Fantasy writer Erin Howard talks about her favorite genre.

 

When I was still teaching high school, I noticed many of my students who liked to read were devouring fantasy books. Males and females. I asked them why they enjoyed fantasy, and when they talked about it, their enthusiasm was contagious. I am not as familiar with the genre as the younger generation, so I really enjoyed learning more when I interviewed Erin Howard for my blog. I know you will enjoy it as well.

Thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed for my blog, Erin! Before we talk about your writing, share a little bit about yourself.

Hi, Pam! Thanks for having me. I’m married, have three kids (14, 10, 5). When I’m not writing or editing, I love spending time with my family (we are big movie and board game fans), and I will admit that I’m addicted to new craft ideas and supplies. I’m always searching on Pinterest for new ideas to try.

Before our youngest son Gabriel was diagnosed with leukemia in December of 2016, I owned and operated a retail store that sold handcrafted items from local artists. I taught a variety of craft classes like crochet, Wilton Cake Decorating, door hanger paint parties, and string art. I just got a wood burning kit not long ago, and I’m currently learning how to make Christmas ornaments. 

What is your background in writing?

My love of writing started in middle school. In the sixth grade, we had to keep a daily journal, and I asked my teacher if I could write a story instead. In high school, I started writing poetry. I always had the dream of writing a book but kept starting new stories and not finishing them. Right before I had my third child, I went back to school and received my BA in Creative Writing/English. Shortly after graduating, I completed my first novel and published it with Mantle Rock Publishing.  

Your book, The Seer, is fantasy. When did you become interested in that genre?

I grew up reading the Fear Street series by R.L. Stine, so my love of speculative novels started when I was in middle school. As I got older, I branched out to other genres. I even started writing chick lit for a while, but fantasy is my favorite.  

Here’s the back cover for The Seer:

Viktor has one order to follow:

Kill the girl before her eyes are opened.

For thousands of years, his job has been to torment and kill seers: humans that have the gift of seeing the spiritual realm. So it was no surprise when his brother Matthias was once again sent to stop him and protect the girl.

Now the last of the seers’ bloodline hangs in the balance, as the estranged demon and angel brothers are forced to work together to save a girl’s life and escape to the sanctuary city of Bethesda.

What are the key elements of fantasy?

Fantasy falls under the vast umbrella of the speculative genre, but basically, it uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, and setting. My series is an urban fantasy, which is a sub-genre of fantasy. I have supernatural elements, but the story takes place in our world. 

As a high school teacher, I observed several of my students reading fantasy books on a regular basis. They loved them. I often told them I got confused with the unusual names of people and places. When you are writing fantasy, do you keep a record of those names, or are you able to keep them all in your head?

I have a journal/notebook for each new novel that I write. I keep all the essential information that I need in those journals. Everything from character’s names to the outline of the story goes in the notebooks.

I try not to have unusual names that would confuse the reader, but I do pick certain names because of their meanings and how they can tie into my stories. 

Describe your writing process, and include any “secrets of success” you have learned, if any.

My series started with a “what if” question, and from there, I started putting all the pieces in place. I sketch out an outline, answering those key questions, but also let the characters take over. I write the entire rough draft before I edit. If I don’t, I will get stuck on a chapter trying to make it perfect and never get anywhere. Once the rough draft is in place, I go back and edit and rewrite. I love the rewrite phase because that’s when I get to make everything shine and see it come together. 

A tip that I learned from a writing retreat is never to start writing with a blank page. If a page is blank, it seems to taunt me, and I freeze up. However, if I end my writing session in the middle of a page or even a paragraph, it helps me to pick up where I left off much easier. 

What other genre of fiction are you interested in writing?

For now, I’m happy with fantasy and would love to write in a few sub-genres of fantasy like dystopian and fairy Tale retellings. 

Do you have another book coming out in the near future?

Yes! Book two in The Kalila Chronicles, The Soul Searcher, releases on 2/19/19. I’m currently working on the third book, The Silencer, and a brand-new novella series with new characters, but in the same story universe as my current series. 

The Soul Searcher:

Elnora’s parents gave her one rule:

Stay hidden away at all costs. 

Elnora Scott is used to her survival depending on the decisions of others. Locked away in her safe house, it is easy to follow her parents’ dying wishes until an angel, demon, and seer show up on her door step. Now, waking up in a dirty cell, she wishes she would have gone with them when she had the chance, because the very ones who unknowingly ushered the kidnapper to her location may be the only ones who can save her now. 

When Thea learns that Elnora may be in danger, she doesn’t hesitate to go find her. However, the events leading up to Thea’s arrival in the sanctuary city of Bethesda have set off a chain reaction of unimaginable consequences. She thought stepping through the portal would be her greatest obstacle, but it only reveals a more sinister threat. How can Thea save Elnora when every decision she makes puts someone else in danger?

Just for fun, tell us your favorite:

Music genre: I enjoy a mixture of genres: Christian, rock, country, and the 80s. 

Singer or group: I don’t have a single favorite singer or group.

Movie: The Pirates of the Carribean, Ever After, The Princess Bride, Pride and Prejudice.

Book: The Hunger Games 

Food: Mexican 

Vacation spot: St. George Island

City: Senoia, GA. I’m a huge “Walking Dead” fan and seeing some of the filming places was amazing. I fell in love with the downtown area.  

What is the most interesting or unusual thing that has ever happened to you?

My husband and I were youth leaders for a long time before our youngest son was diagnosed with leukemia. In 2006, I was able to help chaperone one of our teen’s high school choir trip to France. We spent twelve days sightseeing, and they performed in several places. My favorite was when a tour guide asked them to sing in a monastery that we were visiting. It was beautiful. 

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Thank you, Erin, for your time. Best of luck with your writing! 

Thank you, Pam. I had a blast!