 In Her Eyes - Avalon is forced to confront her most guarded secret when the man who saved her life fifteen years ago reappears as a detective investigating a series of missing women. But there’s a catch. Jake Knox doesn't recognize her. And she’s his prime suspect. Why did you decide to self-publish? Did you have any doubts? I had no doubts. I never wanted to go the traditional route. The whole idea of getting an agent and trying to sell my story, and then if I sold it, having to wait on a publisher to decide when the book would be published, where and for how much is not something that appeals to me. I prefer to have full control over my work. What did you like best? I love the blank page. I love the start of a story. I love the excitement of starting something new when the characters are telling me their stories and I’m getting to know them. What was the hardest part? As most authors will tell you the job is never done. When you finish a draft, then there are rewrites and edits and finding beta readers, formatting, creating ARCs, posts for social media, covers, ads, marketing, graphics, newsletters and more. I never realized that as a writer I would have homework for the rest of my life, LOL. Would you do it again? Yes, I would, and I did. Five times over. Will do it again. Hopefully sometime this spring/summer. What advice do you have for authors just starting? Oh, I just answered this question somewhere else. Erica’s top 10 tips for new writers: 1. Read widely: One of the best ways to become a better writer is to read as much as you can. Read books in your chosen genre, but also read widely outside of it to expand your horizons and develop your writing skills. 2. Write regularly: Writing is a skill that requires practice, so make it a habit to write as often as you can, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Set goals for yourself, such as a certain number of words or pages per day and hold yourself accountable. 3. Find your voice: Every writer has a unique voice, so take the time to find yours. Experiment with different styles and techniques until you find the one that feels most natural to you. 4. Get feedback: Critiques from other writers or readers can be invaluable in helping you improve your writing. And remember not to take the criticism to heart. Analyze the feedback you get with a clear mind. Save the emotions for the story. 5. Writing is a process, and the first draft is never perfect. A story is built in layers, and it may take a few rewrite sessions or a dozen. 6. Don’t give up. Writing can be a tough and often solitary pursuit. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels like you're not making progress. You’re ahead of where you were yesterday. 7. Don’t compare your work in progress with someone else finished book. Don’t compare ever. Just keep writing. 8. Keep learning the craft. Take workshops, read books about writing, grow your skills. 9. No gatekeepers. Be aware of scammers. They’ll come after you. Vanity Press disguising itself as publishers will offer to publish your book if you pay them. Don’t. Legitimate publishing houses pay you. You never pay them. If you want to try the traditional route, then get an agent and never sign a contract you didn’t have a lawyer look over first. But remember that you don’t need publishers. You can do it yourself. More than half of all the bestsellers on Amazon’s Top 100 are indie or small press authors. 10. And last, but not least, don’t forget to have fun! Write the stories that excite you, and don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. Erica Alexander dreamed of being a writer her entire life. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two teenage sons, three cats, and a dog. When she’s not writing, Erica likes to read, bake, watch Netflix and Prime marathons. She’s currently trying to make friends with the skunk who lives in her backyard. You can find Erica Alexander at authorericaalexander.com 
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