Erica Spindler's Blog
October 31, 2018
Fall Frights & More
Welcome to fall, ya’ll! I can finally say that with confidence, not because of the date on the calendar, but because we down here in The Big Easy had our first breath of cool air. Hallelujah!
I have big news to share—my new novel is done and sent off to both editor and agent. It’s very much a psychological suspense, with twists, turns and a surprise ending. I particularly love the relationship between the hero on heroine, and the novel’s surprise setting.
Why a surprise, you ask? In this one I strayed from my beloved New Orleans, setting it in the fictional town of Tranquility Bluffs, Wisconsin. Yes, you read that right. Wisconsin! I fought it, I really did. But I couldn’t get this one image, and the line that went with it, out of my head:
Dark red creeping across brilliant white.
I’ll let you ponder that as the ghouls groan and the skeletons rattle . . . .
Happy Halloween! And may all your reads be thrilling!
The Other Girl
I have big news to share—my new novel is done and sent off to both editor and agent. It’s very much a psychological suspense, with twists, turns and a surprise ending. I particularly love the relationship between the hero on heroine, and the novel’s surprise setting.
Why a surprise, you ask? In this one I strayed from my beloved New Orleans, setting it in the fictional town of Tranquility Bluffs, Wisconsin. Yes, you read that right. Wisconsin! I fought it, I really did. But I couldn’t get this one image, and the line that went with it, out of my head:
Dark red creeping across brilliant white.
I’ll let you ponder that as the ghouls groan and the skeletons rattle . . . .
Happy Halloween! And may all your reads be thrilling!
The Other Girl
January 25, 2016
January News
Dear Readers,
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were amazing and 2016 will be your best year ever.
For me, 2016 is shaping up to be a blockbuster. First up, the February launch of The Lightkeepers, my first-ever series. THE FINAL SEVEN kicks it off, followed by TRIPLE SIX in November. The series is special to me and I's especially excited for you, my loyal fans, to read it.
A heads up: I'm independently publishing this series so it won't be on bookstore shelves. A print copy will be available online or for order through bookstores. The e-book, of course, will be available through all your favorite booksellers. If your a library patron, PLEASE request it. I will be eternally grateful!
All the best to you and yours,
Erica
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were amazing and 2016 will be your best year ever.
For me, 2016 is shaping up to be a blockbuster. First up, the February launch of The Lightkeepers, my first-ever series. THE FINAL SEVEN kicks it off, followed by TRIPLE SIX in November. The series is special to me and I's especially excited for you, my loyal fans, to read it.
A heads up: I'm independently publishing this series so it won't be on bookstore shelves. A print copy will be available online or for order through bookstores. The e-book, of course, will be available through all your favorite booksellers. If your a library patron, PLEASE request it. I will be eternally grateful!
All the best to you and yours,
Erica
December 11, 2015
December News
Dear Readers,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support over this past year. Having you as my readers means a lot to me and I want you to know how much I value you. I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays, filled with joy and laughter, love and memories to cherish.
See you next year!
Blessings,
Erica
Books To Gift This Year
Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich
Boys in the Trees (Nonfiction) by Carly Simon
The Wonderful Things You Will Be (Children's) by Emily Winfield Martin
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support over this past year. Having you as my readers means a lot to me and I want you to know how much I value you. I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays, filled with joy and laughter, love and memories to cherish.
See you next year!
Blessings,
Erica
Books To Gift This Year
Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich
Boys in the Trees (Nonfiction) by Carly Simon
The Wonderful Things You Will Be (Children's) by Emily Winfield Martin
November 16, 2015
November News
Dear Readers,
I'm excited to introduce you to my new friends, NOPD detectives Michaela Dare and Zach Harris. They're the heroes of The Lightkeepers, my first ever series, and I'm having a blast spending time with them.
Micki's a reformed southern belle turned kick-ass cop. Seasoned and no-nonsense, the NOPD is her family and the job's her life. (Yeah, she can be a little intense.) Zach's an irreverent charmer, fresh out of an experimental FBI program. With a wicked sexy smile and some very cool save-the-world skills, until now Zach's life really has been a bowl of cherries. (Okay, he's a bit too laid back.) When they're forced to work together to find missing coeds, it proves to be a wild and bumpy ride.
In February, join Micki and Zach on that ride - their inaugural case as partners - in THE FINAL SEVEN. (Why yes, it's available for pre-order.)
Visit to receive a free autographed bookplate and enter my monthly contest.
May all your books be page turners.
XO,
Erica
I'm excited to introduce you to my new friends, NOPD detectives Michaela Dare and Zach Harris. They're the heroes of The Lightkeepers, my first ever series, and I'm having a blast spending time with them.
