​Now on preorder!

#Romance #NA #Dead #CrazyInk #ComingofAge #FuneralHome #Goth #Gothic #PrettyBones #Morbid #NewRelease #AuthorsofInstagram

Boned
A morbidly romantic NA contemporary about life and death
by Erin Lee

Link: http://mybook.to/BonedCI

Life after Harris & Sons Funeral Home has gone on for Marlow, the daughter of funeral directors set on her destiny of carrying on the family tradition. A thousand miles from Rolling Hills Cemetery and now in her twenties, Marlow Harris is determined to make sense of the living and dearly departed alike.
With the mortuary sciences mostly behind her and finally free of her leg casts, Marlow is set on finding the guy who will give her ‘until death.’
After that? Well, who knows?
For better or for worse.
It’s what everyone says and no different than the rings clients pay to have carved on their tombstones.
But landing Mr. Dead comes with complications only a death-ling like Marlow would ever stumble against.
It is to be expected. After all, it’s not your average guy who will tolerate the morbidly curious and Thanksgiving visits at a funeral parlor complete with its own crematorium.
Will Owen be able to see past the organic tissue soot and body lifts to the beauty of life inside Harris & Sons?
And what happens when Marlow is called back serve the community she’s spent so much time running from? Can she ever escape death?

Don't forget to grab the first book!
#YA
#ComingOfAge
#Twisted
#CrazyInk

Pretty Bones
A Contemporary Coming of Age YA Novel
USA Today Bestselling Author Erin Lee

Amazon: http://mybook.to/PrettyBonesCI
UBL: https://books2read.com/u/4DZZVO

Paperback live now!
http://mybook.to/PrettyBonesPB

It’s complicated.
Marlow has always been fascinated with bones. To her, they’re no big thing and everything. Bones are things that everybody has – even the dead. Yet, they’re responsible for most of her problems.
The daughter of a mortician, Marlow has spent enough time with the cold bodies in the funeral home to be comfortable with the dead. In fact, the stiffs in the viewing room downstairs are some of her awkwardly-mute best friends. She certainly doesn’t have many of those at school. Not with her condition.
But things are about to change.
Tired of the daily scene at Kennedy High School, Marlow looks forward to her next bone density test where she’ll finally get answers about her condition. There, she hopes to learn more about idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis and the strand of it she has. With the right answers, she just knows the dead can help her. They have to. It’s not like they can object.
It’s simple.
Marlow has a plan.
What happens when the living and the dead collide?
Will the pretty bones be enough to change a life?

​Now on pre order!

#Romance #NA #Dead #CrazyInk #ComingofAge #FuneralHome #Goth #Gothic #PrettyBones #Morbid #NewRelease #AuthorsofInstagram

Boned
A morbidly romantic NA contemporary about life and death
by Erin Lee

Link: http://mybook.to/BonedCI

Life after Harris & Sons Funeral Home has gone on for Marlow, the daughter of funeral directors set on her destiny of carrying on the family tradition. A thousand miles from Rolling Hills Cemetery and now in her twenties, Marlow Harris is determined to make sense of the living and dearly departed alike.
With the mortuary sciences mostly behind her and finally free of her leg casts, Marlow is set on finding the guy who will give her ‘until death.’
After that? Well, who knows?
For better or for worse.
It’s what everyone says and no different than the rings clients pay to have carved on their tombstones.
But landing Mr. Dead comes with complications only a death-ling like Marlow would ever stumble against.
It is to be expected. After all, it’s not your average guy who will tolerate the morbidly curious and Thanksgiving visits at a funeral parlor complete with its own crematorium.
Will Owen be able to see past the organic tissue soot and body lifts to the beauty of life inside Harris & Sons?
And what happens when Marlow is called back serve the community she’s spent so much time running from? Can she ever escape death?

