Eric Pete

Eric Pete
BLOW YOUR MIND

Interviewed by: Lauretta Pierce
March 17, 2008



Q.    How did you come about the idea to write BLOW YOUR MIND?

A.   The original premise, the whole "running into the night in your underwear and wrecking your car" idea had floated around in my head for some time. I'm being guarded for those out there that haven't cracked the pages, but I fought over how to pull off the entire psychological theme of BLOW YOUR MIND and which perspective to use for a few years.


Q.    How did you come about the title?

A.    The original/working title was Caution: Dangerous Curves Ahead. It worked because it referred to both the car wreck in the beginning as well as Pumpkin's more dangerous "curves" we encounter in the book. As I got further into the story and realized the dark, psychological edge it possessed, it was obvious that a more appropriate title was needed. I remembered stating in a past interview that I hoped the book would blow readers' minds, so it came back when searching for a new title for my editor. In the end, it was perfect.


Q.    How did you come about Henry's character and his gambling situation?

A.    As most my readers know, I love flawed characters. In Henry, I wanted a weak person with many obstacles to pair with Pumpkin. I wanted explosive chemistry and someone in which the readers could feel his desperation.


Q.    Of all the characters in this novel, which were your favorite to write about?

A.    Probably Pumpkin because she was soooo wild and unrestrained. She allowed you to turn off the restraints you would have with most people/characters.


Q.    How long have you been writing?

A.   I've been seriously writing since 1999.


Q.    How many books have you written?

A.   I've written seven novels. BLOW YOUR MIND was my sixth published novel.


Q.    Are you currently working on another novel?

A.    I'm working on development of my eighth novel now.


Q.    Would you give the readers a brief synopsis of your next novel?

A.   My seventh novel should be out in either January or February 09. Right now, it's titled STICKS & STONES, and deals with four main characters. They all have their own reasons and motivations for returning to a small town in the south for their high school reunion. I think there will be a little bit of something for everyone along with the usual steam and craziness.


Q.    Of all the novels you have written which is your favorite?

A.    That's a tough one. I love them all for different reasons.


Q.    What type of message would you like readers to receive from reading BLOW YOUR MIND?

A.   I just want readers to get caught up in these characters as never before. The central theme is about what happens in the real world when fantasies go too far.