Art from a Scene in Monsters, Maces and Magic: Outpost

Thought I would share a picture of a scene from Outpost. While it's sort of titillating, it actually turns out to be one of the funnier scenes in the novel, and one that most readers that way.

And for those who are curious, my novels are pretty much PG-13--minimal cussing and lacking in sexual content. Just not what I write, but I that doesn't mean it my books aren't fast and fun.

Poor Stephi. That's what happened when she allowed a 13 year-old boy to guide the creation of her elven female RPG character, while egging him on, to gather fodder for a Sociology 102 paper--and then Stephi gets drawn into the game as that character...

I encourage you to give the first book in the series a try. It's filled fast-paced action, and should make you grin while reading, at least once or twice.

The artist who created the pic is Mario A. Barraza. You can find more samples of his work at his DeviantArt page: HERE

Monsters, Maces and Magic Contest

Folks,

Here's your chance to win a copy of my upcoming release: Monsters, Maces and Magic: Fairyed

All you need to do is match the pictures of the Monsters, Maces and Magic characters with their names. (Match each character's corresponding letter with his or her name.) Send answers in the body of an email with the subject line MMM Contest.

See picture below for characters and email address.

Three novels will be given away to winners, through random drawing, from all correct answers received by October 5, 2019 (11:59 pm EST).

Print editions available to winners in the USA/Canada. Ebook editions available to winners, world wide.

Click on the picture for a larger/more detailed view.

Note: Winners, upon request, may substitute any individual Monsters, Maces and Magic novel in place of Fairyed. 

Advice for Writers Early in their Career Efforts

Often writers ask how they can learn to write better. Yes, there are 'how to' books out there, but this is often the advice I give:

Read books you enjoy, but do more than just read them. Study them. Pay attention to how successful authors accomplished things like dialogue, description, pacing, POV, action scenes, etc. Take notes, maybe even bookmark specific examples.

Then, when you're writing and get stuck or feel something isn't working, you have examples to go back to and review. Apply how those authors managed it, incorporating your own story and writing style.

Always remember, don't compare your first draft to the final (published) works out there. Heck, be careful how you compare your finished works to others out there. Remember, you will have strengths and places where you will need to improve throughout your writing career.

I personally have go to books and authors. Zelazny, Brust, Donaldson, Ringo, Hamilton, Moorcock, and Turtledove are the main ones for me.

Interview on the PVDcast

Hey Folks,

I was interviewed over at the PVDcast this week. I talk about writing, some of my works, about politics from the local level, and far more.

Click on over and give a listen!

Link: PVDCast Episode 203 Terry W Ervin II

Mandatory Inefficiency in Teaching

Spent more than a bit of time after school yesterday making copies of my SLO (Student Learning Objectives) pre and post tests. Pretests will be given next week. Figured why not just get the approved post test copied now so I don't have to do it in the spring.

Also in the included picture is a 6 inch ruler.

Thanks state of Ohio, for the inefficient use of time and resources. In theory, this is the last year for SLOs. Wonder what brilliant mandate is next up on the agenda to take the place of SLOs?

Outpost: 100 Ratings on Audible

Hey Folks,

Outpost has achieved a sort of milestone for one of my works. It's earned 100 ratings on Audible. It's the first of any of my novels to reach 100 ratings/reviews on any single platform.

A major thumbs up to Drazenka Kimpel for the cover art and Jonathan Waters for the narration, making Outpost's success possible.

If you might be interested in checking it out, or any of my titles (in print, audio or ebook) here is an easy link: Where Available

LitRPG Re-Roll Review of Monsters, Maces and Magic: Outpost

The LitRPG Re-Roll Podcast did a review of Monsters, Maces and Magic: Outpost this week.

Click on over and see what the podcast host, Lavelle Jackson, had to say...