E.A.Stark Interview Published on: 12, Feb 2024

Two very different worlds – each stressful in their own way.

I switched from being a sports agent to becoming an author because of TIME or lack thereof. Things can change on a dime and send you into a tailspin. It’s easy to think we have all the time in the world, but the truth is - life is short. If you have a goal you want to accomplish, don’t wait. Take that dream vacation, start a business, invent something, or even write a book. Whatever it is, do it sooner rather than later. This realization motivated me to share my beloved stories.

The transition was gradual. For ten years, I wrote in whatever free time I could find in my busy life. Without publishing pressures, I quietly created a series of novels. It was my little secret. Not even my family and friends knew until my first book was released. Accumulating several manuscripts allowed me to launch my website, [http://EAStarkBooks.com](http://EAStarkBooks.com "smartCard-inline") . I have published four books thus far and have enough material to keep me busy beyond 2026.

I’ve significantly transformed my writing process by intentionally leading a quiet life. I used to describe my hectic lifestyle as NOISE, which was overwhelming and not an environment conducive to writing. Simplifying and balancing my priorities has minimized this noise. I’ve established consistent work routines for weekdays and weekends, creating a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer distractions.

This newfound solitude has been instrumental in enhancing the depth of my stories. It lets me focus on the details of plots, twists, and characters, making my writing smoother. When my world is calm, it boosts my productivity, keeping me on track and allowing me to move my writing projects forward effortlessly. Overall, this intentional shift to a quieter lifestyle has influenced my writing. It is my main focus now, and that makes me happy.

Being a mom is always busy, but now that my children are older and need less attention, I have more free time - except when our lovable pupper keeps me on my toes. Despite our busy household and everyone running on different schedules, my quiet time allows me to focus on my dreams while encouraging my children to do the same. My actions and successes show them what is possible. Having two young entrepreneurs and a talented artist in the house warms my heart.

Above all, the one thing that drives my writing is my readers. They often compliment my writing style and say the stories sparked many emotions. Strangely, when I hear they’ve shed a tear or held their breath, were nervous, or anxious, I feel like I’ve done my job. Knowing they wholeheartedly connected with the characters, experienced the highs and lows, and felt the disturbing shock and awe of a scene made all the time and effort spent on each book worth every minute. Their excitement fuels my soul and inspires me to keep writing.

The heart of all my books is always a good love story, but I like to add exciting elements to keep things interesting. It’s not just about entertaining readers; I enjoy it too.

For action and adventure mixed with romance, you’ll find it in ESCAPING WHITSUNDAY and ESCAPING MANHATTAN. I drew inspiration from stories like The Bourne Identity, The Lucky One, and Safe Haven, where romance intertwines with thrilling scenes.

The Orb’s Gift from Heaven, Forever Your Guardian, and The Faithful Promise are romance, supernatural, faith-based dramas exploring questions about the afterlife. I’ve always been curious about what happens after we die and wanted to address these mysteries.

If you are in the mood for Hallmark-like holiday romance, Christmas in Carling and Winter Break in South Lake offer an enjoyable, easy read, showcasing traditions, fabulous experiences, and love that will tug at your heartstrings. I wrap them up with a bow and a festive twist.

The Abi Acardi Series – Black Lyon, Dark Demon, and Red Dragon are Young Adult, coming-of-age books. A fan of John Hughes movies, One Tree Hill, 90210, The OC, Gossip Girl, and more, I wanted to create books that draw teens into reading, offering an escape from their devices and the stresses of daily life.

I’ve crafted stories for different audiences, seamlessly transitioning each from Young Adult to Women’s Fiction. Readers can easily switch between the two without worrying about explicit content. While the romance is modest, they still deliver all the heart-melting emotions and connections that leave you reeling long after the story has ended.

My debut novel, ESCAPING WHITSUNDAY, draws inspiration from a blend of fiction and reality. The story follows Eva Thompson, a young woman whose seemingly perfect life turns unexpectedly. The initial chapters will resonate with most since Eva and Scott are not fictional characters but real people. Many readers will connect with the rawness and hurt stirred by the actual events that transpired in her life.

As Eva faced this challenging point and sought solace, she wished she could escape for a month on vacation to regroup and heal. This wish became my book’s foundation, shifting the rest into the fictional outcome of this desired escape. The story unfolds when Eva, burdened by heartache and turmoil, travels to the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Australia and encounters a handsome stranger along the way. Little does she know, but meeting him would change her life.

