Erin Royce
Erin Royce graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa, majoring in Law and English. In order to
both see the world and pay school loans, she worked as a fitness instructor on cruise ships,
managing the fitness programs. Erin walked off her last cruise ship in New York City and literally flew
into the next chapter of her life – to her new home where she continues to reside, among the Rocky
Mountains just outside of Calgary, Alberta.
Though drawing and writing has been apart of her early life, it was her daughter Morgan who helped
her rediscover her passion and love of writing. So, hold onto your bootstraps and stay tuned:
Mommy, Why? is only the beginning.
When read together, Mommy, Why? will give families the opportunity to discuss the issues raised in
the book and encourage children to ask their own questions. It gives families a moment in time to
"connect" with the children in our lives - to laugh - give squeeze hugs - answer questions and "just
be" together - to let them know they matter to us - they matter in this world –
Marina Raydun: You and I have something in common--we both have a degree in law. But you also have a degree in English. In what way did you find this background helpful in writing Mommy, Why?
Erin Royce: If I think about it, my educational background (and work history) as a whole has helped me more so on the practical side of things with writing Mommy, Why? in terms of focus, understanding how thoughts become words and words become cohesive stories, hitting deadlines, being detail oriented, looking at the small and big picture of things to really understand what I need to do and when, prioritizing commitments and investigating all of the multiple avenues and layers needed (which I was unaware of) for a book to come to fruition - all of which is needed, and more, when completing anything you want to do well and to share. Because of this I haven’t felt completely overwhelmed with the whole process of “book management” to the point I whirl completely out of whack “all of the time”…just sometimes!
MR: Is Mommy, Why? your first literary creation? When did you first start writing?
ER: Though Mommy, Why? isn’t my first creation, it is the first I published to show my daughter, through my actions, that you can do what you put your mind to, to always finish what you start even or especially if it takes time and can be incredibly challenging.
I began writing poems and some short stories intermittently from grade 6 to mid high school and a few more when I was working on ships, then other things took over and I completely forgot that part of myself for many years until my daughter started asking so many questions (and still does). I couldn’t find a book that fit what she was asking, so, I thought, why don’t I write this down myself with a second thought on the heels of that one, holy crap I’m throwing myself in the deep end of something again!
From the moment I sat down to write Mommy, Why?, I was more excited with the feeling of “rightness” than I had felt about anything in years and, with tears in my eyes, realized how much I missed putting pen to paper in a creative way - it felt like greeting an old beloved friend I hadn’t seen in years.
MR: What is the most difficult part of your creative process?
ER: Hands down, the multilevel roll out of a book. Writing was the easy part. I was completely ignorant about everything required in creating a book, having it published and trying to get it known to the public - i.e. - obtaining proper editing/design, how and when to do a book launch, finding an illustrator, marketing, advertising, sales in person-online, social media, virtual presence you have to create, etc. Wow, intense!
I do not feel anyone obtains success or reaches goals on their own. I have been more than lucky to have connected with wonderfully talented and gracious individuals thus far, in my attempt to get Mommy, Why? completed. I am also very sure there will be more wonderful advice and assistance as I continue forward in this process and will be ever grateful for all involved in this amazing journey of mine.
MR: What is your favorite genre to read?
ER: What books I read usually depend on my mood. I love a wide range of genres - romance, mystery, thrillers, fantasy, cook books, etc. Except horror, only because I am a big baby. After reading one in my 20’s I had to check every part of my house before I could go to bed and for weeks every sound in the house freaked me out. Which I suppose is a testament to how good the book was - I think it was”The Fog” James Herbert. Great, now I’m not going to be able to sleep again?! Ha!
MR: What was your favorite book growing up?
ER: Hmm I’ve read so many. Depending on my age, some standouts, anything from Judy Bloom or the Ramona Series from Beverly Cleary, Dr. Seuss (which I still love), Anne of Green Gables, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Sweet Valley High series, etc.
MR: I hear you worked as a fitness instructor on cruise ships so naturally I need to know everything! Meeting so many different people and traveling must’ve given you plenty of story ideas. Do you think you’ll ever explore that?
ER: It was definitely an experience of a lifetime that influenced who I am today in a multitude of ways. I met people from all walks of life, from all over the world that have forever touched my heart.
I wrote one short story about my experience in a creative writing class when I returned home and a riff poem on “Twas the Night Before Christmas” with my crew mates as main characters, which I brushed off the dust and put on my facebook this past Christmas.
If I sit and think about it, most definitely I could easily write more about my experiences and may do so in the future.
MR: How do you think publishing Mommy, Why? prepared you for future projects?
ER: Because it was a brand new experience, for my sanity, and due to my lack of patience, I took a deep breath and chose to view the whole process of creating, developing and sharing Mommy, Why? as a jumping off point - a learning experience.
I wanted to complete this project in the right way and, in doing so, build a foundation and network I needed and could continue to refer back to so the process would be easier to navigate for all future projects. I think I’m getting there!
Publishing Mommy,Why? will allow me to focus more on what I love, writing and engaging with people within a more streamlined process with less time just trying to figure things out.
Erin Royce
MR: What are you currently reading?
ER: Kami Garcia’s Series “Beautiful Creatures” and Sherrilyn Kenyon - Chronicles of Nick “Intensity” -
MR: Is there a book you wish you’d written?
ER: I am just starting to write again, so, would have to say no to that question. I intend to write what feels to be the right thing in the moment without wishes or regrets of things perhaps not done or not done yet.
MR: What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
ER: I don’t think (except paying attention to traffic, of course!). I’m often listening to a book on tape or blasting whatever genre of music I’m in the mood for, because I don’t often get the chance to do so otherwise. It’s my “zen alone” time. I try not to think of the million and one things I have to do once I turn the car off and get out to whatever destination I am going to. I have been known to circle a block one too many times just to have a few more moments alone, wrapped up in another world listening to a book, or until the end of a favorite song.
More information about Mommy, Why? and Erin can be found at erindroyce.com.