Image by G T Gretz, c. 2022

Author Visits and Workshop Topics

As a multi-genre author with a robust background in Journalism, creative writing, and editing, G T Gretz is the ideal candidate to make appearances and attend workshops to discuss a variety of topics related to the writing process, authorship, marketing, sales, and what it is to be a writer.

Speaking Topics:

Connecting history to current events in speculative fiction
How to create dimensional realism in fictional characters
Interviewing experts and responsible use of personal stories and experience
Creating narratives inspired by, but not accounting real events
Marketing on a budget and the Social Media race
Attention to detail and pattern recognition in writing speculative fiction
Planning vs Pantsing, and why they are the same
Why every writer should learn style guides and use them
Showing vs Telling in writing
How foreshadowing builds realism and engages readers
Names in fiction as storytelling devices

Located near NYC, I am available for a variety of events in the area from Philadelphia, PA to areas of lower state NY, with opportunities for extended areas for multi-day conventions and other large events.

Interviews: by request
Conventions: Negotiable, contact for additional details
Event appearances: Approx. 20 guaranteed book sales, negotiable, contact for additional details
School Events: by request, contact for additional details
Book Signings: Negotiable, contact for additional details
Talks, Lectures, and Discussions: by request only

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How did you become a published writer?
I started writing, researched the process, and devoted an enormous amount of time to learning and applying the information and resources I gathered. Of course, another important component was talking to other authors and getting to know people within the book publishing community to refine and expand my skill sets.

Do you ever get writer’s block?
Absolutely! One of the best ways I have overcome this issue has been taking the time to “touch the grass”—go out and do something else, read a new book, listen to music, bake some bread, and get my mind as far away from the problem as possible. Usually, at the most unexpected times, I will be struck with a solution I hadn’t foreseen and I’m off to my notebook or computer to write it down. Keeping notes on your phone, in a journal, or on anything you can scribble an idea down is one of the best tools for overcoming those stumped moments.

You’re self-published, have you considered traditional publishing?
The short answer is yes, I have considered traditional publishing. In fact, I have worked with small publishing and vanity publishing. Neither were well suited for what I wanted to accomplish and yielded negative experiences and outcomes. That doesn’t mean traditional, small, or vanity publishing is wrong or bad. It is a deeply personal choice for most people as to how they want to allocate time, money, energy, and resources to agents, managers, queries, marketing, production, social media management, advertising, editing, etc. There is so much that goes into publishing, my journey with self-publishing is uniquely right for me at this time, but I certainly would never consider closing the door on other options! It’s all about what fits and meets your needs.

Do you plan or are you a “pantser”?
At the end of the day, we are all planners. A “pantser” or explorative writer still plans their story, but in a different way. Their self-editing also looks different for a while as they refine the rough edges and bring their story together. For me, while I prefer to plan and create notebooks upon notebooks of outlines, plot maps, and detail layouts, I have utilized the creativity of explorative writing, especially when I feel stuck. Both are great ways of writing a story, but for me, having a well-thought-out plan provides me direction for research before I start and develop along the way. I guess you could say, I prefer to be a planner.

What is your editing process like?
Editing is a complex process. Some people utilize alpha and beta readers and go through tier after tier of different skill levels as they polish their stories. For me, this often is a distraction. I write my first draft and take a break from it for a while. My editing process is incredibly convoluted, and I notoriously will edit twelve to fifteen times before I ever hand it over to an editor. Even then, I check and recheck their work, too. The final step is sending it to a proofreader.

What advice has helped you most as a writer?
I’ve received a ton of advice over the years, and a lot of it has been incredibly useful. The most important has been: 1) listen to your editor, 2) it isn’t what you say (telling) but how you say it (showing), and 3) write the story you want to read, not what readers want you to write.

What's a typical day like for you when it comes to writing?
I always start with a cup of tea, music, and daydreaming. Not always in that order. I set a daily goal of either writing or editing 5,000 words. Some days I don’t make it to 1 word, and other days I reach 10,000 words. I keep a running record of daily word counts and 5,000 has been around the average for a while. The key is practice. You’ll start at 100 words, but you’ll get faster, and before you know it, you’re writing more than you thought you could. It just takes time. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550482131904
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artemis.elf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artemis.elf
Discord: https://discord.gg/EnGft6XkvJ
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/atremiself.bsky.social
Beacons/Linktr.ee: https://beacons.ai/artemis.elf
Email: AuthorGTGretz@gmail.com

Book Samples and Files (links)

A Tale of Fallen Ash & War
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A Tale of Glitter & Gold
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When The Mountains Were Alive
https://artemiselfbooks.com/wtmwa-sneak-peek
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A Tale of Shadow & Illusion
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The Garden
https://www.artemiselfbooks.com/the-garden-sneak-peek
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The Undoing
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The Tales of Snail
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A Tale of Destruction & Creation
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The Hub of Everything
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The Unnatural
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Atom Eve
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Requiem for Ennui in E Minor
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Call of the Dawn
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Purchasing Information

