Erika M Szabo, author of fiction and children's books, artist
I live in a mansion, drive a fancy car, and adore my fingers with diamonds and sapphires.
Yeah, right! In my dreams! I’m not rich because I own fancy stuff. I’m rich because I create things that people enjoy. Hopefully, hundreds of years from now, readers will still know my name, read my books, and enjoy the art I create. |
Born and raised in Hungary, Erika earned her nursing diploma before migrating to the United States in 1989. To learn English and make a living, she worked various jobs while residing in Florida. But due to her preference of colder climates, she made her home in the Catskill Mountains of New York, where she currently resides with her husband.
Once she had gained fluent conversational communication skills, Erika received her RN license and began working in the medical field.
"I inherited some of my father’s artistic talent. I love to create digital art, such as book covers, illustrations and videos – not only for myself but also for other authors.
I also inherited my mom's and grandma’s love for storytelling. My parents didn’t have time to listen to my childish babbling about magic wands and dragons, so my early audience included only my animal friends. My cats, dogs, George the pig, and a horse called Buddy. Later, I told my fantasy stories to anyone who was willing to listen."
Once she had gained fluent conversational communication skills, Erika received her RN license and began working in the medical field.
"I inherited some of my father’s artistic talent. I love to create digital art, such as book covers, illustrations and videos – not only for myself but also for other authors.
I also inherited my mom's and grandma’s love for storytelling. My parents didn’t have time to listen to my childish babbling about magic wands and dragons, so my early audience included only my animal friends. My cats, dogs, George the pig, and a horse called Buddy. Later, I told my fantasy stories to anyone who was willing to listen."
More in my Portfolio
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Why do I write fantasy fiction and children's books?
I write what I like to read.
I like to read speculative alternate history fiction, romantic urban fantasy, historical suspense novels when I need to escape from reality.
I also write fun, educational, and bilingual books for children ages 2-14 about acceptance, friendship, family, and moral values such as accepting people with disabilities, dealing with bullies, and not judging others before getting to know them. I also like to encourage children to use their imagination and daydream about fantasy worlds.
I like to read speculative alternate history fiction, romantic urban fantasy, historical suspense novels when I need to escape from reality.
I also write fun, educational, and bilingual books for children ages 2-14 about acceptance, friendship, family, and moral values such as accepting people with disabilities, dealing with bullies, and not judging others before getting to know them. I also like to encourage children to use their imagination and daydream about fantasy worlds.
I'm a Publishing Coach and Book Cover Designer at Golden Box Books Publishing
After negative experiences with publishers, I started my own publishing company, Golden Box Books, and I learned to navigate through the jungle of publishing. Although I don't publish other than my books (I want the authors to have full control of their books) I provide help to authors such as book formatting, book cover art, manuscript critique, and if needed, registering ISBN, copyright and if the author is having difficulty uploading the book to publishing sites, I help with that complicated task as well.