​👑🤴👸Now on pre order!👸🤴👑
Crazy Ink’s Royal Scoundrels Duet.
Read stories by USA Today, bestselling and award winning authors of histories craziest royals…
 
Book One: Malice
Buy link: http://mybook.to/RoyalScoundrelsB1
 
Featuring:
 
Tsarina – Tracy Ball
Strongest – Cloud S. Riser
Shattered Grace – Rena Marin
Treasonous Fates – Amy Cecil
Desires of a Mad King –
E.H. Demeter
Innocence Lost –
Mila Waters
 
Book Two: Madness
Buy link: http://mybook.to/RoyalScoundrelsB2
 
Featuring:
 
Loco Amore – Erin Lee
Red Days, White Nights – L. Salt
Bloody Reflections – Hope Sherrill
Et Finalem Regni - LJC Fynn
Salome: The Dance of Madness –
Caitlin McCulloch
 
 

​Coming up on year four in indie publishing, I’ve learned so many lessons (the hard way). They are really pretty simple lessons and ones I should have known based on real life experiences. Yet, because of who I am, I’ve fallen for many of these (or witnessed it) time and time again. Don’t let that be you. Daily, I am asked my best tips for surviving in the publishing industry. Here are my top ten takeaways in no particular order:
 

1. Talk is cheap. Pay attention to actions. Every writer knows the best way to hook a reader is to show, not tell. Same thing applies here. Only, sadly, many authors and publishers in the indie community don’t seem to honor their word.  For me, integrity is everything but it’s not something you can assume others have too. Just because you honor and keep commitments, it doesn’t mean other people do. That said, don’t believe the words until they appear on the actual page in finished, polished form. Until then? It’s just words. Always consider this before joining other authors on joint projects including co-writes, series or groups. You don’t want to be the one stuck carrying the team financially or time-wise every time. (And you will if you don’t take this into consideration). People’s actions speak volumes. And history matters. If they have a history of changing their mind, blowing off commitments, not paying royalties, or missing deadlines, they will do it again.
2. Red flag expression: TBH. People who regularly use the expression TBH (to be honest) are either lying or about to offer a critical opinion you haven’t asked for. Ignore them. ‘To be honest,’ what they think of your work doesn’t matter. (Lol). But really: What matters is how you view your work and what your personal goals are. No one can define them for you. There is a way of being honest with a real friend that doesn’t involve mind f@cks. Recognize the difference.
3. Think you have drama? Go to the source. Triangulation is the best way I know to cause and stir drama. “He said,” “she said” games are for middle school telephone tag. I can’t count the misunderstandings, misrepresentations and just needless time wasting I’ve seen and experienced over people speaking for others or making assumptions that are entirely unnecessary if people were to go directly to the source. Sadly, this doesn’t always happen and can cause for unneeded drama. Avoid it at all costs. If a person can’t speak for them self, it’s not your problem. Another note on drama: Avoid vague posts. Don’t assume. Don’t read into them. Hell, don’t even engage.  I can’t count the number of times people have assumed I was talking about them when that was not the case and I’m not one to vague book anyway. It’s not worth it. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and stand by it. Be clear with your words and the drama will stay (mostly) away. Consistency matters. Think they are talking about you? Again – go to the source. Making assumptions only hurts you.
4. Relationships should be mutual. No one likes a user. Don’t cling to an author because you think they can get you somewhere. They can’t. Your work has to stand on its own. And don’t let a “bigger” author blindly tell you how to build your brand, write, etc. either. Take their advice when it makes sense to you but ignore the rest. We are all just people and there aren’t any black or white answers. Be open minded. Experiment. Find your own way and build your own brand. We all want to hear from you! The industry is fluid and there are readers for all of us. At the same time, it’s important to have other author friends and/or mentors. Take the (solicited) advice you like and leave the rest. But always ask yourself, what are you giving back? What do you have to offer? Like any friendship, the relationship should be mutual. If it isn’t? It’s toxic. You deserve better than that. Your ‘friend’ does too. Too many times I have invested in people only to realize a year later that the relationship was entirely one way. Don’t be me. Reassess this often.