A Tale of Fallen Ash & War

Category: Fiction, Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian | Fantasy

Paperback | 979-8334661509
Paperback (BN) | 9798331480165
Hardcover | 979-8334662469
eBook | B0CN7HXPV5
eBook (BN) | 2940186052494
Audiobook, Narration by Stephanie Deckard | B0CNKYGRZ5

Published by ArtemisElfBooks, The Author’s Pub, Feb 19, 2022 | 489 Pages | 6 x 9

A Tale of Glitter & Gold

Category: Fiction, Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian | Fantasy

Paperback | 979-8867602635
Hardcover | 979-8867800291
eBook | B0CN8FGQJG

Published by ArtemisElfBooks, The Author’s Pub, Sept 2, 2022 | 517 Pages | 6 x 9

When The Mountains Were Alive

Category: Fiction, Genre: Epic Fantasy | Romantic Fantasy | Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic

Paperback | 979-8872354178
Hardcover | 979-8872354413
eBook | B0CNY92YL4
Audiobook | Not Available

Published by ArtemisElfBooks, The Author’s Pub, Dec 18, 2023 | 565 Pages | 6 x 9

Paperback: https://a.co/d/4a3rEXu
Hardcover: https://a.co/d/46mGdR3
eBook (Kindle and KU): https://a.co/d/b11VUcW
Sample: https://www.artemiselfbooks.com/wtmwa-sneak-peek
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204116488-when-the-mountains-were-alive

A Tale of Shadow & Illusion

Coming Soon | 507 Pages | 6 x 9

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
Official Release Fall 2024

The Garden

Coming May 2025 | 401 Pages | 6 x 9

Sample: https://artemiselfbooks.com/wtmwa-sneak-peek

BookFunnel ARC: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8bikmftb0i
eBook Fairs ARC: https://cutt.ly/seyId0F0
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213904246-the-garden

When Never They Fall

Category: Fiction, Genre: Fantasy Romance | Paranormal

Ongoing, Published Dec 26, 2023

Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0CDQSZ3XT

The Unnatural

Category: Fiction, Genre: Teen & Young Adult | Paranormal

Ongoing, Published Dec 26, 2023

Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0CK7MXQLM

Requiem for Ennui in E Minor

Category: Fiction, Genre: New Adult & College | Paranormal

Ongoing, Published Jan 21, 2023

Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0CPCNTGMQ

Claudia

Category: Fiction, Genre: Teen & Young Adult | Psychological

Ongoing, Published May 25, 2024

Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0D1WMXSD4

Call of the Dawn: An Omegaverse Epic Fantasy

Category: Fiction, Genre: Fantasy | Romance

Ongoing, Published May 25, 2024

Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0D484G6S4

A Third of Man

Category: Fiction, Genre: Military | Thriller

Ongoing, Published

Kindle Vella:

This Time Maybe

Category: Fiction, Genre: Romance | Fantasy

Ongoing, Published

Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0DJH78XHG

A Tale of Fallen Ash & War

“No word or phrase in this book is "just thrown in" everything has meaning and purpose…If you are a fan of dystopian books, thoughtful prose, and characters that will either make you love them, hate them, or question everything you thought about them, then this book/series is for you!”—Carner House Publishing

“The twists and turns kept me on edge, waiting for what was going to happen next…a really great read that left me wanting more!”—D.J.M

“It's action-packed, and the characters are as vivid as the dangerous world the author paints. Get ready for tension and epic adventure.” —Keegan, author

“From the first few pages, you’re instantly pulled in…[Gretz] does an amazing job and world building and character building…it makes it really hard not to skip ahead…this is definitely worth the read!”—Rachel P., author

A Tale of Glitter & Gold

“An awesome follow-up to Of Fallen Ash and War…This story is engaging and it’s difficult not to lose yourself…I need to know more. Overall a great story that sucked me in from the beginning!”—D.J.M

“Immediately 5 stars…well written and extremely well thought out. If you're looking for a quick, easy read, this isn't for you. This author took so much time and effort, crafting every single line…This is not your run-of-the-mill dystopian fantasy novel…It pulls you and drags you under...and makes you glad it did.” —Flick-It-Books Publishing

When The Mountains Were Alive

“If you love reading fantasy novels like The Hunger Games, Under the Never Sky, and Uglies, then you'll absolutely love reading When the Mountains Were Alive. It is a sexy, romantic, post-apocalyptic fiction that will earn your undivided attention… It easily earns its 5 star rating.” -C. Cummings

