“Punk Rocker” Anthology – Interview with Erin McGowan

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anthology, Billy Idol, Brenda Perlin, Generation X, Iggy Pop, memoirs, memories, music, Punk, Punk Rocker, punkers, The Clash, The Damned

As some of you already know, I’ve contributed to an anthology called PUNK ROCKER, the much anticipated sequel to “L.A. Punk Rocker”: top author Brenda Perlin’s best-selling punk anthology.

The book is available on Amazon

US https://amzn.com/B01FCBBC6W

UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FCBBC6W

In the next few weeks,  I will introduce the other authors who are in on the project. Today I have Eric McGowan

 

How did you get involved in the PUNK ROCKER project?

When Brenda published LA Punk Rocker I was excited to read it and, happily, discovered that it was everything I’d hoped it would be. I left a review, and Brenda asked me if I wanted to submit something if she did another book. I love to write, and I love Punk, so it seemed like a no-brainer.

Without giving too much away, tell us about your short story for the anthology.

This is a story about a teenaged girl who thinks she has life all figured out. One night at the famous Riot House shakes up her world and challenges her to look at people and music in a whole different light.

Can you explain what Punk means to you? Do you have any more memories you would like to share with us?

Punk is about freedom, to me. It challenges you to think, to see beauty in chaos, to get out of your comfort zone. I wasn’t lucky enough to be there when punk ruled LA, New York, or London, but through the music and books I got to experience it forty years later. That’s the amazing thing about music, art, and writing. They can take you back in time, change your life, and give you something to aspire to.

What are your favorite Punk Acts, Albums and Songs?

I love Iggy Pop, David Bowie, The Who, Lou Reed, the Clash, Sex Pistols, Television, Talking Heads, and Stiff Little Fingers. Raw Power is one of my favorite albums, and there are too many songs to name.

Are you like any of the characters (and how so)?

I think we all put bits and pieces of ourselves and the people we know into every character. In a way I am like my main character in this short story, Kimberly. Like her, I tried to chase after my wild sister to save her. Like her, I eventually realized that you can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved.

What do you do when you don’t write?

I read, listen to music, work, spend time at the beach, drink lots of coffee, watch movies, and hang out with my friends.

Who would you like to invite for dinner?

Iggy Pop. He’s one of my favorite Punk artist and I think it’s amazing that he survived all the drugs and his crazy lifestyle. Can you imagine the stories that man has?

Who are your favourite authors?

LB Clark, Laurie Boris, Jim Butcher, JK Rowling, Richelle Mead, Lois Lowry, Dan Mader, Kristina Jackson, Rich Meyer, David Antrobus, and Lisa Klypas

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

I’m reading “Wonder Boys” right now on my e-reader.

What are you working on now?

Right now I am working on the sequel to “The Mage: Awakening.”

Erin McGowan lives in Galveston, Texas, where she spends as much time as possible writing or walking in the surf. She also travels with her roommate and partner-in-crime, L.B. Clark, whenever she can.

While pursuing her master’s degree in accounting from Stephen F. Austin, Erin discovered that writing during and after class was a great way to relieve stress and focus. Changing jobs and moving all over Texas fueled her desire to write and gave her some great story ideas, and deciding to partner with her roommate in a publishing company gave her every reason to share said stories with the world.

Erin finds that story ideas come from everywhere. Watching the ocean, picking figs in the morning, even walking down the street to get coffee can lead to an idea for a book or a short story. She also finds that her natural empathy and love of music lends itself to writing about musicians and the music industry.

For Erin, writing is like laughing; you can get through life without it, but what would be the point?

Links:

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinMWrites/?ref=hl

Twitter: @Erinm128

Blog: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/beachbum128

Lone Star: http://www.lonestarbookworks.info/books.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Erin-McGowan/e/B008CBE1H2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1461637629&sr=1-2-ent

The Mage: http://www.amazon.com/Mage-Awakening-Erin-McGowan-ebook/dp/B01BIR0AJO/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

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