I have had the honor to meet so many talented, hard-working, and kindly supportive creatives in the midwest where I am from. It is such a thrill and honor to with so many fellow authors and artists who also support me and each other. This is how I met Mr. Hawkins; through connections from other artistic connections. I got to meet him in person last summer and it was such a privilege. He is a legend of art and writing and the King of Kickstarters. If you like zombies, steampunk, and The Wizard of Oz, I HIGHLY recommend his works. His skill inspires me every turn I turn the pages in one of his works.
But now, it’s your turn to get to know more about Mr. Eric Hawkins!
Author to Author Q and A- Eric Hawkins:
- Where did you grow up? Did your childhood have any impact on your writing?
I was born in Detroit, MI, but grew up in Cahokia, IL. Just across the river from St. Louis, MO. If my childhood had an impact on my writing and drawing, it was from my love of comics at a young age.
2. Tell us about the first story you ever wrote, published or not?
My first story was my first issue of The Zombieful World of OZ. It was 5 years in the making and turned out much better than I could have imagined.
3. What are you currently working on (writing, drawing, comic, project-wise?)
I’m always working on something. Currently, it is Zombieful Adventures #1, Zombieful World of OZ #5, and Hounds of God #1.
4. What is your favorite character you have ever created and why?
My favorite character has yet to see it to print. He is my first created character, and someday I will get him out there.
5. Do you have to write/draw in order or do your ideas just come to you and you put them in order later?
It is very random. I get an idea, and it pieces itself together for me. Mostly images that I would find dynamic get done first then I work around them.
6. What was your path like until you found writing?
I was always an artist, doing a commission piece here and there while working a regular 9-5.I still work my regular job.
7. How is your relationship with your publishing company? If you are self-published, what tasks do you have to do to get your project completed?
I publish myself and am my own boss. I maintain a schedule weekly and have dedicated certain days to certain projects.
8. Tell us about your covers.
I design all my covers for my comic books. Nearly all are original designs, but I do occasionally have Homage covers with my characters in famous poses from mainstream comics.
9. What inspires you to create?
The Love of Comics.
10. How do you get reviews?
I really don’t. With Indie Comics, you are rarely ever going to see a review. Unless it is to tear you apart. There are a few people that will tell me how much they like each issue, but they are usually the same people.
11. What is harder: writing, drawing, editing, or marketing?
Marketing is the hardest part. Drawing and writing just come naturally. Marketing though, you find yourself trying to beat the algorithms.
12. If you could publish every book/comic/art idea you’ve ever had, how many would you have out right now?
That would be a lot. The Zombieful World of OZ, Zombieful Adventures, Hounds of GOD, Code of Silence, Emerald Scarab, Earth Quest, Sawyer, and Finn: Monster Hunters, Galactic Marshals, Nefesh Seer, First Line…and many more.
13. Have you ever considered co-writing a series with another creator?
I have worked with other writers drawing their stories. I have thought about finding artists to draw the stories I don’t have time to. Currently, I write, draw, color and letter everything myself.
14. What do you do to relax?
I draw even relaxing, but I play the occasional video game and collect action figures. I used to golf and fish, but it is hard to find the time anymore.
15. If you could tell your 14-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
I would have told him to not listen to his art teacher and stay in art instead of getting into drafting, and to draw every day no matter what. Work on sequential art more than pinups.
My art teacher loved my art, but he saw a house I drew and said I would envoy drafting.
16. What advice would you have for this upcoming generation?
Get off social media. Go outside. Realize just because someone has a different opinion than yours that doesn’t mean they are wrong.
17. Have you ever read a book/comic/series that changed your outlook on life?
The Magician by Sol Stein
18. Do you have a classic piece of literature or a classic author you are fond of?
Of Mice and Men
19. Any type of music that gets your writing/drawing juices flowing?
Mostly Classic Rock when drawing. When writing I can’t listen to music with lyrics, so it is John Williams all the way.
20. If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why?
My mother and Father, my brother, and my Uncle. Why? ‘Nothing counts as much as Blood, the rest are just strangers. Gene Hackman – ‘ Wyatt Earp
21. Dog or cat person?
Dog
22. What do you want to eat right now?
A good Medium Rare Ribeye.
23. If you could be in any movie that has already been made, which one would it be?
Star Wars
24. What is your favorite holiday or time of year?
I love the fall.
BIO:
Eric Hawkins is an Indie Comic Creator. He is best known for his series The Zombieful World of OZ, but has worked on several other projects with many other creators.
When not drawing or writing or self-promoting, Eric spends time with his wife of ten years Jennfier, and at least one or two of their ten grandchildren.