The Book
How do you explain to someone who loves you that sometimes it feels good to hurt?
In her sophomore year of college, Kara Winterson is coming undone. She’s not speaking to her best friend Shush, her boyfriend Eric broke up with her, and she’s on the verge of losing her scholarship.
But she’s fine. Really, she’s fine.
She’ll avoid Shush and the rumors she’s spreading about a predatory professor, get Eric back, and somehow not fail out of college. She’ll cope the way she always has. With the sharp edge of a razor blade writing stories into her skin.
Until Shush reveals a terrible secret and the one way Kara has learned to hold herself together becomes what tears her apart. And somewhere, in the wreckage of everything she thought she knew, she starts the hardest thing she’s ever done: writing herself a new story.
In her debut novel, author Erin Lodes explores one girl’s story of self-harm and self-identity, informed by her own mental health struggles.
Who am I?
Hey person who is looking at my website. Thanks for being here! I’m Erin, a writer and soon to be published author. I am from Michigan but currently living in the beautiful country of Ireland. I enjoy puzzles, hiking with my dog, a strong cup of tea, and a deep glass of red wine.
I am working on self-publishing my debut novel. I wrote it because all the books I’ve ever read about girls who struggled with depression and self-harm always featured protagonists who’d suffered a tragedy or trauma. I wanted to read a book about someone like me, a girl who grew up with a good life and still struggled. I wrote this book because I believe that self-harm is still a very taboo subject, even as mental health issues at large become less so, and I would like to be a part of changing that.
I am incredibly proud of this book. Thanks for being a part of helping me get it out into the world.
PS – It’s pronounced lotus, like the flower.
Mental Health Resources
If you need help, there’s no shame in asking for it.
It’s the best thing I ever did.
FAQs
Where should I follow you on social?
Follow me on TikTok for writing and rants and dog videos, Instagram for pictures of my dog and Ireland, and Facebook for updates on my self-publishing journey.
Why self-publishing?
I tried the traditional route. Racked up nearly 200 rejections and decided I still believe in this book. In today’s world, all the tools I need to get my book into people’s hands are available to me. Many brave people are self-publishing great books. I’m proud to join them.
How can I help before I can buy the book?
Follow me on social, interact with my posts, share them, comment, like, whatever. Ask me questions so I have new ideas for social media content. All of it is a big help!
Erin Lodes 