First I must explain the two pen names that I write under.(E. A. Mourn and B. Erin Wylde), I cannot write using only one name...it just does not allow me the freedom I need to express myself properly. So, I created two people to speak for me (well two names to write under, but saying it the other way just seems somehow...more accurate!)
Many of you, who have read my novel, Deadly Intuition, written under the pen name of E. A. Mourn, have asked if I had a traumatic childhood. Sure the name sounds depressing, but hey, what do you expect? It's horror , but after a discussion at hte Book Expo America this past May...my work, as well as his own, is usually breeds of such rare animals that none fit into only one genre...I recently stopped production of Deadly Intuition, first editon, and released in late Oct of 2008, Deadly Intuition: Second Unabridged Edition.
This second edition of Deadly Intuition has been promoted as a paranormal / suspense/ fantasy / horror novel! Now that is a mouthful..but it is true.
As far as the "traumatic childhood" question, I think it is the most frequently asked question of many fiction writers, especially writers that cross the horror line here and there. As far as I go, the answer to the traumatic childhood question is an emphatic NO. The ability to write this type of fiction is something that is hard wired...a talent you are born with. Many will disagree with me on that...but that is just my take on it. Given that, I do not believe in, nor have I participated in any creative writing classes, or anything of that nature.
Since I do have a non-fiction, more poetic side to myself, I created the alter ego,B. Erin Wylde. This side of me puts out a lot of poetry, and non fiction books. The latest of these books is entitled "Where Did I Go?" , the one that was nominated to be featured at Book Expo America for a signing in LA this past May. I was able to sign along with many other hard hitting authors and a ton of celebrities (amazing how many of those guys are in the writing game now), but my favorite moment was when I was able to speak with Dean Koontz about how the writing process works for me, how strange I find it, and to my surprise, that it is the same way he writes, for the most part. I told him that I wake up, with these stories, characters, in my head, from out of nowhere it seems...then I merely transcribe their story. They are who they are, I only make their story known with my writing abilities.
He said something along the lines that, if it didn't work that way, I would not be a "real" writer. He also told me to NEVER censor my characters, and I replied that I didn't. It is like they are real... family to me in a sense. I thought I might be going crazy, but in response he told me about when the first thought of the Odd Thomas series first made an appearance in his head. I think he said he was writing Mr. Murder (sorry I cannot out right quote, but I was more interested in the discussion), could be another book, but I think that it correct, and he said that all of a sudden, this went through his head "My name is Odd Thomas, and I lead an unusual life.", He had no idea what that meant, only that this Odd, was in no way connected with the boook he was writing, but he wrote it down on scrap paper for later, and well, the rest is history. I believe that if you ask him, Odd is much more to him than just a fictional character, but family that he will mourn when the series is over, which I believe it is...unfortunately, since my writing career kicked into overdrive, I don't read the fifteen or so books a week like I used to. Well, that could be mostly the writing or the kids, not sure which...or maybe the job? Anyway, I would love to read a good book, but when I try, I just stare at my laptop, thinking I am a slacker. I eventually cave and put the book down and start writing.
About my real self (and I hate saying that because I have never felt more real than when I write about the un-real),I have a B.S. in Chemistry, a degree in Medical Technology, and another degree in Business. In addition, I have completed a decent amount of coursework in Physics and Chemical Engineering. I have worked as a scientist for many years now, but I have never felt that my heart was in that type of work, it is in my writing. I do enjoy my present job as QA Director of a Pharmaceutical Company ...I love this job because the owners are old friends of mine, and I love working with them.
I was Born and raised in the south and had little exposure to the rest of the world during my younger years. I longed to move away most of my life, and did just that after college. I live in Florida now, and oddly enough, have settled down in one of the smaller towns here. I can't imagine a better place to live and write, and would never want to leave this part of the world that is such a paradise.
I enjoy the works of Stephen King, Pat Conroy, Dean Koontz and John Sanford, to name a few. My writing is most often dark; but there is not much I can do about that, even if I wanted to. I am convinced this stuff comes to me through bizarre transmissions that are out of my control. Especially the poetry...which always comes from out of nowhere when I least expect it!
In addition to writing, I adore exploring the Gulf of Mexico, Diving and anything else that is water related. I am laid back, normal and would love to hear from anyone who wants to give me feedback....good or bad. Send me a line sometime!
