Erin Healy Interview

Erin Healy, author of the upcoming Thomas Nelson release Never Let You Go, was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to talk to me a bit about her novel, the writing process, and what's coming up for her. She is the bestselling coauthor of Kiss and Burn (coauthored with Ted Dekker) and is also an acclaimed editor for numerous bestselling authors, Dekker included. So without further ado... 

TCC: This is your first solo release, coming after your two releases co-authored with Ted Dekker – Kiss and Burn respectively. What was different in the writing process? Is it easier or harder than collaborating?

Erin: Writing solo is a process of self-discovery for me. I’m learning how to find my own voice and how to craft my own stories. The “spirit of Ted” was always with me, looking over my shoulder, and one of the most challenging aspects was to put the “what would Ted do?” questions in their place. My stories, while bearing a few similarities to his, will be (I hope) judged on their own merits.

TCC: Never Let You Go is somewhat darker and grittier than either of your previous two novels, which I will admit, mildly surprised me at first. Is this type of story the type you prefer to tell?

Erin: Really? You think it’s darker/grittier than Burn? Interesting! I don’t set out to write dark and gritty stories. But when thinking about story I’m always first drawn to thematic elements, and I want to explore those elements with depth and honesty. Unforgiveness is an ominous topic, so in this case the ominous streak was inevitable.

TCC: Relationships and character dynamics are really at the crux of what heightens the suspense and tension, as you see the characters’ brokenness and dysfunction. What made you want to explore such a topic?

Erin: As most of us have, I’ve witnessed the corrosive effects of bitterness in good people. I became intrigued by two observations that surprised me: one was the trickle-down effects of bitterness on a particular unforgiving person’s child, and the other was a growing awareness of how painful and difficult forgiveness can be even for Christians. Of all people, we should be swiftest to forgive ALL offenses, but we aren’t. Not by a long shot.

TCC: The book also contains more than a hint of the supernatural. It manages to be subtly obvious, if I can throw out a paradox, it’s evident but not overbearing. I’ve encountered very few authors that can write about the supernatural, especially the demonic, without reducing it to an overemphasized caricature, but you pull it off flawlessly. What went into your mind as you were creating those characters and how did you manage to keep them from becoming caricatures?

Erin: Thank you! Probably 90 percent of the credit for this should go to my editor, Ami McConnell of Thomas Nelson, because my first draft in fact fell into the caricature trap. Having someone like her point out to me where and how I’d done that made it much easier to avoid. Sometimes we writers just have to get the caricatures out of our system. I need to find out which wonderful writer first gave this sage advice: most of the time, the first thing you think to write needs to be thrown away, because it will be the obvious, the clichéd, or the caricatured. The second thing that comes to mind might also have to go, for the same reason. And if you work really hard, perhaps the third or fourth thing you come up with will be worthy of being called fresh. I try to keep this in mind as I write.

TCC: Again, going back to the novel’s characters, did you craft the characters around the plot, or did you craft the plot around the characters?

Erin: Tough question. In my next novel (The Promises She Keeps, January 2011), I can say with certainty that I crafted the plot around the characters. In Never Let You Go, the chicken-and-egg question is a little murkier for me. I had pretty clear ideas of both character and plot when I began writing, and I made adaptations to both as I wrote in order to make the story work.

TCC: Now Never Let You Go releases in a month. Officially on May 4, I believe. My ARC copy has a little note at the top of the front cover from Thomas Nelson’s Senior VP and Publisher Allen Arnold and it says “Trust me – one of the BEST novels you’ll read all year.” What are your thoughts on that and what does it mean to you to have such high praise coming from your publisher?

Erin: What a gift! I’m humbled and grateful for the level of enthusiasm Thomas Nelson has thrown behind me at this critical juncture in my career. Every member of their team, from Allen down to their interns, has overwhelmed me with their kindness and professionalism. This book wouldn’t have been all that it is without their support.

TCC: Do you have any new projects that you’re already in the middle of or see on the horizon?

Erin: Does this sound at all like Ted? My next novel is even better than Never Let You Go! I’m very excited for The Promises She Keeps, which is also a supernatural thriller. Two women--a talented young vocalist with a fatal disease, and an aging art collector devoted to witchcraft--are seeking immortality. When their paths cross with an autistic artist who draws his promising visions for others’ lives, all three are plunged into a flesh-and-blood confrontation over the true meaning of eternal life. 

TCC: Erin, I'd like to thank you for your time. And for the readers, I want to remind you that you can keep up with Erin on both Facebook and Twitter as well as her website - ErinHealy.com

Erin Healy Interview