Learning, Writing, and a Big Step Forward for Powers of Death
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about writers, it’s that we rarely stop thinking.
Even when we’re not actively writing, our minds are collecting details, asking questions, chasing ideas, and trying to make sense of a rapidly changing world. Lately, those questions have ranged from the practical—Can AI really write a novel?—to the exciting—When can I finally share the cover of Powers of Death?—to the deeply meaningful lessons God sometimes teaches us when we step away from our desks and spend time with fellow writers and readers.
This month’s newsletter is a collection of those discoveries: a glimpse behind the scenes of publishing, a thought-provoking conversation about artificial intelligence, a book recommendation from a talented author I recently met, and a Bible verse that has been on my heart since returning from Texas.
I’m glad you’re here.
A WRITER’S JOURNEY
Something authors learn quickly: writing has a lot in common with life — if you want to grow, you never stop learning. Success in writing, publishing, and marketing requires constantly sharpening your craft and adapting to a fast-changing world. Fortunately, opportunities to learn are everywhere — from mastering storytelling techniques to understanding reader trends, publisher expectations, Amazon algorithms, Facebook ads, and the ever-expanding world of AI tools, shortcuts, and innovations. At times, it can feel overwhelming, but every new lesson opens another door to becoming a better writer and reaching more readers.
The workshop/speakers’ forum, sponsored by the Venice Book Fair and the Island Bookstore, in March, addressed authors’ concerns about Artificial Intelligence: Is it a threat, a competitor, or a friendly assistant? It is estimated that 1/2 of the new submissions on Amazon are being written nearly exclusively with Artificial Intelligence. If you haven’t experimented with AI – you should get a feel for its power. ChatGPT is free, and the tool I am familiar with. There are other options, including Claude and Gemini. (I asked ChatGPT what the big three were because I could not remember.) You can ask AI to write a story about anything you want, give it a word count, and see what happens.
Let me know what you think – send your thoughts to hello@liisaeyerly.com
Is AI a…
A) threat
B) competitor
C) friendly assistant
D) other – share your response
SERIES UPDATE
Exciting news for fans of the Secrets of Ephesus series! Powers of Death is turned into my publisher CrossRiver Media, and the cover has officially been chosen — and yes, it’s every bit as striking and unforgettable as you’re hoping. I can’t wait to reveal it soon!!!!
The official publication date is still to come, so thank you for your patience as the final pieces come together. Sabina’s next dangerous journey through the intrigue, corruption, and deadly secrets of ancient Ephesus is getting closer!
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
The Heart of Venice by Lee Grace Mathews
There are many benefits to going to book and author events, one of which is meeting other authors. Grace and I started chatting and sharing our writing. I was captivated by her book and bought it the next day at the bookfair.
Discover the soul of old Florida in The Heart of Venice by Lee Grace Mathews — a stunning collection of vivid color photography and fascinating local history celebrating Venice, Nokomis, and Osprey. Through heartfelt storytelling and captivating images, Mathews brings to life the people, places, and hidden stories of this lush Gulf Coast paradise, tracing its rich heritage back to the 1850s. The Heart of Venice | The Heart of Venice
BIBLE VERSE
This month’s Bible verse was inspired by my May trip to a Texas writers’ retreat. Perhaps some of you have even walked across these very stepping stones.
Not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He (Jesus) entered once into the holy place and obtained eternal redemption for us. — Hebrews 9:12
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