Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey there, I’m Erynn, a self-proclaimed tea addict! Although most of my time is consumed by writing, when I’m not working on my next novel, you can usually find me in my laboratory (re: office) trying to figure out soul transmutation so I can one day accomplish my dream of taking over the world with stuffed animals and books. Lots and lots of books.
So far, I’ve completed two young adult fantasy novels in the planned 4-book Yokai Calling series, with many more future projects planned once that series is completed.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book, The Dragon’s Eye, came out on June 30th! It’s the sequel to the first book in the Yokai Calling series (Spirit of the Dragon) and follows the same characters on the next leg of their quest.
The story takes place in a setting inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore, so I suppose I can say that has been my inspiration for this entire series. In general, I find a lot of my work is influenced by many branches of mythology, history, and anthropological work because that’s what I tend to immerse myself in.
The plot for this series, though, was inspired by another WIP, one which I intended to become my first published work. I started on this series instead, and so these books will build into those books once I finally get to them. 🙂
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? Probably not. When it comes to writing, finding ideas, or inspiration… I don’t think anything is particularly unusual. In fact, perhaps being a little unusual is just part of being a writer!
I tend to get most of my writing done late at night, though. Like… very late. Sometimes the words just pour out in the hours after midnight, I guess it’s something about the late-night vibe that gets me going! I’ve always been a bit of a night owl, though.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my biggest inspirations for to keep writing the way I have, in general, has to be the author Michael J. Sullivan. When I was in high school, I read his first series, and I learned that he had given up writing for 10 (or maybe it was 15) years because it didn’t work out for him. But the stories and characters kept coming, and eventually, he wrote another book, the one that started his current success as an author.
I think it’s amazing that he succeeded in the end. But what struck me most about his writing career, back when I heard it, was how I immediately thought “I don’t want that to happen to me. I don’t want to give up what I love.” And so, instead of stopping my daydreams to pursue a “reasonable” career, I’ve continued writing instead.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on two projects right now: I’m finishing up a short story about one of the Yokai Calling protagonists and also working on the third book in the series! I’ll be wrapping up the short story within the next couple of days (besides final revisions) and hope to have a solid second draft of the third novel done by the end of July. Hooray!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write in your dreams if that’s what it takes for them to come true.What are you reading now?
Currently reading Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia! I’ve just started on it the other day, but it’s been on my list for a while. Interested in seeing where the story goes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got many future plans and sadly not enough time to finish them all! I think right now my big project is just finishing the rest of the Yokai Calling series a, which I intend to wrap up in the last few months of 2020. In 2021, I’ll be looking to starting my next big series and the follow up to my current books
What is your favorite book of all time?
My favourite book of all time has to be Nevernight by Jay Kristoff… but I can’t just say I love the one book. I love the whole series. They’re all beautiful and bloody and the characters are to die for! I hope
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