Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the sleepy bayou town in far northwest Louisiana listening to my Mississippi and East Texas grandmother’s tales of ghosts, magic, and voodoo. I’ve written thirteen novels, four cookbooks, and many short stories. My French Quarter Mystery Series is set in New Orleans and features sleuth Wyatt Thomas along with a gang of likable, recurring characters that help stir the pot.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
New Orleans Dangerous is the title of my latest book. It’s about satanism and vampires in New Orleans and was inspired by a story one of my readers recounted to me about a recent visit she and her daughter made to the Old Ursuline Convent in New Orleans. The story she told me seemed incredulous but proved to be true. As I researched the story I traced vampires back 300 years to the reign of France’s Louis XIV. When I began writing the book I didn’t believe in vampires. Now I do. If you’re skeptical, just visit the Dungeon Club in the French Quarter after midnight.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, too many to list.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m an avid reader with a wide range of interests from Shakespeare to Stephen King. Some of my favorite indie authors are CP Shepard, JC Brennan, and Paul Cude.
What are you working on now?
The title of my work in progress is Craters of the Moon, Book 9 of my French Quarter Mystery Series. When archeologists digging at an abandoned Creole townhouse in New Orleans find a dismembered skeleton and the preserved body of a fairy with missing wings, it sets private investigator Wyatt Thomas on an adventure that leads to the dark side of his mind.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have many loyal readers on my Facebook fan page LouisianaMysteryWriter. I also have lots of followers on Twitter at @ericwilderok. My most reliable method of selling books is promoting on book promotion sites like awesomegang.com, bargainbooksy.com, etc.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have a wonderful and evocative book cover. Make sure your book is thoroughly edited and free of typos, storyline flaws, etc. Most of all, tell a great story and keep your readers enthralled.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give your reader a chance to lose interest. Start your book with a hook and end each chapter with a hook.
What are you reading now?
Jim and Martha: a Novel on Eco Living by Joel Schueler
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep writing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Girl Who Played With Fire
Any book by John D. MacDonald
Author Websites and Profiles
Eric Wilder Website
Eric Wilder Amazon Profile
Eric Wilder Author Profile on Smashwords
Eric Wilder’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account