Author Bio:
As a 5th generation member in a long line of National Park Service employees and appreciators, Erin was born in northern Arizona. With her career NPS parents, Erin lived inside of six different National Park sites. She even worked for Death Valley National Park in the Youth Conservation Corps; and at Scotty’s Castle for the Death Valley Natural History Association.
The wander-lust lifestyle did not end with the National Park Service. Erin and her husband (Coast Guard retired) lived on all four United States borders. With each move, Erin and her family sought out National Park sites to visit. Her own children make the 6th generation in this lineage who admire and enjoy visiting our National Parks! To date, they have visited 109 NPS sites (at least those they can remember!).
She is a National Board Certified teacher, and has a Master of Science degree in Science Education, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Erin has taught students in grades K-12 as a classroom teacher, computer resource specialist, Gifted/Talented instructor, and served as a building-wide Instructional Coach. She was honored by Virginia Beach City Public Schools in 2013 as being a City-Wide Teacher of the Year Finalist. Erin has received two additional Teacher of the Year awards, and is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Erin loves getting students excited about STEM, National Parks, and learning!
What inspires you to write?
Writing comes in waves based on what's going on in my life at the time. I am inspired by the crazy antics of my two children and zoo of pets. Because my family and I love to travel (with and without pets), the places we visit are often the backdrop for stories. As a teacher, I try to think and write stories to make kids want to pick up a book and read. Adding in interesting facts about unique places helps readers learn at the same time.
Tell us about your writing process.
My writing process is definitely from the seat of my pants! When I come up with an idea to write about, my computer screen and keyboard become extensions of myself. Coming up with the idea for my book, In My National Park Backyard, was relatively easy. It's based on my childhood living in National Parks. But framing the concept of it and how I wanted it presented to readers was the challenge.
There are probably thousands of books on visiting National Parks, filled with amazing photos and fantastic facts. But a book about living in a National Park from a child's perspective was something I haven't seen before. As a kid I always had a wild imagination, and spent hours roaming around the great outdoors. So I decided to write the book based on my wacky creativity, as well as teach readers about the unique plants, animals, landforms, and culture within my beloved six National Parks backyards. (Can't keep the teacher-side of me out!) It was a no-brainer to add in the last two National Parks (Yellowstone and Historic Jamestowne). Yellowstone is where my great-grandfather, grandfather and both parents lived and worked. Historic Jamestowne is special because I had the privilege of taking 5th grade students there on field trips. Writing about life's experiences is where my passion is at.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
When considering characters, it's a balance of listening and talking with them as they develop. I need to listen to my characters so I can relate to them and understand their thinking. In different situations, the characters do talk to me and each other. Erin Elizabeth definitely has a lot to say about what's going on around her. Her conversations with Death Valley Scotty and chipmunks would be quite curious I'm sure!
Who are your favorite authors?
When new books come out by Janet Evanovich or J.K. Rowling, I can't wait to get my hands on their pages. Books based on gritty, flawed characters are ones I'll pick up. Steinbeck's "The Pearl" is another book I love for that reason. Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is also one of my absolute favorites.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
In all honesty, I can be an impatient person. When my mind is made up, I pretty much go for it. So publishing my book was something I went for. A friend of mine published her book with Mascot Books and highly recommended them. After researching their company, I decided to go on this book journey with them.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Theoretically anyone of any relative age can publish a book. In the classroom, my 4th grade students "published" their books to share in book celebrations. Often this was in print form, but they also wrote e-books. Publishing a book is a matter of finding an audience for it and a company to back your idea. The key is the quality of the content. A good idea is a good idea no matter what the process is to publish it.
What genres do you write?
fiction, narrative non-fiction, children's literature
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Erin Thomas Home Page Link
Follow Erin Thomas On Amazon
Author’s Social Media Links
Facebook
Twitter
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
