With the Block away, we thought we’d provide you with a little Summer School . . . your chance to catch up with the writers that make Yanni’s Block what it is. We call it the Writer’s Block!

That’s right, the fiery yet fickle foursome took some time out from BBQing and traveling to sit down with ‘Shots From the Block correspondent Miller Davis to provide the following Q&A. EACH OF THE WRITERS, EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.

First up is the writer for “Eric Lindsey,” D. Robinson.

(Oh, and write this down . . . the all-new third season BLOCK PARTY begins in September! SAVE THE DATE!!!)

1. How were you first introduced to Yanni’s Block?

The creator of YB approached me about writing for the series. What I thought would be a small commitment evolved into a weekly, creative workout that sharpened my writing skills considerably.

2. What does it take to write for a character each week?

It takes undivided attention and an environment of peace to write for my character. My routine consists of printing out the previous edition (in my case, Starlet’s post) and reading it slowly to get myself “in character.” Afterwards, I sit at my desktop/laptop in a dark room with no music, no phone and no interruptions. It usually takes no more than an hour to write my weekly post.

3. Which parts of yourself are included in the character you write for?

There are three (3) major parts of me that go into Eric’s character: spirituality, music and sensitivity. I grew up being very active in church and, at one point, was a minister of music (just like Eric was at his dad’s church). My dad wasn’t a pastor, but I spent a lot of time in the church and have a personal relationship with God.

Music is another major part of my life that I’ve lent to Eric’s character. Being a former musician/singer, I’ve been exposed to all sorts of people and it has allowed me to adjust to various personalities from all walks of life.

Eric’s sensitivity is definitely borrowed from my list of attributes. It’s not something I’m proud of per se, but I use it in Eric’s character as a form of release, because he and I both know how to express our feelings: from loving to outraged.

4. What is one thing your character has done during the first two seasons that you would never do?

I personally wouldn’t curse as much as Eric. When he gets angry, the profanity flows through the room like incense smoke.

5. Do you have a favorite episode? (Which one was it? Explain why you liked it.)

My favorite episode is “Rescue Revelations” (April 10, 2006) which introduces Vincent Lindsey, Eric’s little brother. Since I am an only child, I never experienced the sibling relationship. Vincent is like a Bizarro-Eric in his violent tendencies and abrasiveness; I enjoyed pulling him into the story as a bittersweet character. I think this episode demonstrated action, anger and forcefulness that readers weren’t accustomed to seeing on Mondays.

6. What would you like to see happen to your character during the upcoming season?

I would like to see Eric and Starlet take their relationship to the next level. There’s got to be more to them than food and sex. He’s already falling in love with the woman, so a transition into something more permanent (read: engagement) might add a little spice to the story.

7. We’re assuming you read the comments left by readers. What’s the one piece of feedback you’ve received regarding your character that you’ll never forget?

I remember this one comment from Spring that has always stuck out in my mind:

“Well Eric there might be hope for you yet, that is if you can remember to be a man.”

This comment came after a post where Eric was upset with Starlet for leaving him in the tub butterball naked. This was the pivotal point for me not to use Eric as a floodgate of emotions, but to give him more dimensions than some tragically-orphaned musician scorned by his ex-girlfriend. When your (character’s) manhood is challenged, it makes you dig deeper. Thanks, Spring!

Fun facts about D. Robinson, the writer for Eric Lindsey:

· A musician/singer who plays piano and guitar.

· Has two (2) self-published books of poetry.

· Loves to paint (acrylic on canvas).

· Works as a marketing executive in “beautiful” Corporate America.

· As a child, I wanted to be a camera man for Soul Train (think about it).

· Collects authentic movie posters from around the world via eBay.

· Most prized possession is “Shaunte,” my 1973 Mark I Fender Rhodes piano.