Today I am speaking with Erika Kire.

Hello Erika, and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews. Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to speak with us today.

Thanks! I'm honored to be on FAR, especially since you've interviewed some of my favorite writers.

Erika, you have an interesting website. Why not tell us something about Erika Kire. How would you describe a typical day in your life?

A typical day lately has included writing, researching, and letting my dogs in and out of the house ever ten minutes. I've successfully managed to dodge cleaning the bathroom for three straight months while focusing on my stories—which is really a gift.

Would you like to tell us a little about your recent release?

Sure! The Viking Stones, which earned four angels in its review, is about four brothers born in the tenth century who are transported to the 21st century. They're the descendents of gods and have unique, supernatural abilities. An ancient evil, as they say in the movies, still haunts not only them but the modern women in their lives. It's a great mix of suspense, sensuality, adventure, and did I mention sensuality? I collaborated with writers Mikki Leigh and Jenna Marshall on it and have two stories; "Heart of the Bear" and "Dreamwalker".

Has being published changed your life in any way?

It's made me appreciate writing all the more because this is hard work! Writing the story is a blast but I never realized how much work goes into promoting while continuing to write future releases. Other than that, I'm still insisting upon only green M&Ms and I only drink sparkling water, but that was way before I was published.

What does your working space look like? Are you an organized person?

You've obviously never been in my house! LOL. Unlike most writers, I don't have an office or a special place to write, but I'm not a conventional writer (i.e I don't have outlines and most of the time I don't have an ending to my story when I start it). On occasion I've gone to this great coffee house and spent hours writing there. If I'm at home I either sit at the kitchen table or on the couch. My cat Missy is my biggest fan. She sits for hours and serves as an armrest. I'm thinking she wants a cut of my next royalties check…

From what do you derive the most inspiration for your writing?

Hot men, LOL. I spend a lot of time looking at pictures of people like James Purefoy, Henry Ian Cusiak, Gerard Butler, and baseball players. Actually, I don't know if that's inspiration or distraction. Whatever it is, I like it!

Really, I'll just see a normal, every day occurrence and while walking away an idea will pop into my mind. Or I'll see someone and think they make a really great character. Anything can be an inspiration, and as a friend and fellow author once said "Good writers borrow, great writers steal." I'm guilty of stealing little moments. Definitely.

Do you have any special routine to help you get in the mood to write?

I have the greatest muse. I wrote my first book when I was in second grade and from there I just kept going. My high school English teacher, Jody Weiss (who recently passed away from breast cancer) was a huge inspiration and encouraged me to keep writing.

I write every single day and I type it all out exclusively. My family always gets angry with me for going on vacation and still writing but it's never a chore for me. I absolutely love it and it's a thrill to be able to do what I love in life. It's also an honor to be able to share my love of writing with people.

What is your favorite part of a book to write?

The beginning! LOL. That's the easiest. The ending is always tough because I don't always want to let go of my characters at the end, especially when I feel really connected to them. To be honest, I'm a huge fan of dialogue and I love the way people react to one another, so no matter where I am in my book I have a blast writing it.

What is the biggest false impression about being an author?

Hmmm. I think people who are "non-writers" always think it's such a chore to come up with a story and characters. That seems to be what I hear most from people. But, at the same time, I can look at a painting and think wow, how do they do it? You just do. You're either a writer or you're not, and it's perfectly fine to be either. For me, I think I'd go crazy if I didn't write and I know for certain I'm crazy because I do allow all of these characters to live in my head and tell me their lives.

What about the one habit you have that you know you’ll never change?

I write multiple stories at the same time, which helps me to keep writing and polishing even if it's not the same story. I don't know many writers who concentrate on more than one story but it works for me.

Every writer dreams about receiving “the call”. What were you doing when yours came in? Did you do anything special to celebrate?

This is kind of funny. My co-writer Mikki instant messaged me and asked if she could have my phone number because she had something important to tell me. I pretty much knew at that point, LOL. I'm terrible at surprises. You can just ask my mom about the year she used removable tape on all the Christmas presents. Way to go, Mom!

Mikki, Jenna, and I celebrated by going out to lunch. My friends and I then celebrated by going to see the Railcats play baseball, which consequently helped to get me started on my newest book with writer Sylea Drake. I got to party and plan my next book! LOL

Do you have another website, other than,www.gabrina.com that you would like to share with us?

I'm on myspace as well and my url is www.myspace.com/erikakirewrites It's where I blog, mostly. One day I'll have my own web site but right now I'd rather focus on writing rather than setting up something. As long as Gabrina doesn't mind I mooch off her space I'll be sleeping on the virtual couch!

What is your favorite spot to travel?

Arizona! I love the western part of the United States, especially the state of Arizona. I would move out there in a heartbeat. Sedona, I think, would be my Mecca of inspiration. I miss the desert.

What is your all time favorite food or dessert?

I live near Chicago and am completely spoiled with great deep dish pizza. Other than that, how can one go wrong with a banana split? You've got chocolate, you've got ice cream, you've got healthy bananas!

Is there anything else that you would like to add, Erika?

I owe everything to my wonderful, wonderful supportive fans and great friends out there. I have the greatest online community a writer could ask for as well as the best in-person critique group. I've been quite fortunate in my career thus far.

I also have to thank my parents, who never knew what I was writing but were always behind me 100%, always encouraging me to be creative.

Again, thank you very much, Erika for taking time to speak with us today. I wish you the best in all your great works and look forward to more delights in the future.

Thank you so much, Linda! You asked some fun questions and it's been a pleasure to be a part of Fallen Angel Reviews. Can't wait to have a new release out! Until next time!

Interviewed by: Linda L