Fueled by my love for action, adventure, and romance, I meticulously researched the globe’s most beautiful destinations. I have described every location, house, and landmark as they truly exist. Written and released during the Covid lockdown, when everyone remained confined at home, I added an interactive element by including GPS coordinates in later chapters to allow readers to travel and visit the book’s depicted scenes virtually. I often wondered if someone would embark on a real-world journey inspired by Eva Thompson. The houses featured are vacation rentals, presenting the potential for an exciting, around-the-world adventure for those with unlimited resources—an unfathomable trip filled with thrilling firsts.

The inspiration behind THE ORB’S GIFT FROM HEAVEN stems from a personal and unique experience that led me to explore supernatural themes, particularly the world of spiritual orbs. These mysterious circles of faint light, often captured in security footage, cemeteries, and forests, served as the starting point for the story.

In life, we have all lost someone close to us. Me included. The common threads attached to our loved one’s passing sparks questions like - Where did they go? Are they happy? Do they watch over us? Does Heaven exist? This book addresses the universal curiosity surrounding life after death, Heaven, and the existence of spiritual realms. To add authenticity, I plunged into near-death experience (NDE) documentaries, incorporating details from over five hundred survival stories into the plot. This exploration of the afterlife, woven into the lives of Hollywood actor Sean Bradley and author Evily Landy, aims to ignite one’s faith and leave food for thought.

Not long after the book’s release, I experienced a poignant moment. I received a message from a middle-aged woman in palliative care who wanted to become one of my reviewers for this book. I promptly agreed. When a month passed without receiving any communication, I assumed she had sadly passed away. To my astonishment, her daughter contacted me, revealing that her Mom had finished the book in just two days and wanted me to know how much she loved the heartfelt story. The woman conveyed how it alleviated her mother’s fear of death and crossing over. Grateful for its positive impact, the daughter extended her thanks, as she believed the story provided her mother with the peaceful passing she had hoped and prayed for.

Further adding to the story’s depth, I’ve hidden a significant secret within the pages. I wrote this with a specific person in mind. Someone still grappling with the loss of a loved one after two decades. This individual’s fears and skepticism inspired Sean Bradley’s character. For readers willing to embark on a journey to unveil this mystery, one must decode the clues and piece them together. Many are hiding in plain sight. If successful, you will discover a deeper, more profound meaning behind the book. To those up for the challenge, I invite you to visit my website’s contact page and share your thoughts on who you believe I wrote this book for. If you do, I will confirm your answer and reveal more insight into the character.

Our annual Mother/Daughter weekend at The Rosseau, a hidden gem in Muskoka, Canada, inspired CHRISTMAS IN CARLING. This tranquil setting, usually bustling with summer activities, transforms into a snowy, icy haven during winter. The resort, perched high on a hill overlooking a lake sprinkled with islands, became the peaceful backdrop for the story.

One night, unable to sleep during the witching hour (between two and four in the morning), I witnessed a mysterious guest arriving amidst a turbulent snowstorm. Immediately, when the man, stylish and unshaven, stepped out of a black SUV, questions arose about his late-night journey. Intrigued, I chronicled the experience in a notebook, eventually creating the character Ty Reynolds, inspired by Boston Red Sox’s player, Steve Pearce. Fueled by excitement, I wrote over eighteen chapters that night. Running out of paper, I continued crafting the plot on my phone.

The following day, I shared the story with our friends while watching for the mysterious stranger to appear at breakfast. None of us saw him throughout our two-day stay, which added to our curiosity. After all this time, I still wonder who he was and why he was there.

That strange moment sparked CHRISTMAS IN CARLING, a heartwarming holiday romance blending Christmas traditions and the world of professional baseball. The story revolves around two characters who find connection and solace over shared grief during the festive season. It is dedicated to those missing loved ones and captures the uplifting spirit of the holidays, offering a tale of love, kindness, and winter adventures in luxurious Cottage Country.

Readers of “Black Lyon” can anticipate a captivating blend of young adult drama, romance, and conflict. It is a gripping story of obsession and the irresistible allure of the unknown, where the boundaries between illusion and reality blur amidst the pulsating beats of the elitist rave scene. Abi Acardi navigates this electrifying world, determined to unravel the secrets shrouding the famous DJ, Black Lyon.

Released in July 2023, it thrusts the reader into the girl’s new life on the West Coast. A teenager transplanted from Boston to Bel Air, Abi causes upheaval within Gilderson Prep’s social hierarchy. Amidst the glitz and glamour, the girl grapples with her friend’s extreme wealth, is caught in a love triangle, and dodges petty high school drama while navigating the pressure to conform.

