Interview with Erika Knudsen-Author of Beyond the Threshold

Meet Erika Knudsen

I am pleased to welcome Erika Knudsen to the interview table. Erika is the owner of Eris Publishing and the author of two vampire novels Beyond the Threshold of Death and Resurrected. Sit with us and listen in as Erika explains what inspired her to write her novels and talks about some of the challenges of being an independent publisher.

Arwen Taylor: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Erika Knudsen: The vampire genre has always been a love of mine and the deep interest in the topic is what led me to write my first book fourteen years ago. Having always possessed a great imagination I never found it difficult to submerse myself into my characters and bring them to life. Not only does the vampire genre interest me but the theme of ghosts, witches and all things supernatural capture my intrigue as well. I find the writing process in whole a way to release my thoughts and emotions on humanity, morality and my own intrigue with the paranormal.

I am currently working on my third book, which is different from my first two books, which are the beginning of a vampire series. This new book deals with family secrets, ghosts, and witchcraft, just to give a very brief overview of topics.

Arwen Taylor: I see you have written two novels about the same Heroine Dierdra O’Dea. What inspired you to create this character?

Erika Knudsen: Well, way back when I first began Beyond the Threshold of Death I was eighteen years old and since the original premise was – how would I react if I ever became a blood sucking fiend – I loosely based Deirdra on me, on my thoughts; but early in the writing process, I was surprised how ‘Deirdra’ became her own entity. I thought about what she would do, not so much, what would I do or say.

I wanted Deirdra to be a strong yet caring character; I didn’t want her to be the stereotypical ‘siren’ vampire. I guess subconsciously I wanted to make her a valiant woman, fearless not only in mind but also physically strong and for the most part, never afraid of a man or what the world and universe will bring to her. A character, I hope, that young women could enjoy reading and embrace her strengths.

Arwen Taylor: Please tell us about your two novels and what readers can expect from reading them.

Get Beyond the Threshold of Death from Amazon.com

Erika Knudsen: In the first book, Beyond the Threshold of Death, the reader finds the main character Deirdra (modern day) in a weakened state, fearful for herself and for all vampires. She is eerily aware that an unknown being has been awakened and his fury has been released. Wishing for simpler times, she remembers clearly her youth in the country side of Ireland, 1795, and the reader is delved into when Deirdra was given immortality, how she accepts her new fate and what she learns. And as the book twists and turns throughout her immortal life, the reader is taken back to modern day, back to the beginning of the book where Deirdra is in the middle of an unearthly upheaval. Events waged a millennia beforehand have reawakened the fury of an ancient Blood God, whose objectives involve the complete obliteration of the vampire race.

Book two, Resurrected, takes place four years after the conflict with the Blood God and Deirdra, is returning to Le Maison Chantonnay. The nightmares of her past have taken their toll on her and she anxiously awaits the reunion with her immortal family, but she finds herself plagued by a mysterious being who seems set on guiding her unlife in his chosen direction. With characteristic stubbornness, Deirdra ignores this entity’s wisdom and spirals into a web of alienated self-destruction, her path leading her into the arms of the enemy she had forever sworn to despise. Broken and lost she discovers old gods born anew, wearing away at her humanity, leaving her vulnerable to the evil of her demon within.

Arwen Taylor: What kinds of things have you done to market your books?

Erika Knudsen: After a 6 year hiatus, I am returning to my writing and promotion of my books and dedicating much more time than I ever had been able to in the past. I have done many book signings throughout Alberta and have been featured local papers. I had also sat on a panel with other local authors for a Q&A in libraries. I have had book reviews done by Bite me magazine and other various Ezine’s. I am currently inquiring about getting a publicist and am both very excited and nervous. I have also set the goal of doing a cross Canada book/author tour – I’ve always wanted to do that and I am even closer to reaching my goal than I could have ever imagined in the past.

Arwen Taylor: Is Eris Publishing your company? If so, how has it been as an independent publisher?

Erika Knudsen: Yes, Eris Publishing is my company. Let’s just say that the writing of the books, working with the graphic designers and printers, getting the ISBN numbers and barcodes is much easier than the promotion part of being an independent publisher. But with that said, being independent, working with your local bookstores, they tend to be more willing to help and support you. It’s not easy, but you have total control over your projects.

Arwen Taylor: Do you recommend self-publishing to other writers and why?

Erika Knudsen: Well, I would recommend trying the traditional route first. I did, but being impatient (which isn’t a good trait) and meeting other self-published authors in the writer’s group I had attended years ago, I learned how to become an independent publisher. Seeing their success, I figured I could do that too. Having received what I call ‘positive’ rejection letters, I took the plunge and joined the likes of my self-published friends and became Eris Publishing and I do not regret it at all despite the difficulties.

Arwen Taylor: Any advice for other authors?

Erika Knudsen: Keep plugging away at that manuscript; never give up on your dream of being a published author. Everyone needs a goal to work toward and when you do achieve it, ALWAYS set another one. Remember and remind yourself that many of your favourite authors were probably not signed on right away, they too had received many rejection letters. (eg. Steven King)

And if you are pondering on becoming an independent publisher, do your research, make a marketing plan, set goals and/or objectives for your book, figure out your budget and timeline, and anticipate any challenges. It’s not easy, but it can be very rewarding too. It’s been nine years and I am still learning.

Arwen Taylor: Perserverance is the key especially in this industry where we have millions upon millions of people vying for publication. Thank you Erika for taking the time to chat with me. To learn more about Erika, her books and her publishing company visit her website: Eris Publishing. There you can order her books as well as learn more about the characters. You can also purchase her books from Amazon.com.