Write On! interviews author Erik S. Meyers
Erik says, “Originally from Connecticut, I am an American abroad who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, currently living in Vienna.
The author of the Sally Witherspoon murder mystery series, an award-winning adult LGBTQ Jewish historical fiction novel Caged Time, a short story anthology Connections, and a business book The Accidental Change Agent, I’m also the author of a horror script that was shortlisted at the 2024 Los Angeles Crime & Horror Film Festival.
I am represented by Cindy Bullard at Birch Literary.”
WO: How would you describe your writing to someone new to it?
ESM: I love telling a variety of stories with unique lead characters. My published works range from mysteries, to historical fiction to short stories to business.
My Sally Witherspoon mystery series, for example, follows the crime-fighting of a late 50s financial analyst turned biker bar owner in the Arkansas Ozarks.
WO: Can you tell us a bit about your latest book Death For Sale?
ESM: This is the third book in the Sally Witherspoon mystery series. It’s holiday time in Berry Springs, where many come together to enjoy good food, drink, and the company of friends. Unfortunately, death is among the mix as people get mysteriously ill at the town’s Thanksgiving dinner. Deaths follow, and Sally must race to discover the truth before more people die off.
Coupled with worry for her aging parents, she is overwhelmed with the pressure and emotions, but she’ll push through to solve the crimes and restore peace to the town.
WO: What inspired you to write in the first place, and what inspires you now?
ESM: I love reading so wanted to try my hand at writing my own stories. I started at a young age writing, writing, writing. Even today, every day and experiences, as well as dreams, give me many, many ideas for stories. At the moment, writing is my side hustle but I’m hoping to be able to write full time in the near future.
WO: Recently Write On! explored the theme of Borrowed, reflecting on the idea of what is borrowed. Writers inevitably draw on stories, structures and voices that have come before them. How do you navigate influence while maintaining a distinct creative voice?
ESM: In writing, you create unique worlds. Staying true to those and the characters living in them is important. I find when writing that the characters themselves drive a lot of the action and I’m ‘just’ seeing it and writing down what I’m seeing.
WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?
ESM: Write the story YOU want to tell, not what you think will say get you on a best-seller list (which is not a goal in my opinion. Yes it would be nice, but that shouldn’t be why you are writing in my honest opinion)
WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?
ESM: Currently I’m working on finalizing Sally Witherspoon book 4, which should be published at the end of the year with 5 and 6 to follow later. I’m also reworking a Sci-Fi novel I wrote and looking to sell my horror script, which was shortlisted at the 2024 Los Angeles Crime & Horror Film Festival.
WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?
ESM: Lyra Belacqua’s dæmon, Pantalaimon (“Pan”) in Philip Pullman’s series. I love the thought of the strong connection.
You can find out more about Erik S. Meyers here www.erikmey.com and connect with him on Facebook: @ErikSMeyersAuthor, Instagram: @erikmeyauthor and via Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/20487338.Erik_S_Meyers
Death For Sale is available to buy from any bookstore & Amazon and Barnes & Noble
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Issue 29 of Write On! is out now. Featuring an interview with travel author Tharik Hussain the theme is ‘ Borrowed’ and you can read it online here. Find it in libraries and other outlets. You can find previous editions of our magazines here.
You can hear great new ideas, creative work and writing tips on Write On! Audio. Find us on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Google Podcasts and Spotify. Type Pen to Print into your browser and look for our logo, or find us on Podcasters.Spotify.com.
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