As a follow-on to the book review I did Tuesday, let’s get to know Erica a little more…
1. You attended the University of Pittsburgh. How did you choose that school, and did you know then that you wanted to become an author (I’m guessing so, from your major)? I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. Even in elementary school I wrote stories. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to write the next best seller.
2. Was there anything in particular about your education (major) that serves you well in your writing now? I think the only thing about my major that truly helped was the exposure to different genres and authors. Reading a lot is what helps your writing. That’s my opinion, but I don’t remember learning anything specific that carried with me…other than good grammar.
3. You blog daily about your travails on your farm. Do you ever regret moving out into the countryside? Sometimes I miss a quick trip to a bookstore or a coffee shop, but generally, no. I love waking up and looking out over the rolling hills at the mountain views. I love the quiet. The friendly people. I can visit the city anytime I want to. But I’m glad I live in the country.
4. What was the impetus that allowed you to decide you would be able to give up your career as a banker? Basically, the stress was getting to me. My husband told me to quit and just write. I don’t think he realized what he was getting himself into.
5. How much of your experience shines through your main character, Katie? Katie is very much a part of me. She got my epic clumsiness, my awkward, “foot in mouth” syndrome, and my propensity to obsess over a guy.
6. You produced a long-running webfic series about vampires. Do you plan on revisiting that story in novel form? Or will you create a new “season” for the series soon? I’ve been plotting the next Daywalkers adventure for months, but can’t seem to find the time to write it. I know I owe the fans more snarky vamps, and I promise I’ll get to them soon.
7. Given the widely divergent genre of your first published novel to your webfic series… Do you have a preference? Will you produce a paranormal romance for publication? I love them both. My next novel is actually a paranormal romance. It’s not filled with vampires, but it’s definitely a slight departure from Katie.
8. You also have a background in poetry. Would you ever release a book of poems? How did you find out about my poetry? Do you have a spy? Haha…I don’t know if I’d ever do a book of poems. I haven’t written poetry in some time, but I won’t rule it out.
9. Do you have plans with your current publisher to produce more novels in the “chick lit” genre? Or would you consider additional relationships with other publishers? Or even going indie? I’m in the process of writing a few books in the chick lit/romance genre. I love my publisher, so at this time, I’m not making any plans to move. I don’t think I’d ever go Indie, just because I like having the support system, but like anything else, I can’t see the future, so I can’t rule anything out.
10. What would you consider a successful release? I’d find it pretty successful if the people who read my book enjoy it. That’s really what it’s all about. I could sit here and say, “Oh, I want to sell millions of copies” and sure, who doesn’t want to sell a million copies? But ultimately, I want people to enjoy the book. That’s the most important thing to me.
11. Author’s choice: What question did I not ask that you think I should have? You didn’t ask me what my deepest, darkest secret is. But it’s probably best, because I probably wouldn’t tell you anyway. I mean…deep, dark secrets are pretty sacred. They should be kept hidden until you’ve had at least three drinks…
And, since I know you’re all excited about the possibility of winning a copy of her debut novel, here’s the Raffelcopter one more time:
Congratulations on the publication of To Katie With Love! I read the sample on Amazon and enjoyed it so much that it is going on my TBR list. Great interview. Thanks for sharing.
love the interview!