Erndell Scott's Blog

July 28, 2016

Tossing Out The Labels

I am grateful and humbled that my novelPaper Boatsis being well-received by readers from all over the world. The story is about two boys of different religious beliefs and philosophies trying to survive together at the close of World War II. Their journey is fraught with danger and they are challenged with many adult themes, one of which is racism and hate. Because of this topic, I am often asked from my readers my thoughts about the state of race relations in the United States today. I must admit I’m not sure why I’m being asked such a question. I’m just a writer. I’m not a world visionary. I don’t have secret insights and answers. But still, people think I do. So here’s what I tell them.The media, no matter whether it’s from the left or right, fills their stories with sensationalism. Why? It sells. And people are buying. It doesn’t even matter if what we hear is the truth. Facts are twisted and events are interpreted for good or ill. My advice is to learn the truth for yourself. Don’t rely on what you’re being told, because the media’s agenda is most certainly not yours. Education is power. So do your best to educate yourself. See the world on all levels, from multiple perspectives and from many viewpoints. Form your decisions from what you learn and with common sense go from there with respect and thoughtfulness.The last thing I would advise is to look at people differently. Suspend your judgment. Look at people not as being African American, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, liberal, Pro-life, Pro-choice, Caucasian, purple, red, yellow, short, tall, blue haired, bald, tattooed, transgender, girl, guy, handsome like Brad Pitt, a genius like Sheldon Cooper, and on and on. Dismiss identity such as religion, race, and ethnicity. We as a society get too caught up on these traits. Yes, our identities are important to us personally because they provide a sense of belonging and unity, but as a society that needs each other to survive and be happy, do those traits really matter? I mean really, really matter? I should think not. Look past these traits and toss out the labels. Just wipe it all away! Simply, look hard at each person as a human. It’s the one and only thing we share and it should be acknowledged and respected.I am often reminded of a story I read recently about an African American man that witnessed an elderly Caucasian woman struggle to cross a busy street. He did not think twice about whether to assist her or not. He just did. It makes me smile reading that. He didn’t help her for any other reason other than that he saw a human being in need. If we all thought this way the world would be a more joyous place.It certainly makes my life happier. Try it.
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Published on July 28, 2016 13:22

July 20, 2016

Research, write, research, write and on and on!

As the headline suggests, I’ve been busy researching and writing my new novel,The Doll Maker, which is why I have been tardy as of late, keeping my social networks full with posts and updates!My writing process is probably different than other writers who do their research up front and then write the book. I like the surprise element, which is why I research to a point and then write until the story requires more research to move forward. For me, I think this process keeps the story a surprise as to where the characters are going in regard to events and situations.It’s more work to do it this way, because I may have to go back and rewrite certain parts, or whole chapters, if the new research sways the storyline. However, I find this process enhances the story by offering new ideas I may have not considered if I had just completed all the research and then wrote the book.I’ll have new excerpts from The Doll Maker up shortly on my website. Stay tuned!Erndell Scott
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Published on July 20, 2016 12:53

July 18, 2016

Book Signing at The Bookshelf in Thomasville, GA

My book signing event at the Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia this past Saturday was an absolute blast! I can’t thank Annie and Rebekah enough for hosting this event for me at their beautiful bookstore. They made me feel very welcome and put together a wonderful table and set-up for me!The Bookshelf is one of those special and unique places that is more than a bookstore, it’s a place where families and friends gather to share and enjoy their love of community. I met so many interesting and passionate people, and the discussions and conversations about my book and life in general were exciting, enlightening and more importantly, fun! Thanks to all of my new friends and fans who came to see me. I wish you an exciting reading experience!Writing a book is difficult enough, let alone promoting it by myself. I am so appreciative of all the independent bookstores throughout the country that have opened their doors to me and the many other independent writers as well. Thank you!I have a number of events coming up in the next few months, extending into the fall.  We are working on a schedule to visit towns and cities in Florida, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, and if things keep developing well, we’ll throw in a trip to England, Belgium and France to meet fans there and beyond. Visit myFacebook pagefor updated news on locations, dates, and times.I am humbled that people from all over the world are enjoying my first novel as many have shared their positive, personal reading experiences. I promise never to take it for granted, and I will always work hard to offer captivating and unique perspectives to storytelling in the genre of historical fiction.Thanks for going on this journey with me!Erndell Scott
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Published on July 18, 2016 06:12

