With dust-kissed beginnings in the heart of West Texas, beneath endless skies and unfiltered starlight, Eric cultivated roots that burrowed deep into sun-baked earth. Family ties entwined their way to Midland, adding grit and resilience to the tapestry of his life. Armed with a theatre degree, he traded desert winds for the hushed backstage world of regional theaters, weaving soundscapes as an audio engineer. Later, he scaled the corporate ladder, mastering the technical symphony of audiovisual systems.
Life, however, had its own unscripted act. Coming out wasn't a fiery crash, but it wasn't a smooth glide either. A hesitant confession to a close friend during senior year met with unexpected acceptance, becoming a pivotal moment that ushered in the open embrace of university life. College, a vibrant kaleidoscope of joy and challenge, along side High-School, became the fertile ground where his stories took root.
"Except for Cough Drops," Eric's debut novel, is a love letter to self-discovery. As a proud gay author, he bares his soul in this tale of honesty and acceptance. When not conjuring worlds with words, he finds solace in the furry company of canine companions, their wagging tails painting joy onto his days. Friends, dogs, spicy Mexican feasts, portals to sci-fi/fantasy, and the crisp embrace of winter air – these are the melodies that dance in his heart. Yard work, finicky felines, broccoli's bitter bite, and the searing desert sun? Let's just say they're off-key.
"Except for Cough Drops" is more than a novel; it's a reflection, an invitation into the life of a man trying to be his best self. A word wizard, a story weaver, and a champion of life's simple pleasures, Eric invites you on a journey of exploration, growth, and savoring every moment, sun-soaked or snow-kissed.
Get to know me...
Why I write
Growing up in Texas, where the whispers of tumbleweeds and the roar of hurricanes were louder than any LGBT voices, I felt adrift in a vast emptiness. Bookshelves held no stories that reflected my lived experience, no stars in the literary sky to guide me through the wilderness of self-discovery.
I often wonder how much easier my journey would have been if I'd found tales echoing with similar struggles, if there were stories whispering, "You're not alone." That's the driving force behind my writing: to weave narratives that become lighthouses for those still searching in the dark.
Every word, every thread, stitches together a tapestry of diverse experiences. Each story is a unique melody, yet their harmonies blend in the universal chords of love, loss, and acceptance that bind us.
Though my own coming-out unfolded in Texas, I know its threads aren't mine alone. The stumbles, the victories, the hushed moments of self-discovery—these resonate in countless others navigating the maze of sexual identity.
My writing is an open invitation to explore these paths together. We'll delve into the intersections of sexuality and the fabric of our lives: family, faith, friendships, and the dreams that shape us.
Along the way, we'll meet characters who dance across the pages, their stories etched in laughter and tears, their flaws and strengths mirroring our own. May they become companions, offering whispers of courage and reminding us that even in the shadows, we are never truly alone.
So, let's walk this path together, thread by thread, story by story, weaving a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences that illuminates the world around us.
email: ericdakotaauthor at gmail dot com
Get in touch with Eric...
