Grab your favorite blanket and steaming cup of tea, because you’re about to be immersed in the world of paranormal romance as we sit down with the talented Erin Sterling! In this exclusive interview, Erin opens up about her latest book, the eerie inspirations that fuel her stories, and the intriguing choices that define her writing style. Keep reading to learn more about Erin Sterling as an author and a person, followed by her answers to five super special questions.
Who is Erin Sterling?
Erin Sterling is actually a popular penname used by Rachel Hawkins, a versatile and prolific author across multiple genres. Though she was born on November 23, 1979, in Newport News, Virginia, Rachel grew up in Dothan, Alabama. She pursued her passion for literature at Auburn University, where she earned a degree in English literature. Like many of the best authors before her, Rachel worked as an English teacher before embarking on her writing career, a role that undoubtedly influenced her storytelling skills and deepened her love for books. Rachel still lives in Auburn with her husband, son, and five cats. Her personal life is as vibrant and eclectic as her writing, filled with reading, cooking, and various creative pursuits.
Under her real name, Rachel Hawkins has made a significant mark in the young adult fiction world with her popular Hex Hall series and the Rebel Belle trilogy. These books — with their mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of magic — consistently captivate young readers and solidify her reputation as a notable voice in the genre. She has also ventured into modern Gothic thrillers, with titles like The Wife Upstairs and Reckless Girls, which showcase her ability to tell those types of suspenseful and gripping stories.
As Erin Sterling, however, Rachel explores the realm of paranormal romance. Her novels, such as The Ex Hex and The Kiss Curse, blend romance with supernatural elements, creating stories that are both heartwarming and delightfully eerie.
The Interview
Erin Sterling’s new book, The Wedding Witch, is out now and ready for our TBR lists. So, of course, we’re dying to hear more about The Graves Glen series and her writing process! Thus, Bookstr had five important questions for Erin Sterling, and these were her delightful answers:
You write all of your paranormal romances under the name Erin Sterling but have a plethora of other amazing novels as Rachel Hawkins as well. What informed your decision to write the Graves Glen series as Erin Sterling?
Partially, it was Very Boring Business Reasons (romance was a 4th genre for me — after YA, Middle Grade, and Adult Thrillers — and I thought four genres under one name was kind of a lot), but also, I really liked the idea of something a little new/fresh for these books. I basically wrote The Ex Hex just for me — even my agent didn’t know I was working on it — because it was August in Alabama, and I was desperate for some Fall coziness. I wasn’t even sure it would actually be a book, much less a whole series! So when the books sold to Avon, and we started talking about the idea of a pen name, it just felt right. This was such a different track for me, so why not do it under another name? I always knew I wasn’t going to keep it a “secret,” that I’d be really clear I was both Rachel and Erin publicly, but it’s still kind of a neat way to set these very special books apart.
Sir Purrcival is a hilarious name for Gwyn’s talking cat. Were any of his feelings or thoughts inspired by your own five cats (or what they might say if they could talk)?
VERY much so! Sir Purrcival was inspired by my two black cats, Merlin and Bosworth. Like Bosworth, he’s very loyal and loves His Person. And like Merlin, Sir Purrcival has treats on the brain 24/7. 🤣 I loved the idea of doing the Classic Talking Cat Thing in a witch story, but whereas some of those other famous talking cats — Thackeray Binx, Salem — were people first, Purrcival was always a cat, hence his… limited vocabulary, let’s say.
Which songs do you think would be on a playlist co-created by Vivi and Gwyn?
I actually have a playlist for The Ex Hex up on Spotify, which was SO much fun to put together, and I was definitely channeling Vivi and Gwyn as I made it! Some of the songs I think they’d particularly love are Sisters of the Moon by Fleetwood Mac, Black Magic by Little Mix, and Willow by Taylor Swift.
With the spooky season upon us, what is your favorite part about fall? Do you have a favorite autumnal drink/food or activity to indulge in?
I love SO many things about fall and really wish we got more of it here in Alabama! But pretty much anything that would be dubbed “basic?” I’m there. Give me all the Pumpkin Spice. Let me watch a spooky movie literally every day in October. If there is an apple orchard nearby, I will go pick those apples and drink your cider. Hope you like soup because this girl is making GALLONS.
Since The Wedding Witch will be the last of the Graves Glen series, do you have any plans to write another paranormal romance series in the future?
I’m so happy to say that I do! There’s a character we meet in The Wedding Witch who hints at an exciting backstory, so I’d always planned to do her story next, but it turned out I wasn’t quite as done with Graves Glen as I’d thought. So, definitely working on something set in the same world, but with new characters we haven’t seen before. Of course, that doesn’t mean we won’t see familiar faces around town…
Two Names, One Haunted Heart
Rachel Hawkins/Erin Sterling’s sense of humor and love for quirky, magical stories shine through in her work. Her books are a joy to read for fans of all ages. Whether writing as Rachel Hawkins or Erin Sterling, she continues to enchant readers with her imaginative and captivating tales.
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