Eileen Davidson - Official Website

About Eileen

Interview

Q: How did you move from acting to writing?

A: My husband, Vince Van Patten, was writing a book with writer Robert Randisi. Bob lives in Missouri and would fly out to California to write with Vin. We had him over for dinner and I half jokingly said he and I should write a mystery thriller that takes place in and around the Soap Opera world. He said he'd love to but we never pursued it. Until two months later when I called him and asked him if he was serious. He said yes and asked if I had any ideas. Just so happened I did. He said write the synopsis and he'd pitch it to Penguin Books. I did, he did and we did! Get a two book deal that is.


Q: Are any of the characters in your books based on real people?

A: Yes and no. The characters are loosely based on people I've met, worked with and heard about, with a little imagination and artistic license thrown in for fun.


Q: Which do you enjoy more, writing or acting?

A: That would be like choosing between your children! I enjoy both processes so much. Writing is a new experience for me and requires a lot of trust on my part (that I'll actually be able to get something on paper by the due date!). I also get to poke fun at the more absurd aspects of my day job. That's a lot of fun and a different challenge for me. But both, for different reasons.


Q: Have the other actors on the show read your book?

A: Yes! And some have given me great quotes for the first cover! Overall I think they enjoyed them. They recognize a lot of the environment that they are familiar with, and hopefully not themselves!!!


Q: What is your process?

A: I'll start the book by coming up with the basic plot and new characters, then I write the first few chapters. Then I email it to Bob. He takes it further and then emails it back to me for changes and rewrites. I'll take over and email it back. So on and so forth.


Q: Is it difficult writing with a partner?

A: I can only say that Bob as a writing partner is terrific. We write well together. He understands the criminal aspects and plot development, I understand the characters, personalities, tone and environment.
We're a good team!


Q: Are you writing any more books?

A: Yes! We are knee deep in our third book of the series, Diva Las Vegas! Coming early next year.