My Wonderful Friends

       I am certain a person can traverse through life with as little social interaction as possible. Believe me as an introvert, this isn't an entirely frightening or unappealing notion. In truth, I find my own company to be rather pleasant and sometimes preferable. Don't think I am entirely a hermit; I do have a social life that most often involves my dearest, closest friends.

       I have never been one to boast an overabundance of friendships. My personal preference is a small group of hand-picked individuals whom I trust and love--friends in whose company I feel relaxed, safe, and appreciated. Though they may be few, they are treasured by me because of their loyalty and goodness... and probably because they have some of my own character quirks.

       I love my friends. They are the posts on which I lean when life throws me harsh trials. They are my confidants when I need a listening ear. They are my cheering section when I need a little more confidence. They are my partners in laughter and fun. They are the trustworthy people on whom I rely. Yes, I do value alone time for moments of self-reflection and to focus on creative endeavors, but when I need a friend, few put a smile on my face or warmth in my heart like those dearest and closest to me. Thank you, my wonderful friends.

I Hit 300 Likes!

     Today was a milestone day for me. I discovered that my most-popular quote on Goodreads.com hit 300 likes! It's my first quote to cross the 300 mark! Take a look below. 

     Yes, yes, I'm tickled pink about it. I love little triumphs; they keep me going. You should know that this accomplishment didn't happen overnight. It was back in October of 2012 that the above quote was posted on Goodreads. That was nearly six years ago! The point is, it often takes time for the "likes" to add up and for accumulated efforts to pay off. Moral of the story: Never give up! 

Five P's for Positive Progress

     At the close of this year, I’ve been contemplating what to write about, going over those things I accomplished and those things I failed to see through during the previous 365 days. I was fortunate to publish two books in 2017: Slaying Dragons―a book of poetry, quotes, and short stories―and Eena, The Two Sisters from my epic fantasy series, The Harrowbethian Saga. My oldest son return from a mission where he served in Tokyo, Japan, and I helped him settle into a dorm room at a state University. I sent my second son to New Zealand where he is currently serving a mission. I worked as a committee chairman for my youngest son’s Boy Scout troop, and I also helped him to prepare for a performance in the local high school musical. I wrote a little poetry and penned a few words of wisdom, but overall I was unable to spend as much time writing as I hoped. There were goals and resolutions on my "to-do" list that were not accomplished.

     Pondering why I was able to see some goals through to the end while others I either partway finished or completely set aside, I came up with what I call the Five P's for Positive Progress. Catchy title, huh? Let's take a look at each one.

1) Priority: The goals I set as top priorities were the ones I saw through to the end. I learned that whatever moved to the forefront of my to-do list was accomplished. Things not considered a priority were neglected.

2) Planning: I have found this to be a huge determiner in accomplishing any goal―planning what, when, where, and how I intend to carry out each step. Writing down the reasons why I want to attain a certain goal motivates me to work at it. Neglecting to plan frequently results in failed attempts.


3) Partitions: My goals were more likely to be achieved when partitioned into small tasks that could be done in short stretches of time. Five or ten-minute tasks I fit into my schedule while time-consuming projects often took a back seat. The impressive thing was watching those five-minute efforts add up to big accomplishments.


4) Preference: The truth is, preferable activities tend to find a way into my daily routine. Goals that I find enjoyable I am willing to sacrifice for, be it a lunch hour or a little sleep. I can get by on five hours of sleep if it means reading a few more chapters in a book I love.


5) Profitable: There is motivation in profit, be it monetary or other benefits. When small accomplishments toward a larger goal result in pleasant rewards, it simply encourages more success toward achieving the end goal.


