Horror
Date Published:10-13-2023
A series of haunting nightmares draws five former residents of a New York City high-rise back to their one-time home. But this is not a reunion. These five strangers have never met. But they are connected.
The depressed photographer with telekinetic abilities … the paralegal who reads evil thoughts of strangers … the struggling author who can predict dark futures … the malicious hypnotist … the witch’s daughter …
They have met in their dreams, and they have observed the shadows who follow them until they awaken. Now they want answers. And when the five board the same elevator at the same time, an ominous reality surfaces. They did not return on their own. They were drawn back. Drawn by their nightmares. Drawn by darkness.
Drawn … to be collected.
Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
Everyone has been to a
dark place at some point in their lives. I want people to understand that while
it can be terrifying and easy to give in, they can fight the darkness and the
inner demons, and they can win that fight.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Endings have always been
challenging for me. Even with a strong outline, I’m frequently stumped at how
to end the story. I have been reading more novels than ever before, paying
close attention to how each author ends their stories. I also will not start
writing a story without having at least a general idea of where and how I want
it to end.
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
This
Is How He Collects Them will be my sixth published
novel. I also published a book of stage plays, have two published novellas, and
earlier this year, I had a story accepted to a horror anthology. It is hard to
pick one favorite, but my debut novel (PUMMELED) will always be one I go
back to for inspiration. I love the main character and the plot of that novel,
but the fact that I was finally able to break through and finish a novel was an
achievement.
If You had the chance to cast your main character from
For the main protagonist,
I would pick Bradley Cooper, as he has the look and the voice that I envision
for him. As for the antagonist, I would choose Patrick Bateman in his American
Psycho persona, as he is both charming and brutal.
When did you begin writing?
I wrote my first short
story in third grade. That was the point I discovered that I enjoyed telling
stories. I would continue writing both for class assignments and for fun all
throughout high school and college.
How long did it take to complete your first book?
The first draft took about
seven months to complete. After that, I spent nearly two years editing and
revising. I even sent it off to several beta readers to garner feedback before
finally publishing.
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
Growing up, I was an avid fan of Stephen King. I loved how he
connected most of his stories, putting them in the same universe. I am still a
fan today, but now I read other various other authors such as Grady Hendrix,
Riley Sager, Lucy Foley, and Richard Chizmar. I have also become more fascinated
by independent authors.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Of course publishing the
novel is always the greatest feeling, but finishing the outline and preparing
to start the manuscript is a favorite part of mine. Coming up with the first
line and then tearing into the first chapter is a massive rush.
Describe your latest book in 4 words.
Portal of darkness
descends
Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the
future for your writing?
I am currently working on a couple short stories that I will be
submitting to various outlets, but in November, I am going to start the first
novel in a new horror series that I am currently finalizing the outline
to.
About the Author
A writer since grade school, Eric Woods resides in Springfield, Illinois and finally published his first novel in 2018. Today he has five novels, two novellas, and one book of stage plays. Most recently, his short story “The Taurus Bull” was featured in HorrorScope: A Zodiac Anthology.
If you want to be spooked in person, Eric hosts the Lincoln Ghost Walk in Springfield (through October). Come take the tour and learn some creepy tales about the 16th President of the United States!
Eric earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Communication from the University of Illinois Springfield. He served as a collegiate speech and debate coach for seven years, and has been a local freelance writer since 2005.
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