Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have just published my first novel, but I have been writing since grade school when I discovered how much fun it was to create and tell new stories. Along with my one novel, I have written 10 stage plays, two of which have been produced on stage.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
PUMMELED was just published in June of this year. It is hard to pinpoint where the inspiration came from. I have always been motivated to write in the horror/thriller/murder mystery genres, but this tale is none of those. It is action-drama, and it began when I read a story about a topic that has always bothered me – domestic abuse. I also had just become a fan of MMA star Ronda Rousey. So the next thing I know, I came up with the idea of putting a female into a situation where she has experienced some personal domestic issues but has learned how to literally fight back. The more I began outlining the story, the more the story began to write itself. Eventually I had written more than 100,000 words and told the story of this strong female who had gone through hell growing up but overcame all obstacles and never gave up on the fight.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For 25 years, I have wanted to write a novel. But something always got in the way. Usually it was me rushing the idea and not fully thinking it out. I would start on an idea, but soon I would either get bored, or I would hit a wall. When I started writing PUMMELED, I first drew out character sketches but also formed an outline of where I wanted the book to go. I would write down quotes that I wanted in the book, even if I had no idea where it would go. Many things changed over the duration of the writing process, but having that outline gave me somewhere to go with the story, and I have now formed an outline for the next novel. And sure enough, I am plugging away with an end goal in mind.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King is my all time favorite author and the inspiration to write in the horror genre. My favorite book of his is IT. Growing up, I was also a huge fan of C.S. Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia.
What are you working on now?
I am about to the midway point of my second novel, a horror story that I am hoping turns out as well as my first novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a Facebook author page, but having it available on Amazon is a great way to promote.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Don’t overthink it. Just write. All the other technical stuff can wait until you are done with your manuscript. If you have a story, get it out there before you worry about anything else.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t edit as you go along. Get the first draft out there and then go back to edit.
What are you reading now?
Duma Key by Stephen King
The Butcher Bride by Vince Churchill
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will keep promoting my first novel as much as I can, but I will also continue to plug away on my second one.
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?
Stephen King’s IT
The Natural – Bernard Malamud
Pummeled – Eric Woods 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
Eric Woods Website
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