Erica Orloff was kind enough to answer a few of my questions. I hope you enjoy this interview.
1 – Tell us a little bit about you.
I’m a full-time writer/book editor. I’m a native New Yorker, transplanted to Virginia. I still miss the bagels. :) I’m a mom of four from an adult daughter down to a 6-year-old Pirate Boy. Both my parents live with me—so we are a truly three-generation household. In my non-existent free time—and I do mean non-existent—I like to knit, read, play poker, and feed the ducks with the little Pirate Boy.
I’m a full-time writer/book editor. I’m a native New Yorker, transplanted to Virginia. I still miss the bagels. :) I’m a mom of four from an adult daughter down to a 6-year-old Pirate Boy. Both my parents live with me—so we are a truly three-generation household. In my non-existent free time—and I do mean non-existent—I like to knit, read, play poker, and feed the ducks with the little Pirate Boy.
2 - Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, when did you decide you wanted to write?
I think I’ve always wanted to be a writer, though I went through the whole animal-lover/want to be a veterinarian thing when I was a teen.
I think I’ve always wanted to be a writer, though I went through the whole animal-lover/want to be a veterinarian thing when I was a teen.
3 – I really liked Illuminated. How did you come up with the idea of writing a book revolving around an illuminated manuscript and a celebrated couple?
I think illuminated manuscripts are beautiful, and when I did some research on palimpsests (hidden texts beneath texts), I loved the metaphor. It’s the idea of whether or not we can ever really know someone’s secrets.
I think illuminated manuscripts are beautiful, and when I did some research on palimpsests (hidden texts beneath texts), I loved the metaphor. It’s the idea of whether or not we can ever really know someone’s secrets.
4 – Have you always been interested in history and its mysteries?
I have. I am a total geek about learning one little factoid in history and then next thing you know I’ve spent hours researching and reading about it. I write middle-grade fiction as Erica Kirov, and the Magickeepers series blends real historical figures with my fictional ones.
I have. I am a total geek about learning one little factoid in history and then next thing you know I’ve spent hours researching and reading about it. I write middle-grade fiction as Erica Kirov, and the Magickeepers series blends real historical figures with my fictional ones.
5 – Of all your characters, which one was the hardest to write?
I rewrote the father once or twice—Callie’s father. I wanted to show how someone could seem so . . . awful or unkind, but that in some ways, he was also misunderstood.
I rewrote the father once or twice—Callie’s father. I wanted to show how someone could seem so . . . awful or unkind, but that in some ways, he was also misunderstood.
6 - What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about writing? And what about the least rewarding?
I love hearing from readers. When writing for middle grade kids, especially, they are so excited and enthusiastic. I also love that “shiny new manuscript” moment, when you are starting a book and anything is possible. I don’t know what I don’t like except that occasional book signing that goes over like a lead balloon. Though most of mine have been a lot of fun.
I love hearing from readers. When writing for middle grade kids, especially, they are so excited and enthusiastic. I also love that “shiny new manuscript” moment, when you are starting a book and anything is possible. I don’t know what I don’t like except that occasional book signing that goes over like a lead balloon. Though most of mine have been a lot of fun.
7- What author or authors have influenced you the most?
I started out as a comedy writer—wrote chick lit titles for Red Dress Ink. So my work has always been fairly dialogue driven. Consequently, I love Elmore Leonard. Also like Neil Gaiman. I am in awe of Margaret Atwood.
I started out as a comedy writer—wrote chick lit titles for Red Dress Ink. So my work has always been fairly dialogue driven. Consequently, I love Elmore Leonard. Also like Neil Gaiman. I am in awe of Margaret Atwood.
8 – Are you working on a new book right now? If yes, what can you tell us about it?
I am. But the announcement is about three weeks away (waiting for the counter-signed contracts. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter so you can see when I announce it! But suffice it to say, I am SUPER excited because it has a very unusual concept.
I am. But the announcement is about three weeks away (waiting for the counter-signed contracts. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter so you can see when I announce it! But suffice it to say, I am SUPER excited because it has a very unusual concept.
9 – Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?
Just that I’ve appreciated hearing from my chick lit readers who then bought my Magickeepers series or vice versa, my Magickeepers moms who have now bought Illuminated or other books of mine. I just am grateful for reader support over the years.
Just that I’ve appreciated hearing from my chick lit readers who then bought my Magickeepers series or vice versa, my Magickeepers moms who have now bought Illuminated or other books of mine. I just am grateful for reader support over the years.
Thank you for the interview!
You can find Erica Orloff at:
Sounds like it might be a good book, although not really my type of read. :)
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