Despite seeming stereotypical initially, the characters evolve into more than what society branded. Most are from affluent backgrounds, suggesting they enjoy an easy life. The story uncovers the truth of each character’s struggles with parental absence, low self-worth, and a loveless family. Left to their own devices, the teens make impulsive decisions, creating a riveting storyline. The modern feel is balanced with a conscience that guides characters through moral choices. I kept the scenes raw but emotional, edgy yet clean – a rollercoaster ride for the soul.

The initial inspiration for BLACK LYON began by reading an obscure social media post revealing the underground world of an elite rave scene thriving in different parts of the globe. This hidden subculture was a captivating discovery, complete with a customized app for ticket processing, luxurious perks, and cryptic instructions leading revelers to secret destinations - a subject I could not wait to explore. Upon further research, the concept expanded to elite prep schools strategically concealed in strange, unexpected locations. The mysteriousness of it added to The Abi Acardi Series, allowing me to weave in pieces of this hierarchal society that defies conventional norms.

The characters in the story navigate these hidden realms, creating a suspense-filled departure from reality. Readers bond with Abi Acardi since she is unlike her newfound crowd. The girl is relatable, kind, intelligent, and thoughtful – a breath of fresh air as she maneuvers many trials, attracting attention and conflict at every turn.

The series continues with DARK DEMON and RED DRAGON. Both dive deeper into relationships, friendships, dangers, and the sinister connections attached to the famous DJ and his elite raves. With profound experiences set in the lap of luxury, the series offers an escape as readers get whisked into a world only the privileged get to see. The moral compass remains in books two and three, but drawing a line in the sand becomes more complicated for these teenagers, labeling the story bingeable by my test readers.

BLACK LYON is a unique, thrilling, and heartfelt read from start to finish. It will leave the reader anticipating the release of book two this summer.

Yes, I’ve written twelve books so far. Even though they are in different genres, they have some common elements.

Escaping Whitsunday, for example, is full of action, suspense, adventure, and romance. The story is a thrilling journey with dangerous challenges, love, and exciting travel experiences. It has a Bourne Identity vibe versus Escaping Manhattan, which has action, suspense, and romance but has more of an apocalyptic viewpoint.

CHRISTMAS IN CARLING and WINTER BREAK IN SOUTH LAKE are both Hallmarky holiday romances, but each has a unique feel. As expected, each offers a cozy Christmas experience with warm settings, heartfelt connections, holiday magic, and love amid festive traditions and genuine emotions – but with very different twists.

SURVIVING VALOR and ESCAPING MANHATTAN are action, suspense, and romance, but the apocalyptic science behind them differs slightly. Despite writing for Young Adults and Women’s Fiction, they tell stories about people surviving unfathomable odds, making them powerful reads. The suspenseful settings are intense, and overcoming challenges together builds deep connections that spark romance.

THE ORB’S GIFT FROM HEAVEN, FOREVER YOUR GUARDIAN, and THE FAITHFUL PROMISE are supernatural, faith-based romance books. They explore the mysteries of the afterlife, embrace the unknown, and dig into faith, love, destiny, fate, and the meaning of our existence. The books are a journey into the inexplicable, bringing out different aspects of these themes as the storylines take the reader in opposite directions.

As for recurring themes, I have a rule for my creativity—I never visit the same topic or type of story more than once. It simply doesn’t challenge me as a writer. There’s no fun in that.

Weaving memories of my past experiences into my stories is crucial to my writing process. As Neil Gaiman aptly expressed, fiction involves a certain level of embellishment, but the underlying truth is the anchor to making a story convincing. Drawing from personal experiences adds authenticity to my books and makes them more relatable.

I find it easier to write about what I know. When I’ve visited a destination or experienced something firsthand, this knowledge provides a distinct understanding of the subject matter and conveys the genuine emotions attached to the experiences.

Take THE ORB’S GIFT FROM HEAVEN, for example. I used our trip to Boston and my son’s junior hockey showcase as the backdrop. While the premise was grounded in reality, the storyline was entirely fictional.

Similarly, in CHRISTMAS IN CARLING, I set the stage using our favorite resort hotel and incorporated cherished family traditions, giving the story a unique touch.

By infusing elements from my personal life into my writing, I aim to bring a hint of wisdom and a realistic perspective to enhance the reader’s experience.

