Get ready to learn more about the book Riding the Storm in this discussion with sapphic author Erin Wade.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Erin Wade about Riding the Storm, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Nevada category in the 2026 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Riding the Storm?
My niece and I often have first page contests where we write the beginning of the story and then we beg my wife to select the best one. She has no idea who wrote them. When we wrote the opening page for “Riding the Storm,” my niece won the contest. So the first page of the book was actually written by my niece and I took it from there.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Kensley Storm. I was a high school cheerleader and it required a tremendous amount of strength and agility to do those flips in the air. I thought it would be fun to be a stuntwoman in the movies so this book is based on my fantasies of that.
What inspired the idea for Riding the Storm?
My niece.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
Making my book as great as my niece’s first page.
What part of Riding the Storm was the most fun to write?
The entire book was a joy to write. I love the way the characters moved from one death defying event to another.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
Kensley Storm is the main character in the book and she is a daredevil extraordinaire. She went from one firestorm to another. She and the other main character Regina Ryder have a whirlwind romance much like riding a storm.
How much research did you need to do for Riding the Storm?
Like all writers, I do a lot of in-depth research on all my books. Although “Riding the Storm” is fiction and many of the things my characters do are unrealistic, I do try to be as realistic and accurate as possible in describing the surroundings and the constraints within which they must operate. My wife and I went to Las Vegas while I was writing the book. Although I have been to Vegas many times, I went that time in an effort to recall the feel and excitement of the town.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
I do have a sequel in the works titled “Firestorm.” Although Regina considers retiring, she is pulled back into action to help stop a criminal gang who kidnaps women and children. Of course if Regina is called into action, so is Kensley.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“Saving beautiful women is not my top priority,” I said into her ear. “I had to save a puppy along the way.”
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I have an office in our home. It is set up so that I have everything I need at my fingertips. My fur babies, Fast Eddie and Tank stay right by my side every minute I am in front of the keyboard. Once I sit down in front of the monitor, I go into writing mode and many times I will write for hours until I finish a particular scene in the book.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Agatha Christie. I was fascinated by her books when I was a teenager. I loved her twisted endings.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
No recipe, sorry. My favorite writing snack is peanut butter crackers and Dr Pepper.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
If I told you, my wife would kill me. Seriously, when I finish a book, it is like being let loose. We go to a nice restaurant, drink a little wine and go dancing. She is very patient with me when I reach the stage that I lock myself away from everyone for the final rewrite so we celebrate for several days to makeup for my absence in her life while I write.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
I have a fifteen-year-old Shih Tzu named Tank. He is the most amazing little fellow. He weighs thirteen pounds and runs and plays like a five -year-old. He understands so many words it is amazing. He is such a good boy. We also have a a black cat named Fast Eddie. He is three-years-old and was supposed to be my wife’s pet, but for some reason he adores me. He sits on my desk or sleeps in a chair beside me. I think he stays with Tank and me in my office because he thinks we are a pack.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
Hire a good proofreader.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
My wife. She is my biggest supporter but I know she is often disappointed when I have to bow out of social engagements because of a book deadline.
If you could be mentored by a famous author (living or not), who would it be?
Freda McFadden – I love her books.
What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?
Again, Freda McFadden
Do you feel bad putting your characters through the wringer?
Yes. In “Left for Dead – you should have killed me,” I intentionally wrote Baird Lancaster as a character my readers would hate because his crime was despicable. I experienced evil glee every time his credit card was refused in front of people he was trying to impress.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
I fall in love with all my MCs. If I don’t love them how can I make my readers love them.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I love psychological thrillers. I love books that challenge me to figure it out before the ending. I have always like this type book.
What books did you grow up reading?
I read anything I could get my hands on: mysteries, thrillers, animal books, etc.
What books have you read more than once in your life?
I never reread a book. The only book I’ve ever read more than once is the Bible. I’ve read it from cover to cover three times. The stories in the old testament are fascinating.
What book do you wish you had written?
I wish I had written “The Housemaid” that Freda McFadden wrote.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
I love to read in bed
Do you only read books in one genre or do you genre hop?
I like magical realism, thrillers, mysteries and action/adventure
