarolVanNatta
Carol’s Bio:
Carol Van Natta is an independent author of science fiction, including Overload Flux, Minder Rising, and Zero Flux in the Central Galactic Concordance series, and Hooray for Holopticon, a retro science fiction comedy. She has been a swing-shift guard, secretary, actor, voiceover talent, singing telegram performer, non-profit director, business continuity specialist, and of course, an author. She still does some of those things so she can eat regularly and sleep indoors. She shares her Fort Collins, Colorado, home with a sometime mad scientist and various cats. Any violations of the laws of physics in her books are the fault of the cats, not the mad scientist.
Author Spotlight – Pauline Gruber
I am thrilled to be shining the spotlight on Pauline Gruber this month. You know how I like to ask questions! Well, here is my interview with Pauline. I’m looking forward to her new release, The Girl and The Gargoyle, coming out on June 26th.
Author Spotlight – Catherine Cade