Aspiring Author Thursday: Introducing E. R. King

I love this girl. When she started following my blog a while ago, I hopped right over to hers and wasn't disappointed. I love it. She is so honest in every post and is so cute and funny. Isn't she gorgeous? To check out her fabulous blog, click here.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always liked telling stories. Being a writer was an obvious choice, though it took me until I was eighteen years old to embrace the challenge. That was nearly ten years ago. All these years I’ve been writing, and I’m glad for the practice. It’s been excellent training.

That is awesome that you've been writing for so long. It took me until I was 25 to figure out I should write my stories down. :P

Do you have a writing schedule, or do you just sit down whenever you get a spare moment?

My only rule is to write everyday. When I’m in first draft or revision mode, I’ll write for hours a day, day after day, until I get it done. You know that old saying “Don’t poke the bear”? That’s me when I’m in my writing world. My family is very understanding.

That is awesome. My kids don't know when to leave me alone! lol ;)

Could you tell us a little about yourself? Random facts? Hidden talents?

I’m an organizational freak, rain calms me, and I’d wear boots every day if I could. Cuddling a baby turns me to goo, I like to drive really, really, really fast, and I believe everything happens for a reason.

I love the rain. *sigh* And don't talk about babies. I'll want another one too soon... ;)

If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing you couldn't live without? (Besides your family and a laptop of course.)

My notebook. I have a travel-size one in my purse that I take with me everywhere. I don’t know what I’d do without it!

Me too!! Travel-size notebooks are the best!

What is one book you could read over and over and over?

I’ve read Jude Deveraux’s REMEMBERANCE at least six times, and I cried each time. It’s everything a romance novel should be.

I've never heard of that one. Sounds great! I love me a good romance.

What book are you dying to read this year? 

KILL ALEX CROSS by James Patterson. I squeeze every last ounce of entertainment out of his books. They don’t disappoint.

Would you freak out if I told you I've never read James Patterson? True story. *hides*

What genre do you write and why?

Young adult, and not because I want to relive high school. My father was my high school principal. I know what you’re thinking,” that poor girl!” Don’t feel sorry for me, the experience was unparalleled. My father handed me my diploma when I graduated and I was able to hug him on stage in front of the entire graduating class and their families—how many kids can say that? But it was trying at times; the other kids and teachers were often unkind. I realize it wasn’t a normal high school experience, but I wasn’t a normal high schooler. I met my husband at fourteen and I knew I wanted to marry him when I was barely sixteen. Because of who I was then, I have very high expectations of our youth. I believe young adults are capable of genuine wisdom, self-sacrifice, and deep emotions. Teenagers are often portrayed as gratification-seeking, hormone-driven, immature little snots, and while I agree some are, many are not. I will not talk down, or write down, to our youth.

I LOVE this. And I really want to hear you and your hubby's story. So cute.

Do you have any writing rituals? Music, silence, eating, etc.

I must have a Diet Coke (or three), my notebook, and a pen. Music is necessary when I’m writing a fight sequence or romance scene. I like to set the mood. ; )

Oh, and I prefer background noise. My husband and our three children live in cramped quarters, so when they’re asleep, and all is quiet, it’s eerie. I turn on the TV or listen to music to break up the silence.

LOL. Oh, Diet Coke. I'll have a sip every now and then, but I prefer water over everything. At least you aren't addicted to something gross like Dr. Pepper. (Love you, Renee! He he)
Where do you come up with your ideas? Dreams, while driving, etc?

People-watching, hands-on experience, vivid dreams, and heart-felt wishes are my most common muses. My best ideas come to me while I’m in the shower. I’ve ruined two notebooks by dripping water all over them (who has time to dry off when your muse is singing?). I keep a spare under the sink now.

That's a really good idea to keep a spare under the sink...

Any advice for other aspiring authors? 

Learn as much as you can. Expect to make mistakes. Listen to your gut. Write, write, write. And above all, write what you love. If you aren’t connected to every aspect of your story, your readers will know. To make people believe, you have to believe in yourself.

Great advice.

Random Writing Question: Your main character is walking down the street and walks right through a ghost. How do they react? ;)

The MC of my paranormal romance series is a demon hunter, so for him there are no ghosts, only demons. But when a demon passes through him, he feels a damp, bone-deep chill that lingers longer than brain freeze and he shudders to his toes.

Ooohhh! Creepy! ;)  Thank you SO much!! It was so nice to have you today! :D