     This new year I once again made personal resolutions. I want to edit and publish book V and book VI in the Harrowbethian Saga before 2018 comes to a close. My son has challenged me to reach a running goal, one he set for himself as well. I also hope to work on writing more poetry with the intent of putting together a book of my best poems. The Five P's for Positive Progress will help me attain these goals. I know that I have to make them a priority and plan how I intend to accomplish each goal. That plan must include partitioning the whole into small tasks that can fit into my busy schedule. Lastly, I need to make the work both enjoyable and rewarding in order to motivate myself. It is doable!
I hope that these suggestions give you something to ponder as you set your New Year's resolutions. Good luck and Happy New Year! Happy reading too!

"If I must start somewhere, right here and now is the best place imaginable." 

— Richelle E. Goodrich, Making Wishes

Writer's Block

     Writer's block can be a real hurdle (or at least a speed bump) for authors. Most deal with some form of writer's block on and off throughout the creative process. As for me, there is always a story or a poem or an observation about human nature brewing in my head wanting to be jotted down. At times, the words flow smoothly. Other times, I struggle to put my ideas into sentences. Regardless, I force myself to write when I have the time, knowing I can edit my work later.

     One thing I do naturally that helps me avoid writer's block is switch between two or three works in progress. I might type out five chapters in one book and then set it aside while writing a few new chapters in another. If I'm unsure about a developing story, I work on some other book until inspiration sorts out the hazy details in the first. Knowing I can juggle works in progress alleviates the pressure to force out chapters when I'm up against a mental wall.

     The bottom line, however, is a writer must sit down and simply write. Have faith. Writer's block or not, great ideas emerge most readily when engaged in the process of actually writing.

     ― Richelle E. Goodrich

Richelle E. Goodrich Author Interview by Arvenig

Recently, I was granted the opportunity to be interviewed about my experiences becoming an author. I talked a little about the books I have published since that pivotal turning point in my life. The interview is posted on Arvenig.it  or scroll down to read it here.   Enjoy!

Posted on 22/07/2017 by Arvenig

Hi everyone!
This is the nineteenth post of my featuring authors series. Today I’m going to feature Richelle Goodrich that has written The Tarishe Curse, Making Wishes , Eena, The Dawn and Rescue (The Harrowbethian Saga #1), and many other ones! In this post there will be a bio about the author and one of her books, an interview and a giveaway!
To see other authors I featured click here! To be featured contact me here!

About Richelle Goodrich:
Richelle is a native of Washington State, graduated from Eastern Washington University with bachelor’s degrees in Liberal Studies and Math/Science Education. Her quotes have been published in a number of books including the Oxford Philosophy Being HumanCourse Book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas in Canada, and in a Revlon magazine ad campaign. She has a strong love of the arts―drama, choir, sketching, painting, literature. This author writes whenever and wherever opportunity presents itself. She describes herself beautifully in the following quote:

“I like bubbles in everything. I respect the power of silence. In cold or warm weather I favor a mug of hot cocoa. I admire cats―their autonomy, grace, and mystery. I awe at the fiery colors in a sunset. I believe in deity. I hear most often with my eyes, and I will trust a facial expression before any accompanying comment. I invent rules, words, adventures, and imaginary friends. I pretend something wonderful every day. I will never quit pretending.”
~ Richelle E. Goodrich

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About the book Eena, The Dawn and Rescue:
Sevenah Williams lives a quiet farm life with her parents and best friend, Ian. Life is good and predictable until the unexpected yanks her from the only reality she remembers. Forced from home, her tragic and forgotten past is pieced together revealing that Sevenah is in fact heir to the throne of Harrowbeth; she is the last living of royal blood able to don a peculiar heirloom necklace. Given the new name, Eena, she and Ian set off for a new home, dodging nightmarish enemies in the process. All the while great powers granted by the enchanted necklace slowly emerge and develop.

Eena is assisted by militia sent to retrieve their queen, commanded by the bossy and intimidating Captain Derian. Though Ian and Derian endeavor to protect her, Eena is abducted by a charming, silver-tongued man. She finds herself forced to choose sides in a civil war she hardly understands. Which rival has the power to convince her of his nobleness and gain her ultimate support?

goodreads | amazon

Arvenig: Tell us a little about yourself and your background!

