Isn’t this little teaser of Erica Rose Eberhart’s upcoming novel TARNISHED so exciting? It’s still nearly a year away from arriving into the world, but from what she says in this interview, we’re in for a treat of a book, full of strong women. Read on to see what else Erica has to say about her writing journey!
Erica, tell us a little more about yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
I'm a mother and professional editor. Since the pandemic, I've been a stay at home mom who finally had the energy and time to focus on creative writing--something I've been passionate about my entire life. I also love to bake and am actively trying to expand my knowledge of cooking. I tend to try different artistic pursuits from figure drawing to embroidery of animals, with something new every year. Living in the Finger Lakes, I spend a lot of time outdoors and take a lot of inspiration from the beautiful landscape around me. Unsurprising, I also adore reading, anything from fantasy to poetry, cookbooks to memoirs.
How did you become an author?
I've written for years but had my first poems published as a teenager. School and work came in the way and I didn't pursue publication for years until the pandemic when I began submitting creative nonfiction and finding publishing homes for that material. With TARNISHED, my debut novel, it came after 11 months of querying agents and publishers and will be published January 21, 2025!
Who’s your favourite character that you’ve ever written?
I adore all of my characters but I particularly enjoy the complexity of Greer, the heir to the throne in my novel TARNISHED. She isn't featured a lot in the novel, but she is such a multi-layered character who also endures the expectations as a first child and eldest daughter, that I feel she speaks to many people, including myself.
Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome it?
When I began my professional career, I was so overwhelmed by my full time schedule plus the 2-4 hours of commuting I did every day, that I had very little creative energy left. I wanted to write, I missed it, but all my creativity seemingly dried up. I attempted to write little journal entries, just to get pen to paper, but anything greater than that was short lived. I decided to get my MA in English and Creative Writing and that forced me to write creatively as it was part of the course work. With deadlines, it grew easier. I found creative outlets in various other ways as well, particularly in playing D&D with friends. There I was able to create a history for the character I played and through her, I began to find my creative spark again. But her story nagged at it, insisting to be known, but it didn't quite click into place until Christmas 2021 after our annual Lord of the Rings rewatch. Suddenly the character who was insisting to be known became a full-fledged thing. I saw her, her story, and she was bursting from my mind. I immediately grabbed my laptop and the rest is frenzied, joyful history.
What do you consider to be the hardest part of writing?
I feel each step has a hard part and when I am in that moment I think "this is the hardest thing ever." But ultimately, the hardest part of writing for me is getting myself to start the work that has to be done. It always seems daunting--the full revision, applying beta feedback, line edits--but once I begin the work it is always easier than I expected.
And how about the most rewarding?
Having readers message me and share that certain scenes or characters touched them and made them feel seen, that they have emotional reactions to my writing, is the most rewarding. So much of my writing is speaking to parts of myself that I felt needed to be seen in ages past, to see that others resonate with those messages and stories means all the world.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had listened to, either in life or with regards to being an author?
Don't bury what you love. You'll be so much happier if you just let yourself enjoy things and not worry about whether or not other people will find it cool. If dragons make you ridiculously excited, let them. Your own happiness is priority.
You’re putting together a party. Which characters from the Sapphic Fiction genre would you invite?
My main girls from TARNISHED--Greer, Caitriona, and Ailith--would of course be invited to the party. Caitriona is the type of girl who befriends anyone and is kind and sweet. Ailith is the type who'll let loose. Greer is serious, but likely has amazing stories. I'd love if Melantho from Lies We Sing to the Sea attended, because she's endlessly fascinating to me. Ead from The Priory of the Orange Tree would likely hit it off with Greer and exchange stories endlessly. I'd also love to get to know Constance from Cinderella is Dead a bit more, she'd be another great story teller.
Is there anyone you’d like to highlight, while you’re here?
My dear friend Courtney Collins and her husband Clarke wrote a wonderful high fantasy, In the Name of Honor, with many unique characters that publishes a week after TARNISHED! Our books are very much sisters in this world of high fantasy, magic, dragons, and kingdoms and I'm glad to be on this publishing adventure with someone as caring and attentive as Courtney.
How can people connect with you?
My website is www.ericaroseeberhart.com/ but I'm most active on Instagram and TikTok.
Finally a light-hearted one. What ice cream flavours and toppings would you put together in your ultimate sundae?
I am the most boring ice cream eater. I like it simple: vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles, or just cookie dough. But if I'm at an ice cream shop and see some new and unique flavor on the list, you bet I'll give it a try!
If you enjoyed this interview, then make sure you’re following my social media accounts (@kblakemanwriter on Twitter and @katherineblakemanwriter on Instagram) to get all the latest updates! And if you want to support my own Sapphic Fiction journey while you’re here, The Summer We’ve Had is available now, and Love You However is coming on March 22nd!
