Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - E.M. Etheridge - Magic into every word, and magic into the world.

Where were you born?

I was born in Summerville (South Carolina), known as The Flowertown for the beautiful azaleas that bloom ever spring.

Where do you live?

I live in the United States currently.

Do you have fur babies?

Yes! My little prince's name is Leo, and he is a cocker spaniel, pitbull mix.

He is the most spoiled fur baby you could ever hope to meet.

Do you use a pen name? 

I use the name E.M.Etheridge which is essentially my name, but ever bit of it is important and I wanted it to last. My middle name is my grandmothers, so I wanted to honor her.

If I'm ever to be married, my last name "Etheridge" will be extinct in my family due to my dad only having girls, so I wanted it to live on in my writing.

Then of course my first name is who I am. 

What kind of writer are you?

• Modern Day Laptop/PC Writer

Name one book you loved as a kid - one you loved as a new adult - and one you love now.

• The Warriors series by Erin Hunter got me into reading as a kid. 
• As a young adult, I loved the Splintered series by A.G. Howard.
• Now, as an adult, I love Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft? 

I feel like I can't choose one particular author.

I studied Stephen King's work when I was learning to write, but I don't consider him to be my favorite author, just a fascination. I'm a mood reader and writer by heart so I flitter around a lot.

How would you describe your craft in one sentence

I wind magic into every word, and magic into the world.

At The Dreamer's Bookshop, we embrace diversity and advocate for invisible illnesses. How do you feel about those topics? Do you include messages in your writing?

As an author, I try to ensure that I am inclusive of different cultures, races, sexualities, and identities in a respectful way.

While most of my main characters are more like me, it's because I feel more comfortable speaking to the experience of individuals like me than assuming how people of different backgrounds feel. I don't feel comfortable writing from a perspective I have not fully experienced and worry that doing so would somehow undermine.

I still include diversity in my world, and often humble my own main characters through dialogue with diverse characters. I make them face their own misunderstandings intentionally, to remind my readers of respect and how important these conversations are.

I also try to run my work by people in my life whose experiences more align with those diverse characters to try and make sure I'm giving fair representation. It is kind of a long-winded answer, but it's the thought process I go through. 

Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading? 

I would never write about a pet dying. I absolutely cannot handle that topic!

Was there a review that touched you more than others? 

I received a review from "Likely Story" that stated,

With Booktok being so big now, it feels like an indie author can sometimes get lost in the mix, so being told that I am a stand out in comparison is a huge honor. 

If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?

I write for the little girl who always had big dreams. I write for the teenager in me who never had the words to explain how she felt. I write for the adult I am now, who has a lot to say and will not be silenced.

Which book are you most proud of and why?

I am very proud of my first book, She Tames The Sea, simply because it was my first book. I will never forget holding it in my hands for the first time and realizing I made my own dream come true. Not to be cliché, but it is quite literally the flagship.

What would you tell an aspiring writer?

Just keep writing.

Write in the dark, in the light, in storms, and in clear skies. Write when it hurts and when it feels good. Write when you want to and when you don't. Just don't stop writing.

What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?

I wish to continue to make myself proud above all else, and continue putting a little more magic into the world with every story I write.

What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?

As a person, I want to live more like my characters do. I want to live with resiliance, love, and wonder.

Do you have a message for your audience

I hope that you see magic and hope everywhere in this world, but expecially between the pages of a good book.

Discover E.M.'s book and get your copy.