Writer Erin Dawkins
This week’s Writer Wednesday features Writing Room member Erin Dawkins!
Based in Clawson, Erin recently finished her first literary horror novel, “Don’t Call Me Devil Girl,” and is now working on her second. She’s also polishing flash fiction pieces for publication.
Balancing a full-time job and family life, Erin writes wherever inspiration strikes — from her home desk to the car during her kids’ practices. Read more about Erin below!
What writing projects are you currently working on?
I just finished my first literary horror novel, “Don’t Call Me Devil Girl,” which is in the querying stages. Now, I am working on my second horror novel. I am also working on a few flash fiction pieces that I’ve been revising and preparing for publication.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
My favorite part of the writing process is the discovery of characters and settings. It’s a pretty incredible thing that as writers we can build worlds from a blank page. It’s exciting to draft an outline and visualize the book’s potential. And then when it becomes a reality, there is truly no better feeling.
What does your writing workspace look like?
I have multiple writing spaces. I have a home desktop with multiple monitors (one side for outline/notes, and the other for the manuscript). I also write on my laptop at my kids’ many sports practices. Many times, I am seen frantically typing by way of interior car lights in the school parking lot. With a full-time job and two busy kids, I write where I can, when I can.
When did you first discover your love for writing? Were there any key moments or influences that sparked your passion?
My love for writing began at a young age when I won a school-wide Young Author’s Contest. From early on, I was passionate about storytelling and developed a strong habit of journaling. While pursuing my MA in English at Wayne State University, I earned several writing awards, including first place in the Tompkins Award in Drama. This honor gave me the unique opportunity to see my work performed by actors. In 2025, I was awarded an Author’s Fellowship to the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing, where I spent a week immersed in workshops and community with fellow writers, published authors and editors.
I also volunteer and teach creative writing to middle school students. Being a part of their creative journey and curiosity inspires me and allows me to continue to evolve as a writer myself.
What is your favorite non-writing hobby?
My favorite non-writing hobbies are reading and running. I use the long miles to listen to audiobooks.
What is your favorite piece of writing advice?
Write every day. Take advantage of the days when it seems fluid and natural and challenge yourself on the days when you’re going head-to-head with a blank page. And on the days when it’s really not happening, read. Reading will usually evoke a spark that will bring you back to the page.
Follow Erin on Instagram at @erin_dawkins and explore her blog at runsthroughlife.com.
— Interview by Jenna Hausmann