Richelle: My name is Richelle E. Goodrich. I am native to the Pacific Northwest area of the United States. I attended Eastern Washington University in my younger years and graduated with two bachelors degrees: BAEd Natural Science/Mathematics and BA General Studies. I am married and have three teenage boys who are nothing alike. I love all forms of art and literature, especially imaginative epic sagas. I have authored fourteen original works, eight of which are self-published and available for purchase in ebook and paperback forms online. I write poetry and life quotes, as well as fantasy-scifi-romance sagas and moving novels that appeal to both young adults and seasoned adults. My personal favorite self-authored book is Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher because many events in the story were taken from the lives of my friends. It is a realistic story mingled with moments of make-believe. My absolute favorite book of all time is Les Miserable by Victor Hugo.

A.: When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
R.: Quite honestly, my interest in writing was sparked later in life. While in school I concentrated more on the sciences, mathematics , and art. Writing was less appealing to me. It wasn’t until I turned 38 that I had a flicker of inspirational thought that spurred me to attempt to write a book. It was meant to be a fun challenge. It took me two years to complete my first book–Eena, The Dawn and Rescue–during which time I fell in love with storytelling. I never thought I would love writing as I now do. If you would like to read a more detailed account of how I came to be a writer, visit my blog post, Whatever Made You Want to Write a Book? http://regoodrichnews.blogspot.com/2012/05/whatever-made-you-want-to-write-book.html?m=1

A.: Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
R.: The Harrowbethian Saga was written purely as a world of fantasy in which to get lost. If a message does exist in its pages I would say it is this: getting to know yourself is a never-ending journey filled with surprises.
Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher was written to shake people up. It is meant to make readers peel away their blinders and pay closer attention to where their help is needed.
My three quote/poetry books–Smile Anyway, Making Wishes, and Slaying Dragons–are filled with motivational, inspirational, and thought-provoking messages for every day of the year.

A.: What are you working on at the moment?
R.: I am presently working on the final touches for the cover to the 4th book in the Harrowbethian Saga–Eena, The Two Sisters. Its official release date is set for August 10th, 2017. Preorder options will be available in July. Afterwards, I will dive right into editing the 5th book in this epic saga–Eena, The Tempter’s Snare. The 6th book will follow–Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon’s Soul. It is the final book in the series.

A.: Any last thoughts for our readers?
R.: When you find an author you like, one whose works you truly enjoy, the kindest, most helpful thing you can do is post reviews and ratings for his/her books at online book sites like Goodreads, Librarything, Amazon, BarnesandNobles, Kobo, iTunes, etc. It is a tremendous help to a struggling author. It can also be a sweet form of praise that affects the hopeful heart of any writer.

Official Website for American Author, Richelle E. Goodrich

    My website has recently undergone a complete renovation, and I have to say I love it!  One of my favorite details is that on every page at the top border there is a stretch of forest behind the title.  It's no secret I have a thing for trees.  They are beautiful creatures and the best keepers of secrets.  So yes, I'm happy with the mystical forests that vary from webpage to webpage.  
    Other things you will find at my official author website include book quotes from my published works, vibrant cover images linked to summaries of each book, information about Harrowbeth and other nations on Moccobatra, a page for comments and questions, and a little blurb about me personally as an author.  Please, go visit my newly remodeled website at RichelleGoodrich.com and take a look around.  It's a walk through the forest, so don't forget to admire the trees!

Giving Away Stories

Would you like to know the most frustrating thing about being a book writer?  You might guess that it's the headache of attempting to compose a concise and gripping query letter meant to convince an agent to please, please, please consider your work.  Or you might think it's the effort of maintaining blogs and tweets and social media when what you really need is to be writing your manuscript.  Or maybe it is sweating over another revision where words and phrases have become déja vu protected by some muse-conjured force field outside your ability to edit.  Or perhaps it's just the futility of trying to find ways to make your book stand out among millions and millions of probably far superior...

Whoa, wait.  Let me rewind here.

