MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ERIN LEE

MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ERIN LEE

How and when did you get started as a writer?

I started writing when I was six. My first book was called Nire: Tales of a Purple Aardvark (no joke). Think Barney.

What are your goals as an author?

Becoming an author readers will one click because they trust that I will take them on a crazy adventure.

When did you first consider yourself an author?

When I was first traditionally published in August of 2015.

Did you have a hard time sharing your work with the public?

No.

What inspires you to write?

My readers. My nature. I need to create to be happy.

If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be and why?

Marlow Harris in Pretty Bones and Boned. She’s morbidly curious but also a life lover who isn’t afraid to try new things.

What are you working on at the moment?

Finishing up my Circus Freak Series full novel.

Can you give a little morsel of what you are working on?

I just completed Unsuitable Companions, set to release in January with the Wings of the Wicked Box Set. I’m super proud of this project. It’s been a great adventure.

Here’s a sneak peek:

“Eva, may I see you please?”

I almost spit out my morning black-only coffee. He never calls me Eva. Only Eve.

I swallow hard, wishing I’d had any sort of warning for this. Dr. Iris rarely goes out of his way to meet with staff individually and certainly not in the middle of the workday. We just had morning meeting an hour ago. There can’t be more for him to say…

“Of course,” I manage to reply. “What’s up?”

He tilts his head toward a long narrow hallway where clients are seen. “My office.”

What did I do wrong? He can’t fire me. I’ve done everything he’s asked of me. I didn’t touch the files. I stayed out of them. …Does he know? Does he finally realize what’s been happening?

“Um. Okay then.”

I stand, nearly knocking over my monitor in a hasty effort to flatten the ugly brown skirt I’ve chosen for today of all days. He doesn’t notice. He doesn’t even wait for me. Instead, he begins a solo descent down the hallway, knowing full well I’m right behind him. I cover my mouth, nervous I’ll start giggling like a school girl. The sight of this—him ahead of me and walking out isn’t much different than our nights together in his fantasies. The only difference is I’m walking on two feet; I’m not on a leash.

Inside his office, he motions for me to take a seat on a long brown leather couch. I’m tempted to drop to my knees. The guy I know would never allow a pet on the furniture. Sitting across from him, at eye level, feels almost like the twilight zone. But I don’t argue. I’d just sound crazy. Slowly, I sit down, crossing my legs and pulling at the frayed hem of the ugly skirt. Now, he watches me. Finally.

He clears his throat before he speaks. “I called you in because I have a favor to ask.”

“Okay then. Should I take notes?”

“No. That won’t be necessary.”

I nod, folding my hands in my lap and telling myself not to hoot. My anxious habit of laughing in the most inappropriate of times could be the end of me. Dr. Iris does not tolerate silly. Neither does Master. Frankly, I’m not sure the man possesses a sense of humor in any capacity at all. That part? Well, it’s all me.

“I need you to enter the data.”

“The data?”

“Yes. From the files I’d asked you not to input.”

“Oh. Okay. Sure. I can do that. Have you found something?”

Fascinated by his change of heart, I’m eager to learn what his research has shown.

He shakes his head. “No. Nothing. I’m done worrying about it.”

I try to hide the disappointment in my tone. Since I’ve known him, Dr. Iris has been seeking some explanation for the condition he and so many others suffer from. Since I’ve worked for him, he’s had a one-track mind with research and has even taken on these patients free of charge just to collect the data.

“You’re done worrying about it?”

“Yes. I found out what I need to know.”

“And what was that?”

“That I am alone.”

We sit in silence for a few minutes. I wish I could barge through the portal to find out what the hell he’s talking about. Does he mean he’s alone in that he is the only one with his condition whose dark eye serves as a doorway? Does he know? Or does he mean he’s alone in the research of it? I mean, it’s not like the condition hurts anyone. Maybe he means he can’t get funding…

I press my lips together until he finally changes the subject.

“Have you ever owned a dog?”

Yep. I’m actually in the twilight zone. “Yes. A collie once. May I ask why, Sir?”

He winces, as if I’ve said something wrong. He adjusts his tie. He clears his throat and his neck becomes blotchy. “And what was his name?”

“Hers. And it was Bella.”

“I like that name. It’s nice,” he says, looking down at his palms. He cracks his knuckles.

“Thanks.” I scramble for something else to say. Finally, “Did you ever have a dog?”

He exhales—loud. “A long time ago.”

His eyes fall, telling me not to ask more. Okay. He called me in here to tell me he misses his dog, and he’s no longer worried about his condition? There has to be more to it than this. He has to know. Or, maybe sense it?

Eagar to change the mood, I jump in without thinking. “You should get another one.”

“No.”

“Okay then.” Fucking idiot. What were you thinking? He hates anything that sounds even remotely like an order. That’s his job.

“I don’t need any more pets. One was enough.”

“Okay then. Sorry, Sir.”

He clears his throat and cracks his knuckles then his neck. “You can go now. Dismissed. Get those files uploaded.”

I scramble to my feet, staring at the floor and wishing I’d worn better shoes. It doesn’t matter, I tell myself. He’s not looking. Instead, he’s already got his nose buried in a manila folder. He’s probably planning my firing. Goddammit! I’m an idiot. I know better. I should have kept my mouth closed.

What can we expect in the near future?

I’ve begun a new magical realism novel called Lusus Natuare. It’s been a blast so far… It’s about an oddities show that goes on the road learning how to incorporate their supernatural abilities in real ways to help unsuspecting townies.

If you could choose an author to be your mentor, who would it be?

Amanda Hocking

Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

I’d double jointed.

What is your greatest weakness?

I’m horrible at saying no.

What is your greatest strength?

I never quit.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A journalist.