5. Ignore the rude. I realize this is easier said than done and am still working on it too. It always amazes me how rude people can be. From readers who don’t say thank you for giveaways to authors who don’t honor giveaways, it’s everywhere. Rude also comes in with unsolicited opinions. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all. It’s just plain tacky. What one person loves another will hate and visa versa. That’s okay! Scroll on past the stuff you don’t like but don’t hurt someone for no reason. Art is subjective. I read somewhere that HATERS stands for Having Anger Toward Everyone Reaching Success. It’s so true. I am nowhere near where I want to be with my writing but I can tell you that each step I make closer toward it, I experience more hate. It’s sad that people can’t be happy for ‘friends’ as they succeed. Sadly, jealousy gets in the way and you will experience this as you outgrow author friends. All you can do is shrug this off and realize that new friends who celebrate your successes are on the way. Pay attention to those who have been with you along the way too – they are your true tribe.
6. Know your block and ignore functions. Social media has opened us up to more reader and author interactions and feedback than ever before. While this is a great thing, it can also work against us. From wasting time on social media verses perfecting our art to being drawn into unnecessary drama, being told what and when to write, and even reader demands, knowing when to hit block and walk away is a godsend. Don’t feel bad about it either. Boundaries are healthy. Own yours. You have a right to create as only you see fit.
7. Weigh consequences. I have seen some pretty obscene acts of either temper tantrums or just plain bullying. Don’t do it. Don’t engage. Report it.  If you do engage, speak up for the person being hurt. Why? It’s the right thing to do. Online doesn’t mean an inability to hurt people. It means a cowardly way for bullies to be at their worst. It’s not okay. Readers see mean. Readers don’t like it. Hell, no one does that I know of. I can’t count the number of authors I have stopped supporting (and I do buy other authors’ books) because of ways I’ve seen them treat others in the indie community. On the other side of it, I have bought books from and supported authors simply because they are kind to others. Think before you decide to go public with the hate. If you can’t walk away, vent to a trusted friend but don’t attack other people unless you are prepared to suffer the consequences. Remember: Trust and respect are earned. Just like readers.
8. Pay attention to details. This is a big one for me. As reader, author and publisher, things like self-editing matter. Readers can see when an author has put the time and effort into research, writing, rewriting, and multiple layers of edits. Quality matters. Sloppy writing will make for low sales and eventually none at all. Don’t skip steps. I release books monthly but that does not mean I skip steps. I have twenty years of stories waiting to hit the press. This is not a race, it’s a marathon. The way to have both quantity and quality is to write early. Get a year ahead of deadlines so you aren’t chasing them. By writing daily and focused even when you don’t want to, you will have room for details and multiple revisions. Time management is everything and a must in indie publishing. If you can’t do it, consider taking a year off just to get ahead. With a backlog of things to print you won’t have to skip the steps and can stay on top of things.
9. Don’t chase trends in excess. Write what you know to an extent. Yes, play with it. I’m all for that. As a multi genre author, I can’t express how much fun it is to take on the challenge of a new genre. But know your limits too. There comes a point where you have to be honest about your work and see where your talents are and aren’t. Reassess these things often to tweak your brand and overall goals.
10. Plan ahead. I’ve heard every excuse. Life getting in the way is not a good one for people who are serious about writing as a career. Hobby? Fair enough. But don’t expect to get anywhere. This industry is hard. Serious? Then treat it like a job. Don’t wait until the last month or weeks before a deadline to start a project. Start the project as soon as you commit to it. That will avoid problems with meeting deadlines and being known as an author with integrity. This matters with readers too – have the giveaway ready to mail, etc. so that you are known as on who honors their word.

 
Indie is more good than bad. But indie can be brutal too. Find the people who support and celebrate you and remember to support and celebrate them too. Pay attention, give back, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there too. Together, we can blanket readers with amazing stories and art. Don’t let negative interactions, feedback or even relationships stain your love for writing. Your passion is yours and yours alone. Happy writing of all the words and happy reading too!