Micki's a reformed southern belle turned kick-ass cop. Seasoned and no-nonsense, the NOPD is her family and the job's her life. (Yeah, she can be a little intense.) Zach's an irreverent charmer, fresh out of an experimental FBI program. With a wicked sexy smile and some very cool save-the-world skills, until now Zach's life really has been a bowl of cherries. (Okay, he's a bit too laid back.) When they're forced to work together to find missing coeds, it proves to be a wild and bumpy ride.
In February, join Micki and Zach on that ride - their inaugural case as partners - in THE FINAL SEVEN. (Why yes, it's available for pre-order.)
Visit to receive a free autographed bookplate and enter my monthly contest.
May all your books be page turners.
XO,
Erica
October 23, 2015
October News
Dear Readers,
It's October, my favorite month of the year! Down here in south Louisiana, it's finally getting cool. That means time to haul out jeans, long sleeves, and boots. It also means hurricane season is over (yay!!) and ghosts and gremlins will soon be roaming the streets. For a crime writer like me, Halloween is my holiday. I actually keep some of my favorite Halloween decorations in my office all year long.
This fall brings an exciting, new venture for me. I'm writing my first series - The Lightkeepers. Set in New Orleans, it's a cop, buddy thriller series with a supernatural twist. Book one, THE FINAL SEVEN, will be available for pre-order November 11th. These stories are close to my heart and I'm so excited to share them with you! Look for more on THE FINAL SEVEN in the next issue of Erica Spindler News as well as the cover reveal.
October Contest: An autgraphed copy of DEAD RUN, one of my creepiest stories, along with a spooky treat to munch on while you read. Head over to and sign up to win. While you're there, request your free, autographed THE FIRST WIFE bookplate.
Wishing you all treats and no tricks,
Erica
It's October, my favorite month of the year! Down here in south Louisiana, it's finally getting cool. That means time to haul out jeans, long sleeves, and boots. It also means hurricane season is over (yay!!) and ghosts and gremlins will soon be roaming the streets. For a crime writer like me, Halloween is my holiday. I actually keep some of my favorite Halloween decorations in my office all year long.
This fall brings an exciting, new venture for me. I'm writing my first series - The Lightkeepers. Set in New Orleans, it's a cop, buddy thriller series with a supernatural twist. Book one, THE FINAL SEVEN, will be available for pre-order November 11th. These stories are close to my heart and I'm so excited to share them with you! Look for more on THE FINAL SEVEN in the next issue of Erica Spindler News as well as the cover reveal.
October Contest: An autgraphed copy of DEAD RUN, one of my creepiest stories, along with a spooky treat to munch on while you read. Head over to and sign up to win. While you're there, request your free, autographed THE FIRST WIFE bookplate.
Wishing you all treats and no tricks,
Erica
October 13, 2015
Weekly Contest!
I'm running a contest on my Facebook Author page every week! Today, I've got a $5 gift card from iTunes up for grabs.
Head on over to my Author page and sign up now for a chance at it. Don't forget to check back often for all the latest news and goodies!
Head on over to my Author page and sign up now for a chance at it. Don't forget to check back often for all the latest news and goodies!
February 6, 2015
Facing Fears
Over the years, I’ve done some interesting research for my books. Police ride alongs; P.D.s and morgues; wineries; S&M shops, (yeah, I really did) to name only a few. THE FIRST WIFE presented an even bigger research challenge: horses. Not only did I know nothing about horses, I was terrified of them.
I pressed on anyway, visiting farms and shows, wandering around barns, learning the various breeds and even witnessing the artificial insemination of a prize Danish Warmblood. (My assistant and I referred to this as our “Fifty Shades of Neigh “moment.)
And I wrote, and wrote some more. The whole time I had this feeling that something about the story wasn’t working. Finally, I realized what it was: I hadn’t created a real, sensory connection with my setting. How could I write about horses or riding without actually experiencing it myself?
So I put on my big girl panties and took up a friend’s offer of a riding lesson. I confess my legs were shaking pretty bad, but I did it. And actually, sort of, enjoyed it. Certainly enjoyed the exhilaration of facing my fears head on. From that moment, the story fell into place and came alive. I even incorporated my fear—and overcoming it—into the novel by putting my protagonist through the very same thing. I love it when a plan comes together!
I hope you’ll put THE FIRST WIFE on your Want to Read books list!
Best wishes,
Erica
I pressed on anyway, visiting farms and shows, wandering around barns, learning the various breeds and even witnessing the artificial insemination of a prize Danish Warmblood. (My assistant and I referred to this as our “Fifty Shades of Neigh “moment.)
And I wrote, and wrote some more. The whole time I had this feeling that something about the story wasn’t working. Finally, I realized what it was: I hadn’t created a real, sensory connection with my setting. How could I write about horses or riding without actually experiencing it myself?