Would you like to know ONE of the most frustrating things about being a book writer?  It is holding this completed novel in your hands―a work you've fallen in love with over the months it's taken to research and revise and carefully compose until it is now a wondrous reading experience―that only you have tasted.  You're alone in knowing how grand the story is; you've no one to talk to about this fantastical, life-altering journey you've been on!  More than anything in the world, you want to post it everywhere for the multitudes to read―because they'll surely want to―and share in the remarkable triumphs your clever characters have fought to overcome!

But you can't simply give your hard work away... even though you long to do just that.  I mean, what about your goal to profit off your books?  You've spent years putting them together, hoping someday to live the dream of supporting yourself as a novelist!  All that work... all that time... and you just want to give it away?

Ah heck, why not?

I'll admit that when I complete a writing project, all I really want is for someone to read it. Just read it! Take it in. Experience the story I crafted. That's why I always post beginning book chapters on my author blog. That's why two years ago I started writing online stories available for free. I add new chapters annually to my developing adventures, a tradition I look forward to.

How did this ritual begin? A few Halloweens back I had the idea to write a short story for a friend who happens to be a fanatic when it comes to All Hallows Eve. I wrote the story and titled it The Tarishe Curse. It was posted on Halloween 2012. My friend loved it! *Whew* And as far as I was concerned, the task (and the tale) was over.

But then she asked, "What happens next?"
What do you mean? The story ended. Well, sort of. But a good imagination can take it from there. However...

An idea was planted in my head—an idea I fell in love with. Why not write a story online for everyone to read? A story that develops into something greater every year! Yeah, why not? And so I did.

You can read it for free and anticipate more to come. Perhaps consider adding this to your holiday traditions.

The Tarishe Curse

 

This is a developing online book with new chapters added every Halloween.

Catherine fights every Hallows Eve to protect her village from creatures of the night. She has sworn to avenge the deaths of loved ones, but a witch's curse may prove a stumbling block impossible to overcome.

"A thrilling piece of fantasy fiction from the Queen of Werefolk's point of view. It is challenging enough for Duvalla and Kresh to protect their young family in a world of Hallows Eve creatures, but such a feat proves near impossible when a witch bent on vengeance against the werewolves casts a Tarishe curse that manipulates both heart and mind. The fight is not only with the sword but an internal struggle to love the ones Duvalla has sworn under a spell to hate, and hate the one who through evil enchantment manipulates her heart."

And please share! Leave your reaction; write a review; talk to others about it. Talk to ME about it! I write to entertain―myself first and then others.

Copyright 2014 Richelle E. Goodrich

Gratitude for Another Book Signing

So here I sit at my computer, snowman earrings dangling from my ears while Christmas music plays in the background.  My middle son celebrates his birthday this evening with a slumber party and the whole bash.  Next weekend is my youngest son's birthday.......whoa, pull on the reins, Rudolph, one day at a time!  Tomorrow my oldest boy will finish his Eagle Scout project with four hours of community volunteering for another good deed.  And, as if I don't have enough reasons to make a list and check it twice, I will have the pleasure of participating in my second book signing tomorrow afternoon at Fae's Books & Crafts. 

Life is a whirlwind of activity.  You gotta smile.

Anticipating some very busy days these last few weeks of 2012, I feel happy.  And I feel extremely grateful.  Life never ceases to change by degrees - little events, small details, tiny steps - all of them adding up.  Yet it's easy to overlook this when squinting to concentrate on the big elusive goal that seems so far off in the distance.  I've learned that dreams don't consist of just the finale; the culminating apex; the last act or end result.  Dreams are more than reaching some pre-determined pinnacle. 

Smile and repeat after me.....

"Remember this - the journey is part of the dream.  Whatever it is you're chasing, so long as you are actively moving in the right direction, the dream is coming true."

Every step you take forward is living the dream.  Stop squinting at the horizon!  Open your eyes wide and take a good look around.  Great things are happening, daily!

