About Eric Shapiro:
Eric Shapiro is a writer and filmmaker. Called "the next Philip K. Dick" by author Kealan Patrick Burke, Shapiro is the author of six critically acclaimed fiction books, among them the novella "It's Only Temporary" (2005), which appeared on Nightmare Magazine's list of the Top 100 Horror Books, and numerous short stories published in anthologies alongside work by H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, Chuck Palahniuk, and many others. His nonfiction articles have been published on The Daily Dot, Ravishly, and The Good Men Project. His first feature film, "Rule of 3" (2010), won awards at the Fantasia International Film Festival and Shriekfest, and had its U.S. premiere at Fantastic Fest. His second feature film, "Living Things" (2014), was endorsed by PETA (People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals) and distributed by Cinema Libre Studio. In 2015, he won the 19th Annual Fade In Award for Thriller Screenplays. He was a founding partner of Ghostwriters Central, a writing and editing firm which has received positive notices from The Wall Street Journal, Consumers Digest, and the TV program "Intelligence For Your Life." Eric has edited works published on The Huffington Post and Forbes, as well as two Bram Stoker Award-nominated novels. He lives in Northern California with his wife, Rhoda, and their two sons.
What inspires you to write?
As I get a little older, it all starts with a character. That's what's holding me to the medium after writing since I was a kid: the psychology of the characters; coming up with a soul/psyche and getting inside of it.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Eric Bogosian, Jon Krakauer. In college: Chuck Palahniuk. Growing up: it was all Stephen King.
Tell us about your writing process.
I usually burn for 2 to 4 hours without looking back. First, there's an hour or so of lazy reading time, just to lull my mind into the act of writing. I don't read anything demanding during that time, just something to get me near words, letters, et cetera. Then I usually struggle for a paragraph or two, doubting if I've come out the gate the right way. After those first couple paragraphs, it becomes very instinctual and subconscious, and I don't look back 'til later, when it's time to edit. I'd say I'm about 40% outliner, 60% seat of my pants. I hold a mental image of the main character in mind before starting a given project. Once the "feel" is there, I usually start drafting.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
All listening. I wish they would listen to me! But I can't even move them an inch. They are who they are, and I'm transcribing.
What advice would you give other writers?
The most important thing is to just sit down and do it. Also, take responsibility for every single sentence.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I went traditional for 18 straight years, and my first novel, RED DENNIS, newly out in 2020, is traditionally published. But as my backlist accumulated and more digital marketing avenues opened up, I took the backlist and republished it on my own label. I also self-published a brand new nonfiction book with writing tips called ASS PLUS SEAT at the same time (early 2020).
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
It's going to be predominantly an indie, self-publishing, entrepreneurial, DIY endeavor in about another generation. Authors will increasingly think of themselves as shopkeepers, with a command not just of creativity, but marketing and fan engagement.
What genres do you write?: Suspense, Horror, Sci-fi
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Link To Eric Shapiro Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
