Today, I’m pleased to announce that Erika Marks is back with an Author Spotlight. In this, she confesses her #literaryconfessions and #literarycrush! Come see what else she revealed today!
Author Spotlight:
Erika, when you are not writing- what are some of your favorite things to do?
Being outside, for one! My husband is a biologist so we are big hikers and campers and gardeners. We are also a family of cooks and bakers, and are always looking to try new recipes.
Could you tell us some of your favorite authors?
There are so many! I would definitely include Alice Hoffman, Annie Proulx, Louise Erdrich, Karen White, Andre Dubus, Wendy Wax, Jo-Ann Mapson, Ann Hite, Stephen King, Elizabeth Berg, Anne Rivers Siddons.
What book (or books!) will you always make room for on your shelf?
LIFE OF PI
Do you have any #literaryconfessions? (Mine is: Last summer I confessed that I’d never read Pride and Prejudice (although now I have!)
I’ve never read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE either! In fact, I’ve been slowing chipping away at a list of classics that I always wanted to read but never did, so my #literaryconfessions could take a while!
Do you have a #literarycrush?
Oh, I absolutely do! I remember all of my earliest literary crushes. Ben Mears from Stephen King’s ‘SALEM’S LOT, I always loved him for the way he swoops in and takes matters into his hands and ultimately saves young Mark, becoming like a father to him. Atticus Finch, definitely. Finny, from A SEPARATE PEACE. Pretty much all the Curtis boys in THE OUTSIDERS. And of course, Gilbert Blythe!
What are some of the books that will be in your beach bag for 2013?
There are so many I’m excited about! For starters, Susan Tekulve’s IN THE GARDEN OF STONE, Karen White’s THE TIME BETWEEN, Louise Erdrich’s THE ROUND HOUSE, Beth Hoffman’s LOOKING FOR ME.
What was your favorite childhood book?
I loved John Christopher’s Tripods trilogy (Will was definitely one of my early #literarycrushes!)
Was there a person or a book series that helped start your love of reading?
My sixth grade English teacher, Mr. McKee. He gathered a group of us—outside of class—and we read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy with his guidance and support. It was extraordinary. There’s no question his encouragement and passion for books and story made a huge impact on me.
If you were not an author, what would you want to be?
If I weren’t such a lightweight when it comes to blood, I would want to be a doctor or a vet.
If you could be a character in a book, who would you be? Why?
Oh wow—what a great question! I’d have to say Claudia from FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER. I mean, spend the night in the Met?! What could be cooler?
Now that you’ve read through the author spotlight- I have more to announce! Today begins the #giveaway for a copy of The Guest House, Erika’s latest book. It’s a lovely story- and one that should be read with a glass of sweet tea.
To enter the giveaway (sorry US only!) please comment on this post. Include your email (you may use the (AT) and (DOT)). The giveaway ends Thursday, June 20th at 11:59pmEST. While liking Traveling With T’s Facebook page or following the blog will not earn extra entries- it’s always appreciated. 🙂
ICYMI: Interview with Erika Marks
Traveling With T’s Review of The Guest House
Traveling With T 
I’ve read several wonderful reviews about this book, so I’d love to read it.
You are entered 🙂 🙂 You’ll know next Friday if you are the lucky winner!
What a fun interview! Erika is dynamite … a wonderfully “real” person and a talented author. I was so surprised to see my book in her beach bag! Thanks, Erika … yours is going on tour with me!
Thank you! Coming from you, Beth, that means a lot! I think Looking for Me will be in tons of beach bags this summer (as will The Guest House!)
Great interview! I’d love to read Erika’s latest!
Thank you! You’re entered 🙂 You’ll know next Friday if you are winner, winner chicken dinner!
Great interview! I enjoyed “The Life of Pi” too and I have yet to read “Pride and Prejudice” either. Erika’s latest book sounds good.
Thanks! The Guest House is incredible! You are entered- and will know next Friday if you are lucky winner 🙂
I suppose my new #literaryconfession should be I’ve never read Life of Pi (b/c I finally read Pride and Prejudice!)
I love this and several of the references brought back lovely childhood memories (Mixed-Up Files; Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables, etc.) I’ve been wanting to read The Guest House.
That is so wonderful- I’m glad this interview brought up good memories! You are entered- you’ll find out next Friday if you won!
Love it! Please enter my name to win.
You’re entered! You’ll know Friday if you are the winner!
Would love to read your book!
You are entered. You’ll find out on Friday if you won!
Great interview!! I’d have to say Mr.Darcy is quite charming;). Glad you read P&P and Ericka has it on her list! Thanks for the giveaway! Booksintheburbs (at)gmail (dot) com
Thank you! Erika was a dream to interview! Pride and Prejudice- it took me some time- but once I got into it, I really enjoyed!
You’ll find out tomorrow if you are the winner!
What a fun interview! I am thrilled that I found your blog- so many wonderful books waiting to be read. I can’t wait to get started!
Britney- You are too kind! I’m glad you found my blog as well! You are entered in The Guest House giveaway as well. You’ll find out Friday if you won!
What a fun interview
Thank you! You are entered for The Guest House as well!
******ATTENTION: The Erika Marks giveaway of The Guest House is closed*********
The Winner is: Suzy M. Thank you for your interest!
This looks like a great summer read! Please enter me into the drawing.
You’re entered! And it’s a great summer read!
What a lovely cover. . . I love books with settings on the water. great interview!!
It is a beautiful cover! And thank you! You’re entered in the giveaway!