Ask the Author: Eric Lodin
Answered Questions (8)
Eric Lodin
Very good question! I have burned the past year outlining a new trilogy of books unrelated to Rett. I need to put that to the side, though, because it's proving to be a frustrating process I'm no longer enjoying.
So...I hope to get started in Rett #3 in the new year. We've had a death in the family recently, so it might be some time before I can really get rolling. Look for Book Three in time for Summer 2025.
Crossing fingers!
So...I hope to get started in Rett #3 in the new year. We've had a death in the family recently, so it might be some time before I can really get rolling. Look for Book Three in time for Summer 2025.
Crossing fingers!
Eric Lodin
I think each of us wonders "Whatever happened to _________?"
That best friend we had in grade school who moved away.
That colleague who lost their job when we were on vacation and we never saw again.
That teacher who stood up for us against the bullies.
The search for someone lost is always a great plot for a mystery. The plot thickens when that someone disappeared under shady circumstances, when it turns out they don't want to be found, or when the trail to find them becomes dangerous.
Even in the age of social media, it can be difficult to locate someone who "vanished" — especially if they have a name that is common.
Now I'm tempted to start looking for Jim N., my best friend in the sixth grade.
And if I can't find him, to imagine a story...
That best friend we had in grade school who moved away.
That colleague who lost their job when we were on vacation and we never saw again.
That teacher who stood up for us against the bullies.
The search for someone lost is always a great plot for a mystery. The plot thickens when that someone disappeared under shady circumstances, when it turns out they don't want to be found, or when the trail to find them becomes dangerous.
Even in the age of social media, it can be difficult to locate someone who "vanished" — especially if they have a name that is common.
Now I'm tempted to start looking for Jim N., my best friend in the sixth grade.
And if I can't find him, to imagine a story...
Eric Lodin
I think ideas tend to evolve the way a Rube Goldberg invention works. One small thing leads to another small thing, and so on. First I had to decide to write a cozy mystery. Then, I found the inspiration for my sleuth's comfort zone, a recycling center / thrift store for artists. I needed a place for her to live, so I chose Raleigh, I city I know well. And so on. Various character quirks were informed by people I'd met over the years (and there are a lot of years to draw from!) Before you know it, you have a novel.
Eric Lodin
I just sit down and start writing. Usually it's about an aspect of the novel I'm working on: a theme, a character, a pivotal moment or scene. Good things happen once you jumpstart the process.
Eric Lodin
Just getting lost in the world you create, with the characters you invent. I sort of think of it as "adult play." What do I mean by that? Well, it has been said that playtime, for children, is where they test out what they have learned. Fiction for me is a sandbox in which I can put to the test all that I have learned and observed about people and life. It helps me figure things out. It's also just plain fun.
Eric Lodin
Write most every day. Keep improving, but also keep having fun with it. Keep revising, but also keep writing new stories, too. When you feel like you would like to publish something, get some friends to look at your work and offer constructive criticism. It might take several years before you start to get the positive, raving reactions you crave. Then put your work into the world. Not everyone will love it, but you will start to build an audience.
Eric Lodin
I'm writing the sequel to SOFT HEARTS. Rett is asked to help solve the mysterious death of a tech mogul. The story takes her far from Raleigh—and way out of her comfort zone. I'm having a blast writing it!
Eric Lodin
I usually have to start writing first, then inspiration hits. It's like going on a run. I'm rarely "in the mood" to run. I just know that once my body gets going, it will get in a nice rhythm and start to feel invigorated. That's the way writing is for me. It's rare that I can't get in the groove and produce a few pages after sitting down at the keyboard. It's sitting down that is sometimes the hardest part.
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