My family, including my cherished pup, is my utmost priority, and I’m always prepared to put my writing on hold to be there for them. Otherwise, I stick to my established weekday and weekend routines when life is quiet and only deviate when needed.

However, balancing the demands of daily life, especially parenting and caring for my fur baby, becomes more challenging during intense writing or deep editing phases. I carefully prioritize tasks and limit other commitments to manage this, ensuring a harmonious balance between family obligations and my writing pursuits. It’s a bit of a juggling act, but by setting clear boundaries, I navigate the creative process and daily responsibilities more efficiently.

My writing routine is flexible and adjusts to the demands of life. When immersed in my stories, I typically work weekdays from early morning until noon, taking a break and returning to my desk around seven. Some evenings, I extend my writing sessions until eleven or twelve. On weekends, I begin at eight in the morning and continue until midnight, pausing to have lunch and prepare dinner for my family. This schedule allows me to maintain a steady and productive flow in my writing process.

Over the years, several habits and rituals I’ve cultivated have become essential to my creative process. Here are a few.

One distinctive habit involves my approach to music. I meticulously select instrumental tracks for each book, creating a unique connection to specific scenes or stories. To share this immersive experience with readers, I curated Spotify Playlists tailored to each book, believing that the right music sets the tone for the stories.

During writing and editing sessions, I intentionally distance myself from my phone, leaving it in another room with the ringer silenced, minimalizing notification distractions. I only check it during designated breaks to maintain focus.

For organizing thoughts and ideas, I rely on blank sketchbooks for mind mapping, researching, plotting, and brainstorming. This consolidated approach ensures that all my notes are in one accessible place, indexed for quick reference during the writing process.

When the words flow smoothly, I immerse myself for extended periods, keeping my office door closed to foster concentration. My family knows not to disturb me unless it’s important, allowing me to stay fully engaged in the scenes without interruptions.

Like any author, there are days when the task of creating becomes overwhelming. When this happens, I break things down (task-batching) and focus on specific details or scenes, tackling one piece at a time to make the workload more manageable.

For additional insight and resources, visit [http://EAStarkBooks.com](http://EAStarkBooks.com "smartCard-inline") and explore the INNER CIRCLE tab. There, I share writing tips, inspiration, and goal-setting guidance tailored to navigating an author’s life.

My reading journey began in grade school when my Great Aunt and Uncle gave me National Geographic’s Our Universe by Roy A. Gallant. This incredible book sparked my interest in space, eventually leading me to discover the science fiction works of Arthur C. Clarke during my college years.

When I was young, I read Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High, and The Baby-Sitters Club - typical choices for young girls back then. As my involvement in competitive sports increased during high school, I leaned more towards non-fiction, maintaining my love for research on various subjects.

Most recently, my focus has shifted to podcasts and online classes from some of my favorite authors. I explored MasterClass and BBC Maestro, completing courses by esteemed creators such as Dan Brown, David Baldacci, James Patterson, David Mamet, Walter Mosley, Amy Tan, Jojo Moyes, Lee Child, and Harlan Coben. From learning what makes a captivating love story to the art of crafting suspenseful thrillers and how to grab the attention of young audiences, the insight they shared is priceless. We are never too old to learn and acquire knowledge from peers. The more we know as writers, the more we can draw from and incorporate into our books.

Authors may not always be visibly active online, but the work is ongoing. This month, I’m excited to launch - Inner Circle, a free content section on my website that provides a peek into my life as an author, offering helpful tips and insights.

I am also in the editing stages of my second book in The Abi Acardi Series – DARK DEMON, scheduled for release in June. RED DRAGON, book three, will follow in February 2025. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Two years ago, a fellow author recommended [http://AllAuthor.com](http://AllAuthor.com "smartCard-inline") as a valuable addition to my social platforms for networking, marketing, and promotion.

The website’s book mockups and templates have been instrumental in creating eye-catching advertisements and professional-looking social media posts.

As a Pro Member, I’ve had the privilege of featuring three books thus far. The monthly social posts on AllAuthor, including Author to Author and Quotesrain, have increased my book’s visibility.

Recently, THE ORB’S GIFT FROM HEAVEN and BLACK LYON were selected for the romance and fiction book cover contests, boosting their exposure on a global scale.

I am happy to say that AllAuthor has proven to be a helpful and impactful platform for expanding the reach of my books. Indie authors rely on bookstores to showcase and distribute their work, influencers to connect them with readers, and social media platforms to provide a space where their stories get discovered. It is not an easy profession, but my father always said that if you love what you do, you will never work another day in your life. I believe this to be true.