E754 - Anat Eliraz - Jewels of Smoky Quartz - An Epic Fantasy Novel

EPISODE 754 - Anat Eliraz - Jewels of Smoky Quartz - An Epic Fantasy Novel In this episode of the How to Podcast series, host Dave welcomes author Anat Eliraz from Israel for an engaging conversation about her unexpected journey into writing and publishing. Anat shares how a spontaneous story idea in December 2008 grew from handwritten pages into her debut novel, Jewels of Smoky Quartz, a portal fantasy that sat on her disk until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted her to explore publishing. She candidly admits her early solo efforts lacked community support, urging beginner authors to join writing groups on platforms like Facebook for invaluable advice, slump-busting encouragement, and scam avoidance.Anat emphasizes practical first steps: just write without overthinking audience tastes, since billions of readers mean someone will connect with your voice. Invest wisely in professional editing and eye-catching covers that pop on shelves or Amazon, as they draw browsers in. Her unique style shines through vivid character interactions and dialogues, praised even by her U.S. co-author on an upcoming science fiction book delayed by military clearance. Writing remains a joyful hobby alongside her career as a developmental physiotherapist, not a salary pursuit; she and her co-author formalized their partnership with a contract covering expenses, splits, and taxes.She reveals her "panster" approach, writing scenes out of order, and her free weekly Substack serial adapting high school Dungeons & Dragons adventures with old friends—role-playing focused on character depth over dice rolls. Multiple projects simmer: a WWII-era fantasy, sci-fi, and 60 pages of a darker sequel to Jewels. The book features a 29-year-old ER nurse and aikido practitioner teleported to a strange world, using wits, medical know-how, and martial skills against medieval foes. Realistic fight scenes earned raves from a UK black belt, drawn from Anat's own on-and-off training since 1999. It's an easy, flowing read (under 300 pages, YA/18+ with one consensual intimate scene) blending medicine, martial arts, and fantasy for broad appeal.Anat connects most on Facebook for real-time reader reactions, shares a fan-made YouTube song from her book, and muses on future co-authoring possibilities.Key takeaway: Dive into writing communities early, prioritize editing and covers, write what excites you, and let your authentic voice—honed by real experience—draw the right readers.https://www.facebook.com/anat.eliraz.7/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca