Author Elizabeth D. Marie

Clean Speculative/Fantasy Fiction Author - Books for Teens and AdultsAvailable on Amazon in paperback and ebook. Current Series: "Crown of Stars" fairytale retellings

[authorelizabethdmarie]

Everything is connected!

[authorelizabethdmarie]

NEW COVER for the book release coming September 12, 2019!

I am so pleased with the redesign for my upcoming Snow White retelling release! As an independent author, I do it all: the writing, editing, proofing, marketing, AND the book cover layout and design. Of course, I have wonderful friends and family who help with their skills in each of these areas. I am blessed to have their input in helping make each book shine.

Since I am changing printing platforms (going back to Lulu from Amazon) for this release, printing will be in a slightly different size and style. So, even though I had already designed a cover, I made the necessary adjustments and tweaks. Like: moving the series title banner above instead of in the middle, and changing the font for “Snow”, as well as moving and adjusting the text on the spine. Nothing too major, but all for the better just the same!

Just 10 more days, and this beauty will be available for all you book lovers out there at Lulu.com!

[Elizabeth D. Marie writes for teens and adults. She has published 10 novels along with other fiction works, and Guarding Snow--as her 11th novel release--is book 5 in her clean, epic fairy tale retellings series, Crown of Stars. Each one can be read and enjoyed as standalone stories.]

[authorelizabethdmarie]

I’ve heard mixed opinions on just how much detail to write in a novel, and how much should be left to the reader’s imagination. Some say to paint too good a picture destroys that imagination. Use as few words (or as short and vague words) as possible, and let the reader come up with the rest as they prefer to envision it.

Wait, what?? Are you writing an outline, or a novel? Forgive me, but this advice sounds lazy to me.

Story writing is a balance between insisting on every minor detail as you create the scene (which yes, could definitely frustrate or distract the reader from immersing themselves into the story), and painting that picture so the readers have an accurate image in their mind’s eye of what you intended to show.

Does it matter if the phone is red? Is it important to know the exact stitch and pattern of the dress? Probably not. But using vague descriptors throughout for fear of damaging the reader’s own imagination? No, I don’t think so. I’m a writer who believes in the art of the storytelling experience. I like vivid descriptions and deep emotion, grit and experience in the scenes. And I’ve found that my readers appreciate that.

Writers: Don’t be afraid to write a story the way you see it--knowing what matters and what doesn’t. It’s the definition of being a novelist! We’ll always be working at and fine-tuning that balance. But please don’t just throw it out the window!

[authorelizabethdmarie]

A quote from my Cinderella retelling (available on Amazon in paperback and kindle!)

[justawritingaid]

To be a better writer...

When working with beta readers, or any kind of readers for opinions, make sure all involved parties have clear expectations and agree on what the goals are for the reading. Clarity helps create better feedback and helps prevent common issues like “unwanted” commentary and/or ideas going in the wrong direction.

[authorelizabethdmarie]

Great advice here! When asked to be a beta reader, I always try to determine what the author is looking for BEFORE I read it and prepare my feedback. I strive to give the help that’s needed and appreciated.

[authorelizabethdmarie]

[authorelizabethdmarie]

Working on my first draft today! Currently: 94,605 words and 405 pages.