“I'm genuinely impressed by the advanced level of storytelling. The book deserves at least 5-Stars…it is an excellent read that left me wanting more!” -R. Braun

"This book kept me engaged from the first page to the last. There is so much danger and passion...your eReader will catch fire! 5 full stars. I highly recommend this book to readers interested in apocalyptic/ post-apocalyptic romance novels, mingled with magic and fantasy in between." -A. Muhamad

"When The Mountains Were Alive is an enchanting novel depicting true love, peace, self-sacrifice, following the heart's desires, and free will. Romance with the self-sacrificing theme is for...fantasy and romance book lovers..." -K. Guritza

"It's your one-stop shop for romance, adventure, drama and action. If you enjoyed reading Mutiny on the Bounty...but prefer a romantic, sexier, fantasy-based version, then you'll appreciate this enthralling read." -M. Rovena

ABOUT ME

Name: G T Gretz
Penname: G T Gretz

Pronunciation: Gee Tee Gr-Et-z

Tagline: Here by popular demand
Or dark summoning
It’s very unclear

Small Bio

G T Gretz is the author of the Fallen Ash series living near New York City. As an avid writer of dystopian fantasy and science fiction, G T Gretz pushes the boundaries with themes focused on morality and humanity.

Mid-Length Bio

G T Gretz is the independent author of twelve novels across multiple genres; three episodic works, the Fallen Ash Series, and one young adult novel. They live near New York City. Their works are known for complex and intricate storylines, intersecting themselves to convey a greater message. Gretz has won the Dream World Readers award and the Multi-Genre Online Book Fair Readers award for When The Mountains Were Alive, in addition to having the honors of former Quill & Scroll membership for Journalism. When they aren't writing, Gretz is a dedicated editor for fellow independent authors, they design covers and format book interiors. Gretz is a member of the NaNoWriMo community, the Author’s Pub (Writing Room), and the Author’s Guild.

Full-Length Bio

G T Gretz is the independent author of twelve novels across multiple genres; three episodic works, the Fallen Ash Series, and one young adult novel. They currently live near New York City, but grew up in a small rural town in Pennsylvania. Since childhood, they have been a passionate, avid reader and storyteller. During their high school career, they had the honor of becoming a member of Quill & Scroll for Journalism and went on to become an Editor-in-Chief of a college newspaper. Despite their love for writing, they attended college to study psychology, which has since influenced her writing style and storytelling, bringing readers closer to characters than ever before.

For the book When the Mountains Were Alive, Gretz has won the Dream World Readers Award; New Year, New Books Readers Award, Happy New Year Readers Award, and the Multi-Genre Online Book Fair Readers Award, and sold over 7,000 copies. While they prefer to write dystopian, science fiction, and fantasy, as a multi-genre reader, they too are a multi-genre author who takes the time to plan and deep dive into their exploration of contemporary, romance, and paranormal, among other genres. In their works, Gretz is known for complex and intricate stories intersecting with themselves to convey a greater message about morality, ethics, and the human condition. They draw inspiration from many places including their favorite books Their personal library spans a wide variety of genres, eras, and authors such as a few of her personal favorites from Homer, Dante, Neil Gaiman, Joe Abercrombie, R A Salvatore, and Dan Brown, which can often be found on their desk or in their hand.

When they aren't writing, Gretz is a dedicated editor for fellow independent authors. They have worked with authors on their debut science fiction novels and the anticipated sequels. Gretz has also worked on crime/romance novels, co-edited alongside other editors and editing teams for the sequels, and expanded into crime and horror/thriller books. Additional genres they have edited include paranormal romance, general romance, erotica, and fantasy romance. They have also done substantial work on the ongoing Kindle Vella serial platform, covering a variety of tales ranging from historical fiction to modern contemporary, to high fantasy and adventure, to thriller noir and military science fiction. While it seems there is no limit to their reach of excellent writers throughout multiple genres, they do admit to not working with non-fiction, memoirs, and poetry out of respect for their capabilities and the true events told therein. However, in addition to editing both her books and the books of fellow authors, they also design covers and format interiors. Gretz continues to expand their writing skills and book collection as a member of the NaNoWriMo community, The Author’s Pub (Writing Room), and The Author’s Guild.

When The Mountains Were Alive

A wayward prince, a stubborn princess, and a servant with secrets must discover their prophesized destinies, combat the will of the gods, and try to save their world before the Horsemen of the Apocalypse claim it.

“Don’t be too disappointed when you find I’m the same man I was before”

“It was better if they thought he was a broken man drowning his demons.”

“Mira, the chambermaid, so perfect at her job that he couldn’t even enjoy the simple pleasure of getting shitfaced drunk with an audience. No, she had to intervene and remind him of his duties, and responsibilities thrust on him—fucking him without even bothering to buy him a drink first.”