I personally may have only small successes to count at the moment, but I appreciate them.  They are my successes and have moved me closer to the ultimate goal that directs my path.  I thrill at every new 'like' on my author Facebook page.  I wonder at new followers on my Twitter account.  I smile when new readers attach one of my quotes to a website.  Though the numbers are few, I'm touched by the fact that they even exist......and for me!  Can you believe that I have fans?  Okay, I know, it's only eight legitimate Goodreads.com fans, but I, me, silly old Richelle has fans!  

I love it!  I'm so thankful that even on the tiniest scale I'm living a dream.

And I will continue to count with amazement:
-  the 40+ people that like my most-used quote
-  the 8+ people who consider my writing good enough to call themselves a fan
-  my 12+ followers on Twitter
-  the 46+ Facebook users who 'like' my page
-  the many friendly faces that kindly appear at my book signings
-  the youngest reader to manage through my story (8yrs!)
-  the 45+ times I've signed my book for a wonderful someone
And so on........

Tomorrow is my 2nd book signing.  (Yes, I am counting!)  I hope to increase the number of books that bear my scribbled signature, and I hope to see many familiar, smiling faces.  I know without a doubt that the happiness I've found in pursuing this dream of mine, though it comes in tiny steps and small numbers, would be non-existent without such incredible support.  Because of wonderful family and friends I have so much.  My heart is filled with gratefulness. 

Thank you, 
Thank you,
Cu Rahntaco,
And, Merry Christmas too!

Successful Book Signing

My oh my, how the days fly by!  It's hard to believe how much time has past since my first book signing! I am thrilled by how successfully the event transpired. It was both fun and a little nerve-racking. So here's the news....

Saturday, September 29th was the first book signing for Pacific Northwest author, Richelle E. Goodrich.  The event took place at Hastings book store in Moses Lake, Washington from 1:00 - 4:00 in the afternoon.  People lined up from the very beginning, putting an instant smile on the author's face.  "So many friends and family, it was wonderful!"



Sara and Cassie wait for their books to be personalized.

Richelle arranged a table by the front doors, assisted by her parents, Lanny and Arlene.  Chocolates and bookmarks advertising her book were set out to give away to passing customers.  "My parents were a huge help.  I'm so grateful to them for giving me their time and energy."


Trying to concentrate on writing while talking to those in line takes talent!

 
Most who attended the book signing were local residents, though friends from the Seattle area showed up to support their friend from youth.  "It was a real treat seeing David after twenty-plus years.  I was privileged to meet his wife and sweet daughter.  My best friend from high school, Jackie, accompanied them.  I can't tell you how much it meant to have their support.  I only wish I'd had more time to visit!"

Jackie and Richelle, lifelong best friends!

The event was a real success, ending with every copy available of Richelle's book, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue, SOLD!  "I should have brought more books, I guess.  38 signed to date.  Now to plan for the next book signing!" 

Mindi  keeps Richelle company for the second hour.

How Many Books?

I have been asked the same question a number of times since the publication of my first book, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue.  Once readers discover that this is just the beginning of Eena's extraordinary adventure, they want to know...

"How many books are in the saga?"

Well, the truth is...

Eena's tale, which I refer to as the Harrowbethian Saga, was originally the Harrowbethian Trilogy.  When I took on the challenge of creating a new fantasy-science fiction-romance-adventure story, I was only interested in compiling three books.  Quite frankly, that is about my personal attention span for any series.  Not that I haven't read the four, five, six, seven, plus volumes of many excellent strings of amazing works of fiction, but I tend to grumble about it.  So, to satisfy my own preference, Eena started out as a trilogy.

It was a three-book package that I handed out to dozens of my friends for pre-reading.
Book One - Eena, The Return of a Queen
Book Two - Eena, The Two Sisters
Book Three - Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

Personally, I still prefer the story in this trilogy bundle.  I think it is perfect.  However, as is often the case in life, others disagreed with me.  The fact is, these original books comprised 700+ pages each.  A little lengthy, maybe, but well worth the read.  Who is not frustrated when an entertaining tale ends too soon?  At first, I ignored the few who suggested I consider dividing these novels into shorter-length narratives. 

