Eric Dakota

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.