​Crazy Ink’s official stance on plagiarism and/or the use of ghost writers:
 
In light of recent events in the indie and traditional publishing communities, I am putting this statement out now to make Crazy Ink’s stance clear. It’s disheartening to see that this is even necessary but here we are.
In no way does Crazy Ink condone plagiarism in any form.  In more than 100 titles and with nearly as many authors, Crazy Ink Publishing LLC has never received a single report of author plagiarism and/or the use of a ghost writer on any specific title or work.
Authors with Crazy Ink sign contracts guaranteeing that their work is their own and entirely original. So far and to the best of my knowledge, this has been the case. Crazy Ink stands by its authors and the quality, original stories they put out. If Crazy Ink were to receive a complaint of plagiarism, the title would immediately be removed while we looked into the situation before taking further action. This is not something Crazy Ink would not handle immediately and with full attention as we value the integrity of original art in its credited form. Fortunately, we have never been there and I don’t anticipate we will be soon. Our authors are vested in their worlds and words and would not otherwise be signed with CI.
 

• Erin Lee, Creator of Crazy Ink Publishing, LLC

Who doesn’t remember Dear Abby? Maybe I’m old AF but I sure do. These days, in the indie writing community and because of my therapy background, I spend a lot of time dolling out solicited advice in private messages and even in group and public forums. The rumor is, I like helping people achieve their dreams, improve their self-esteems, and become the best possible version of themselves. Who knew?
So here’s the plan: I’m going to start taking emails at egeorge@antioch.edu Dear Abby style from readers and/or authors looking for advice. I will answer on a rolling basis in this blog and in my facebook reader group – Crazy Inklings. You may be able to catch me live there (and eventually on YouTube) taking questions too if you join!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CrazyInklings/
Shoot me any type of question you want. My training is in family and systemic therapy so my best work is in the area of relationship dynamics. With that said, I am not answering questions in the capacity of a therapist – simply as someone with training in the field. This is for fun only! If you feel like you need the help of a licensed psychologist/therapist, make that appointment! I cannot provide “real” therapy in that capacity but can certainly offer advice as a friend. We could all use more of those. So let’s have some fun with this – have at it! Check back to see what other's are asking - you never know if their situations will apply to you too!
Note: All questions will be anonymous. Feel free to change your name and/or not give one at all.
#StayCrazy

​I’m intentionally writing this post before the USA Today listing comes out. Why? Because in reality, big picture, it doesn’t matter either way. Letters and labels are never what define a person or an artist. I honestly believe that. No matter what happens, I will continue to write and chase my crazy dreams. I know no other way.
More than fifty books, a million words, three years in indie publishing and a lifetime of dreaming later, here we are. Thank you to all who have supported my writing, believed in my crazy vision, followed me through successes and failures and been there along the way. You keep the pen returning to the page. Thank you, too, to those who have doubted me, criticized me and made me trust my gut more. You make me stronger and more determined.
Without all of you, the ride would be lonely and, well, boring. The laughs, shared interests, stories and friendships we’ve shared are what make this a community. A special thanks goes to Rita Delude, Kimberly Lee, Samantha Talarico, BeBe Harlow, Erin Wolf, Lisa Seleska and Bert Hostetler – members of my original ‘tribe’ who have weathered the worst storms with me and kept me dry. Thank you to Ditter Kellen, who became my sanity in our shared mission to chase those letters, NYT Bestselling Author Rebecca Hamilton for the opportunity, and USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Adkins and Lexi Foss for putting up with me. Thank you to my set mates, who put up with a hell of a lost and crazy set leader and still haven’t blocked me. I wouldn’t blame you…
A list run is no joke. I went into the experience naive but came out more confident and better prepared to tackle an ever-evolving industry. I am tired but invigorated. I have big plans and bigger changes in store and am excited to regroup and make several announcements in the upcoming weeks about the direction of my own works as well as Crazy Ink Publishing, LLC.
The list goes up Wednesday afternoon and I know you’re rooting for us. I saw it in the buys, the pimps, the shares, the private messages, the emails and even the pep talks along the way. Our numbers are very hopeful and solid and I anticipate great things. That is because of you. I appreciate each of you who pulled for us and will always be here to return the favor. Thank you!