"Ha!  Are you kidding me?  It's a trilogy, people!  Would you tolerate cutting The Lord of the Rings in half?  Or slashing the Inheritance Cycle Saga into eight parts?  Yeah... I didn't think so."

But there were arguments to consider.  Young adult literature is more likely to sell if the page count isn't overwhelming.  The majority of book buyers shy away from thick books, preferring something they can tackle on a round-trip flight.  It is more cost-effective to publish a smaller book. 

"Yadda, yadda, jibberish, nonsense, yawn... whatever."

Then the miraculous day came when I was actually on the phone speaking to an interested publisher.  Unbelievable!  Not an easy occurrence to come by, I'll tell you.  Oh my gosh, if within the first five minutes she wasn't recommending I divide each book in two, persuading me with the same previously brushed-off arguments.  Wisely I said, "Of course I'll consider it."

Then I hung up the phone and groaned.  "Ugh, my beautiful trilogy!  My poor, perfectly-wonderful-as-it-is trilogy!  They want to tear you apart and destroy you!"

So, a bit on the unwilling and disgruntled side, I complained to my husband.

"Three books is the perfect number, the perfect length for a saga. More than that and you lose the interest of readers!  And then tell me this, how am I supposed to find a coherent midpoint at which to slice each book in half?  What if I can't?  How do I end half of a book and create a new book from the other half? How do I make it believably two books when obviously it is meant to be one?  That's insane!  It's impossible!  And then... oh yes... and then I would need to come up with THREE MORE TITLES for THREE MORE BOOKS!  I might as well just call them part one and part two of what ought to be one solid book!  Criminy!"

My husband heard me out and said little.  "If your goal is to get published, Richelle, you should do what the publisher asks."

"Grumble, grumble, traitor... whatever."

So, I went to work butchering the first of my books.  Dreadful, anguishing chore!

Honestly... shockingly... it turned out to be easier than expected severing the book in two.  The story's action naturally came to a nice shift in settings and plot near the midpoint. 

Huh.  Interesting. 

Okay... alright... so maybe that wasn't so hard.  But there was still the chore of having to write a new ending to this first-half of the book, making it believably a stand-alone book of its own.  A grievous task... if even possible. 

It took me two added pages.  Hmm. 

But... there remained a need for another title!  A catching caption to slap on the cover of what had now been transformed into two books instead of one. 

Okay, so in this first book the heroine discovers her true identity and is rescued from dire circumstances.  How about... Eena, The Dawn and Rescue? 

(Dang, that was easy.)

You get the picture.  Each book of the original trilogy was divided into two halves creating a six-book epic saga.  The new titles (around 350 page count each) are as follows:

Book One - Eena, The Dawn and Rescue
Book Two - Eena, The Return of a Queen
Book Three - Eena, The Curse of Wanyaka Cave
Book Four - Eena, The Two Sisters
Book Five - Eena, The Tempter's Snare
Book Six - Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

Now, as the twisted irony of fate would have it, the publisher that showed such promising initial interest in my books backed out, leaving me with transformed written works and a bucket of pitiful tears.  Yes, I cried a bit.  But after a little lamenting, I picked myself up, whispered a prayer, and resolvedly quoted myself, "Don't ever give up!"

I decided to invest in a self-publishing venture, and on April 26th, 2012 a box was delivered to my doorstep.  Inside the cardboard package, in paperback form, was the first novel I had ever written, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue.  I am grateful now for the events that encouraged Eena's story to be sectioned into smaller books, enabling me a better opportunity to find success in this self-publishing world.

Eventually, I hope to have Eena's story published in the trilogy form in which it was originally meant to exist.  At that day, it shall sit on my bookshelf next to the great J.R.R. Tolkein's masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. 

Don't laugh.  A girl can dream.