Interview with Erin Crocker

Author of Forbidden

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Kansas City, Missouri and shortly after moved to El Dorado Springs, Mo. I currently live in Virginia.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I moved to Virginia in the midst of a serious of life circumstances. I chose to stay out here because I’m exploring and traveling, so I’m not interested in picking a permanent residence right now.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

My first novel, “Synchronicity” was an accident more than anything else. I was working with ‘voice’. At the time, my focus was poetry, but the more I wrote the characters of Lila, Wesley, and Sara, the more attached I became. So I spent a week drafting the novel and many months working with my friend and editor, Linette Kasper fine tuning it for publication.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My writing isn’t just one thing; I layer my works with nuanced meaning that explores a lot of questions about society and the system. I don’t really write in a single genre. For example, the Synchronicity series is sci-fi and based in telepathy and telekinesis while “Forbidden” is, for lack of a better term, experimental and based in dark fiction. My upcoming work, “The Astra” is a contemporary piece with paranormal sprinkled throughout.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I don’t know, actually. I find all sorts of people reading what I write–people I’d never suspect would. So, I’ve stopped limiting myself to a demographic. I want to put out it in the world and allow the right people to find it.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Formatting ain’t easy. Formatting could potentially drive me to alcoholism.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

There’s all kinds of awesome people with excellent advice on writing who are well- meaning. But you have to learn your boundaries, and realize that what works for some might not for you. Don’t be afraid to take the risks; doing so pays off in fantastic ways.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I’m not sure that I can quantify readers. I would rather reach the folks to whom my books will have genuine meaning.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Formatting. I am certain at this juncture that my laptop is possessed.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strength in writing is my ability to just write. I might write 9k words and delete 8.5k later, but that still leaves me with 500 quality words, and I am okay with that.
With publishing I would say it’s picking a date and sticking to it, pushing out preorders, and making sure the manuscript is in order by the release date.
For marketing I think my biggest strength is taking my books to in-person events and craft fairs. This is something me and Linette team up and do together. Nothing beats good old-fashioned meeting readers in person.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness in writing is self-editing. I always use an editor.
In publishing it’s pretty much everything. I am fortunate to have a lot of support in that area. And for marketing my biggest weakness is my refusal to participate on multiple social media platforms. Even though I have an Instagram and Twitter, I’m mostly found on Facebook and that’s what I tend to stick with.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’ve just published “Rejected” a multi-genre fundraising anthology that I’ve had the pleasure of compiling. I am currently working on “The Astra” a contemporary novel with some paranormal elements. I’m also working on a poetry collection, which might be published before “The Astra”.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self-publishing works best for me. Although, I’ve had short stories traditionally published.