Erick Mertz is a paranormal mystery author based in Portland, Oregon. Published by Longbranch Productions, his short story collection The Book Of Witness, Omnibus Edition is the first in “The Strange Air” series of Oregon based, paranormal mysteries.

Previously, Erick’s short fiction has been published in Goldman Review, The Los Angeles Review of Los Angeles and The Bethany Reader among other publications. In 2014, he self-produced The Measurable Blood audiobook, based on a short story of the same name, published in Mad Scientist Journal.

His poetry can be found in Turtle Island Quarterly, Stone Boat, Dos Passos Review, Cirque Magazine, and most recently, Baldhip Magazine.

In a previous life while studying literature at The University of Oregon, he worked as a late night DJ at 88.1 KWVA. Currently, he writes about music for Pennyblack Music and Bearded UK. He has written articles on Oregon history for 1859 Magazine, Coastal Living and Southern Oregon Magazine.

A baseball fanatic, beer and food enthusiast, and unapologetic music obsessive, Erick not only considers the Pacific Northwest his home, but also his perpetual muse. When he is not writing, he also works with community-based people with Developmental Disabilities, a field where he has been active since high school.

Erick Mertz currently lives in Portland with his wife and son.

He offers his books free to prisoners and incarcerated persons. If you know an incarcerated person, please email erickmertz(at)gmail(dot)com for details.