So I put on my big girl panties and took up a friend’s offer of a riding lesson. I confess my legs were shaking pretty bad, but I did it. And actually, sort of, enjoyed it. Certainly enjoyed the exhilaration of facing my fears head on. From that moment, the story fell into place and came alive. I even incorporated my fear—and overcoming it—into the novel by putting my protagonist through the very same thing. I love it when a plan comes together!
I hope you’ll put THE FIRST WIFE on your Want to Read books list!
Best wishes,
Erica
January 30, 2015
Protecting the Innocent
I love settings that have atmosphere and definite personalities. So, naturally, I set most of my novels here in south Louisiana. I also like writing about places I can really wrap my arms around. Unique and atmospheric. New Orleans. Key West. And small southern towns, like the one in last year’s JUSTICE FOR SARA. In the case of THE FIRST WIFE I chose Folsom, the heart of Louisiana’s vibrant horse country.
However, if you read THE FIRST WIFE, you won’t see mention of Folsom. That’s because when it comes to small towns, I change the name to protect the innocent. I mean, I can make some bad stuff happen in the nicest places and it just seems wrong to hang that on anybody. Plus, I have a perverse sense of humor—all that twisted stuff happening in a town named Wholesome? I just can’t resist. And if I’m confessing all here—and I suppose I am—there’s also a bit of self-indulgence involved; if I want my fictional world to have a town square, I’ll have one!
I hope you’ll add THE FIRST WIFE (2-10-15) to your Want to Read list.
Best,
Erica
However, if you read THE FIRST WIFE, you won’t see mention of Folsom. That’s because when it comes to small towns, I change the name to protect the innocent. I mean, I can make some bad stuff happen in the nicest places and it just seems wrong to hang that on anybody. Plus, I have a perverse sense of humor—all that twisted stuff happening in a town named Wholesome? I just can’t resist. And if I’m confessing all here—and I suppose I am—there’s also a bit of self-indulgence involved; if I want my fictional world to have a town square, I’ll have one!
I hope you’ll add THE FIRST WIFE (2-10-15) to your Want to Read list.
Best,
Erica
December 3, 2014
Happy Holidays!
Dear Readers,
Happy Holidays! It’s hard to believe that 2014 is drawing to a close already. If you’re anything like me, every year seems to go by faster. This year marked several firsts for my family: My oldest son moved closer to home and bought his very own place (Yay!) and my youngest got his driver’s license. (Oh, the freedom!) On a sad note, in March we lost our precious golden retriever, Mandy, to cancer. But in May, we welcomed home our new fur baby, Roxie. She’s a bundle of energy and has grown from 6 pounds to 68 already!
On the writing front, JUSTICE FOR SARA made the finals of the RWA RITA award contest, which was a thrill. I attended the RWA conference in San Antonio and the Ninc conference on St. Pete’s Beach, reconnecting with old friends and learning about the latest trends in books.
Speaking of books—drum roll—on February 10, 2015, my newest novel, THE FIRST WIFE, goes on sale. I’m super-excited about this story and hope you will be too!
Don’t forget to visit me on Facebook, twitter, Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and Pinterest.
May all your holiday wishes come true!
XOXO,
Erica
Happy Holidays! It’s hard to believe that 2014 is drawing to a close already. If you’re anything like me, every year seems to go by faster. This year marked several firsts for my family: My oldest son moved closer to home and bought his very own place (Yay!) and my youngest got his driver’s license. (Oh, the freedom!) On a sad note, in March we lost our precious golden retriever, Mandy, to cancer. But in May, we welcomed home our new fur baby, Roxie. She’s a bundle of energy and has grown from 6 pounds to 68 already!
On the writing front, JUSTICE FOR SARA made the finals of the RWA RITA award contest, which was a thrill. I attended the RWA conference in San Antonio and the Ninc conference on St. Pete’s Beach, reconnecting with old friends and learning about the latest trends in books.
Speaking of books—drum roll—on February 10, 2015, my newest novel, THE FIRST WIFE, goes on sale. I’m super-excited about this story and hope you will be too!
Don’t forget to visit me on Facebook, twitter, Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and Pinterest.
May all your holiday wishes come true!
XOXO,
Erica
September 20, 2013
Interview Link for JUSTICE FOR SARA
Dear Readers, The JUSTICE FOR SARA tour has ended and I'm now in full, deadline mania mode. It's a pretty crazy place to be: days filled with too much coffee, really bad hair and a desk that resembles a bizarre, literary explosion. Truly frightening.
I thought I'd share with you a link to a calmer moment: A PBS interview that fellow author Alex Kava and I did on our joint STRANDED/JUSTICE tour. In it, we discuss not only our new novels, but how we came to the publishing industry and our writing process. Enjoy!
>>
I thought I'd share with you a link to a calmer moment: A PBS interview that fellow author Alex Kava and I did on our joint STRANDED/JUSTICE tour. In it, we discuss not only our new novels, but how we came to the publishing industry and our writing process. Enjoy!
>>
