...EH DRAKE!
There is an odd traveling community of writers, artists, cosplayers, toy collectors, comic book dealers, and fans that gather at various conventions and events all around the Midwest. In my travels, I've met a lot of cool and interesting people, but I always gravitate to my fellow authors the most. When I first met EH Drake at a Quad Con in St. Cloud, MN, she wore a dress with an HP Lovecraft-style leviathan climbing up from the hem and I couldn't help but think, this looks like an interesting person. I wasn't wrong! She writes murder mysteries with vampires. Ann Rice meets Lee Child sort of vibe.
Here is her answers to the 7 Questions:
1. What was the first book you read that made you want to be a writer?
I'm going to cheat and turn this into a two-parter: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle was the first time I was sucked straight into a story (it doesn't hurt that the audiobook was narrated by the author, and I was on a particularly long drive as a very bored child.) Ever since then I've been scribbling stories in notebooks I hope no one ever finds. But later, reading Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost reminded me of one of the more persistent character that had NOT left me alone since high-school. This sent Gabe's ceaseless whisper into an ear shattering scream through a megaphone and well... now Blood Herring is in the world and I'm juggling the sequel and a zombie western.
2. What, in your opinion, is the quintessential vampire novel? Dracula? Salem's Lot? Interview with a Vampire? Twilight?
The problem here is that I love the endless possibilities in the vampire archetype. Thus, I'm rather particular about it. A lot of vampire fiction just loves to excuse awful behavior because "Well, they aren't human" while simultaneously romanticizing the big-strong monster. Everyone (me included) wants to have their fang-riddled-cake and eat it too, but the trend still frustrates the <bleep!> out of me.
With that tangent complete, I was recently surprised by Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindvist. Horror novels aren't usually my jam, but this giant, gothic brick was a present from my husband. And... it was fantastic! It handled the darkness in a unique way; the author used the trope effectively to explore the monster in everyone. So, I guess that's my answer for now. But I'm always hunting. ;)
3. My dog has to turn in a circle three times before laying down for a good nap. Do you have any pre-writing rituals or routines to get you ready to write?
For me, it's mostly about writing at least one sentence a day. 'Cause, really, that's a bit like eating one potato chip or M&M. Can any of us stop after one?
4. We met at a couple conventions around central Minnesota. What’s the next event you’re really excited about?
Events are my favorite so this question really isn't fair. Writing is very a solitary kind of work by it's nature. In many ways, that suits me really well but anyone who meets me (or reads this) will know I love to engage with people. But I am extra excited to take Blood Herring to Iowa with Quad Con, March 23rd-24th. (Free event Iowa, just saying.)
5. This summer, Barbenheimer was a cinematic phenomenon. If it were up to you, what nostalgic toy line and tragic world event would you pair up for next summer's blockbuster season?
Well, Tekno the Robot Puppy was already a tragedy in its own right. (Dogs can run after you, just saying.) Let's pair this with the Chernobyl Meltdown and see what happens. I'll sit here and wait to be canceled for saying that.
6. Any blogs, columns, or non-fiction projects?
We (my editor and I) are starting a podcast soon. (The first full episode will feature an announcement many have been hounding me for.) We've already uploaded a few free audiobook samples on YouTube and Spotify. Just search for E.H. Drake.
7. How can we find your books?
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, all the usual. My website is the best place (and not just because I sign them.) www.EHDrake.com. Free sample chapters included, see you there!
Here is her answers to the 7 Questions:
1. What was the first book you read that made you want to be a writer?
I'm going to cheat and turn this into a two-parter: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle was the first time I was sucked straight into a story (it doesn't hurt that the audiobook was narrated by the author, and I was on a particularly long drive as a very bored child.) Ever since then I've been scribbling stories in notebooks I hope no one ever finds. But later, reading Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost reminded me of one of the more persistent character that had NOT left me alone since high-school. This sent Gabe's ceaseless whisper into an ear shattering scream through a megaphone and well... now Blood Herring is in the world and I'm juggling the sequel and a zombie western.
2. What, in your opinion, is the quintessential vampire novel? Dracula? Salem's Lot? Interview with a Vampire? Twilight?
The problem here is that I love the endless possibilities in the vampire archetype. Thus, I'm rather particular about it. A lot of vampire fiction just loves to excuse awful behavior because "Well, they aren't human" while simultaneously romanticizing the big-strong monster. Everyone (me included) wants to have their fang-riddled-cake and eat it too, but the trend still frustrates the <bleep!> out of me.
With that tangent complete, I was recently surprised by Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindvist. Horror novels aren't usually my jam, but this giant, gothic brick was a present from my husband. And... it was fantastic! It handled the darkness in a unique way; the author used the trope effectively to explore the monster in everyone. So, I guess that's my answer for now. But I'm always hunting. ;)
3. My dog has to turn in a circle three times before laying down for a good nap. Do you have any pre-writing rituals or routines to get you ready to write?
For me, it's mostly about writing at least one sentence a day. 'Cause, really, that's a bit like eating one potato chip or M&M. Can any of us stop after one?
4. We met at a couple conventions around central Minnesota. What’s the next event you’re really excited about?
Events are my favorite so this question really isn't fair. Writing is very a solitary kind of work by it's nature. In many ways, that suits me really well but anyone who meets me (or reads this) will know I love to engage with people. But I am extra excited to take Blood Herring to Iowa with Quad Con, March 23rd-24th. (Free event Iowa, just saying.)
5. This summer, Barbenheimer was a cinematic phenomenon. If it were up to you, what nostalgic toy line and tragic world event would you pair up for next summer's blockbuster season?
Well, Tekno the Robot Puppy was already a tragedy in its own right. (Dogs can run after you, just saying.) Let's pair this with the Chernobyl Meltdown and see what happens. I'll sit here and wait to be canceled for saying that.
6. Any blogs, columns, or non-fiction projects?
We (my editor and I) are starting a podcast soon. (The first full episode will feature an announcement many have been hounding me for.) We've already uploaded a few free audiobook samples on YouTube and Spotify. Just search for E.H. Drake.
7. How can we find your books?
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, all the usual. My website is the best place (and not just because I sign them.) www.EHDrake.com. Free sample chapters included, see you there!