Interview: Eric Arvin

Hello avid readers. I hope you are feeling good today, for I have a treat for you… Someone who has a lot of humor (yes, I’m sure you laughed reading some of his posts) and who can write about terrifying things like… Zombies!

Yep, that’s right. I’m having Eric Arvin today. And btw, isn’t he gorgeous??

 

 

 

 

The morning, you are tea or coffee?

Tea. I have never been a coffee person, except for Frappuccino’s. I’m addicted to them.

 

What kind of books do you write?

Magical realism, speculative fiction, and fantasy for the most part. But I also write some satire and, occasionally, some erotica. I like to keep things interesting so I’ll try anything.

 

Why did you choose this genre?

It chose me. Fantastic stories have always been the ones that have most interested me, from the land of Oz to Hal Duncan’s amazing Book of All Hours.

 

When you write, are you keyboard or paper?

Keyboard, though I do have a written outline.

 

Are you more motivated to write when the sun shines or when the weather is gray?

The moodier the better.

 

Where do you find your inspiration?

Music, art, nature, anything can be a source of inspiration.

 

When you start a book, do you already have the whole story in your head, or is it built progressively?

Most of the story is there, or at least an outline. That said, the story always changes as I write and the characters introduce themselves to me. Sometimes a character who wasn’t in the outline shows up and changes the rest of the story. I love it when that happens.

 

How do you feel before the release of a book? Fear, joy? And after?

Before, nervous. After, deflated. It’s like you’re preparing for a big party and the day after – crickets.

 

Between your first and last novel, do you feel a change? Do you write differently?

Definitely. I can edit myself much better.

 

They say that writers project themselves into the skin and into the head of his hero / heroine, is that the case for you?

Absolutely. I become every character I write. Even the demons.

 

You define yourself more like a bookworm, a city mouse or a country mouse?

A country mouse.

 

Molière said: “Writing is like prostitution. First we write for the love of it, then for a few friends, and in the end for money.” What do you think about it?

It’s a bit true. But as long as you keep the love for it alive I think you’re fine. The moment I hate writing I’ll quit.

 

Your books have already been translated?

Yes. Galley Proof and Simple Men have been, or are in the process of being, translated into Spanish, Italian, French, and German.

 

Do you pay attention to literary criticism?

I think it’s very important to pay attention to criticism as long as it’s not just a spiteful rant. If the critic is saying something I as a writer can use to better myself, well, then, I’ll use it. If they say something like “I wanted to take a chainsaw to this book” without explaining why I just assume they’re cold and need the kindling.

 

The days are 25 hours. You spend that extra hour in the garden or in the kitchen?

Outside.

 

What is the book you would bring with you on a deserted island?

Just one? Maybe A Separate Peace by John Knowles or Narrow Rooms by James Purdy.

 

In the evening, do you turn off the light directly or do you take the time to read?

Lately, I’ve been listening to music to get me to sleep. If I read or write before bed I find it very difficult to fall asleep.

 

 

 

Now I can hear you wondering: where do I find this book about Zombies? Well, I’ll tell you where… Here! (pretty cool cover, right?)



 

 

 

And now, I’m going to give you the links to reach Eric. First, there’s his Personal Facebook Page and his Facebook Author Page Then, his Website and finally on Twitter.

 

Enjoy!!!