Q&A with Author Erika Robuck

Erika Robuck is the critically acclaimed author of “Hemingway’s Girl” and “Call Me Zelda.” Born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, Erika was inspired by the cobblestones, old churches, Georgian homes, the mingling of past and present of the Eastern Shore, the Annapolis City Dock and the Baltimore Harbor. Her forthcoming historical fiction novel, “Fallen Beauty,” will be published in March, and her work also will appear in “Grand Central,” a short story anthology set at Grand Central Terminal in New York, following World War II.

Q: What’s the funniest/scariest/best interaction you’ve had with a fan?
A: The scariest interaction occurred online, thank goodness. One of my male fans became increasingly amorous, and told me that he wanted to kidnap me when I became famous and read “50 Shades of Grey” to me under a tree in Michigan. There are so many things wrong with this scenario that I don’t even know where to begin.

Q: What one book do you wish you’d written?
Gatsby, of course. From contemporary times, I wish I had written Jess Walter’s “Beautiful Ruins.” I love that book.

Q: Choose one book you’ve written. Who would you cast to play the leading role(s)?
Q: I think George Clooney would be PERFECT for Ernest Hemingway in “Hemingway’s Girl.” If you cannot envision this, Google “Clooney with mustache.” He has the perfect balance of bravado, humor, intensity, and cruelty to nail the role. I have even had my film rights agent send him a copy of the novel. We are still waiting for a call…

Q: Share one of your rejection stories.
A: Long ago, I queried the agent of one of my favorite historical novelists. I was thrilled when he asked for a full manuscript, but crushed weeks later when he rejected me. I believe the letter read: “Your main character is like Nancy Drew. She has a problem; fixes it. Has a problem; fixes it.” Ouch.