FAQs @ Historical Romance Author Erica Ridley

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: These questions are related to Erica's career as an author. If you're looking for non-writing-related trivia about Erica, try this page.

When did you decide you wanted to be an author?

I knew I wanted to be a writer from the time I could hold a crayon. I spent most of my childhood writing (what I considered to be) horror stories, and most of my teen years filling up spiral notebooks with long, angst-filled dramas. But it wasn’t until after I’d put writing aside in order to live and work in the Real World when I realized it meant more to me than an idle hobby. I decided to take writing seriously in 2006, became agented in 2007, and sold to Kensington in 2008.

Where are you when you’re not in front of the computer writing?

Absolutely everywhere. I go to Costa Rica for several weeks at least once a year. I also have been to (or frequently visit) Mexico, Canada, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and most of continental Europe between Portugal and Hungary. Travel and writing are my two biggest passions!

Do you have a day job?

Yes, I do. I own my own web development company. This means, in addition to writing, I am creating, designing, and programming websites seven days a week. It can be a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. Plus, the ability to work from my laptop means I am often able to do on-site research somewhere other than my hometown, while still taking care of client websites.

What do you like to read?

If it’s fiction, I gobble it up like ice cream. (And I love ice cream.) I’ve never outgrown YA--I enjoy reading Young Adult novels just as much today as I did when I fell into the target age group. I love thrillers, mysteries, suspense, horror, procedurals, science fiction, fantasy, madcap comedies, and most of all: romance.

Why romance?

Because, to me, a well-written romance has it all: humor, suspense, emotion, sexual tension, a love story, and a happy ending. A romance can have gothic, horror-style elements. A romance can suck you into the world as it was centuries ago--or how it might be, centuries to come. A romance can make you cry, make you laugh, terrify you, amuse you, entertain you, wrap you up in emotional knots--and then leave you happy and satisfied when you finally reach The End, eager for more.

Got a burning question? Just ask!