July 13, 2016

Erndell Scott Paper Boats Book Signing

Join Erndell Scott, author of historical fiction adventure Paper Boats, at The Bookshelf in Thomasville from 2pm-4pm on Saturday, July 16th. Meet Erndell Scott and pick up your copy of Paper Boats! Read what readers are saying about Erndell Scott's breakout novel Paper Boats and find out more about the author by visiting http://erndellscott.com/
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Published on July 13, 2016 14:26 Tags: book-signing, erndell-scott, historical-fiction, paper-boats

Erndell Scott Paper Boats Book Signing

Join me at The Bookshelf in Thomasville from 2pm-4pm on Saturday, July 16th for a Paper Boats book signing event. Pick up a copy of Paper Boats, or bring your own, and I'll be happy to sign it! Read what readers are saying about Paper Boats and order it on your Kindle onAmazontoday!Help me spread the word and RSVP on Facebook!
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Published on July 13, 2016 14:20

June 20, 2016

Review: A Frolic Through Fiction

"This is a story of love and loss, fear and hope, war and peace. This is a story that made me feel both heavy-hearted and content. This is a story that really moved me, and a story that I want more people to read."  - Ashleigh, A Frolic Through Fiction, United KingdomI was excited to read the latest review of Paper Boats from across the sea. Ashleigh, blogger at United Kingdom based A Frolic Through Fiction, has recently given Paper Boats 4.5 out of 5 star review. She shares her unique
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Published on June 20, 2016 13:50

May 26, 2016

Research in Poland's Countryside

Researching for my novel, Paper Boats, was as every bit of fun as it was to write it. The photo posted here of me was taken by a farmer on his land in the Polish countryside early in the morning. I think this was 2007. If you follow my blog posts, you may remember a month or so ago I posted a map of Otto’s travels (Otto, for those that don’t know, is the main character in my book). I’m not the kind of writer who sits home and dives into books and attacks the internet doing research. Yes, I do
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Published on May 26, 2016 17:19

May 20, 2016

#FridayReads: Glory Over Everything

Finally, a historical fiction novel with a cover that has color! I am so tired of the nod to the German expressionism blue-green scheme that I could scream! Sorry. I had to get that out. I know Glory Over Everything by Kathleen Grissom is a sequel, and I am told it stands on it’s own. By definition, a sequel must stand on its own while it carries on the narrative, but they rarely do. There’s always a little piece the writer throws in the second book that if you don’t read the first book, it
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Published on May 20, 2016 17:15

May 19, 2016

Updates from Erndell Scott's Desk

Every day I receive emails from readers from all over the world sharing their wonderful thoughts about the journey they go on when they read my new novel, Paper Boats. I’m very humbled people are enjoying the experience. Many readers compliment the unique writing style and voice of storytelling and how it sweeps them off their feet and takes them somewhere unknown, somewhere unexpected emotionally. It’s especially fun to get emails in different languages, but no matter, the sentiments are similar.

I’ve been working hard on my next book, The Doll Maker and a few of my short stories. One of the great things to come of my new adventure into the literary world is the help from a very established and known author. This author enjoyed Paper Boats and could see the potential in where I was going and what I was setting out to achieve in pushing the historical fiction genre.

We are building upon my theatrical, drama and movie style of writing that many of my readers and critics have acknowledged, which is not the traditional voice of the historical fiction genre. It gives me strength and confidence knowing I have such a mentor’s counsel to help guide my craft.

For those who can dismiss reality and are open to new voices in writing, you will be excited about The Doll Maker! It’s a new journey with new emotions!

We are also solidifying our book tour schedule for the East coast this summer with perhaps a few stops out west. Visit my website at erndellscott.com or check us out on Facebook to learn more and to keep up with events and happenings. We currently have a book giveaway Goodreads going on now with a few surprises coming up later this summer.

I can’t thank my readers enough for their support and good graces. It means the world to me.

Erndell
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Updates from Erndell Scott's Desk

Every day I receive emails from readers from all over the world sharing their wonderful thoughts about the journey they go on when they read my new novel, Paper Boats. I’m very humbled people are enjoying the experience. Many readers compliment the unique writing style and voice of storytelling and how it sweeps them off their feet and takes them somewhere unknown, somewhere unexpected emotionally. It’s especially fun to get emails in different languages, but no matter, the sentiments are
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Published on May 19, 2016 13:32