If you would have told me years ago that I would be here right now, with the completion of my first series, I probably would have laughed. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to write a series. I did. I just didn’t know where to start or even begin to know how to find a publisher. But here I am, with The Silencer, the third book in my YA urban fantasy series, The Kalila Chronicles, released just this week.
It hasn’t been an easy road. There have been times when I’ve doubted myself. There’s been so many late nights and early mornings, as I studied, and went back to school in my thirties. All while running a business, raising two kids, and becoming pregnant with my third. We’ve been through a cancer diagnosis for my youngest son. We endured two and a half years of treatments and traveling eight hours a week for those treatments. There were times when I would sit down to write, and nothing would happen. The blank screen would taunt me, and I would suddenly wonder why I was even attempting this thing called writing.
This week, as I held all three of my books in my hands, I wondered if I would have still gone through this if I knew what would have happened to get me to this point. And I can honestly say that I would. Within three months of my son’s Leukemia diagnosis, we had to close my retail store. I was devastated. I still am in a lot of ways. But I remember standing in the shower, crying, and praying that if God really wanted me to pursue writing that He would give me a burning desire for my story. That it would consume my mind. That I wouldn’t be able to avoid writing, and my hands would itch to type the words. I asked that He would ease my sorrow over losing my store. And you know what? Not only did He do all of those things, but He also paved the way for my books to be published within a few months of that prayer.
When I sat down to write this blog, this wasn’t the direction I was going to go in. I was going to explain more about what my series was about and how excited I am about its release. But perhaps this was meant to be an encouragement. A reminder that our plans don’t always work out the way we want. But if we trust in Him, and trust Him with the desires of our heart, any situation can be used for good. It may not happen the way we envisioned. Sometimes the road is long and filled with potholes. But His timing is always perfect, and what He has for us is always better than we could ever come up with ourselves.
Erin R. Howard is a Developmental Editor, YA Urban Fantasy Author of The Kalila Chronicles, and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University.
When she’s not writing, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, fueling her craft addictions, and teaching writing workshops.
Erin is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the KenTen Writers Group. She resides in Western Kentucky with her husband and three children.
Sam’s parents asked him to do the unthinkable:
And it cost him everything.
When Sam Hart was forced to walk away from everything and everyone he knew, The Kalila became his new home. He thought he could keep the past buried but after an unexpected visit from his brother, a family secret is revealed.
Already reeling from a murder of one of their own, an unimaginable chain of events leaves everyone questioning each other’s loyalty. Will Sam, Viktor, and Matthias be able to stop this newest threat before they lose another?
You can learn more about Erin’s series by visiting her website. https://erinrhoward.com/
Purchase your copy of The Silencer here.
Email:
Address: 15 Lucky Lane
Phone : 501-289-9319
This is a gorgeous post and completely spot on. So excited for you to have all three books out!
Aww, thank you, Amy!
Wonderful post! Yes, god’s timing is always perfect!
Yikes! God with a capital G!!