Erik S. Meyers Interview
The Indie Book Butler Interview.
Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.
Erik S. Meyers: I’m an American abroad for years and years who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, the longest in Germany, where I currently live. I’m a communications professional with 25 years of expertise in a variety of corporate roles. Reading and writing are my passions when I’m not hiking one of the amazing trails in Germany or elsewhere.
I’m the author of a business book “The Accidental Change Agent” and an adult LGBTQ historic fiction novel “Caged Time.” I’m currently reworking a detective novel and thriller/horror script for sale.
IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book(s). What would you say?
ESM: My books are honest and personal. Business is about telling it like it is. The novels will make you reflect.
IBB: Where do you like to write?
ESM: At the desk in my home office. I find the “office” environment really helps me to focus.
IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?
ESM: Notepad and pen nearby to jot down notes as I type on my laptop. Good lighting. And a cup of coffee or tea.
IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?
ESM: I love the novels by David Leavitt and W. Somerset Maugham. Growing up, my favourite Dr. Seuss was “The Five Hundred Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.
My favourite book overall is “Of Human Bondage” by Maugham. The main character is an explorer with many challenges.
Reading for me is a passion and I read all sorts of books trying to learn about new topics and ideas.
IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?
ESM: Discipline. And tons of reading.
IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?
ESM: My first and foremost goal was to finish a manuscript. I’ve done that and am really proud of myself. I love to tell stories and hope that my stories touch people.
IBB: Have you received a favourite review of your work?
ESM: I particularly liked the feedback on my business book that it was a primer you could grab just before a business meeting to get a nugget of my insight.
IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?
ESM: Trying to connect to agents and publishers and figure out how and where to best position my works.
IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?
ESM: The most important thing is to realize you can always improve. Everything I write I also reread, rework, and reflect on to try to make it the best I can.
I’m also inspired by other authors I’ve connected to online, mainly Twitter.
IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?
ESM: A relationship where the main goal is to mutually make the manuscript the best it can be, not quibble about who knows words or grammar “better.”
IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?
ESM: I didn’t write to make you like or hate what I wrote, but I appreciate that you took the time to read it and reflect.
IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
ESM: If your only goal is to make a bestseller list, maybe this isn’t the right discipline for you.
IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?
ESM: It will be varied and exciting. I’m reworking my detective novel and thriller/horror script and who knows what I will start writing next. I have several ideas for script sequels, detective novels, and fiction.
IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?
ESM: That I leave to the good people at a publisher or for my more art-driven friends. From my communications background though, I am definitely clear on concepts of how I want the cover to look.
IBB: How often do you read? What genre?
ESM: I read every day at breakfast and then in the evening. I try to read all kinds of books, but my main interests are detective novels, fantasy, US presidential history, biographies and history of food and drink.
IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…
ESM: The two authors I would like to give a shoutout to are: Michele Quirke (author of “The Fires of Treason“) and Genevieve Cogman (the author of The Invisible Library Series)
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.
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