IWU!

Twenty Questions with an Indie Writer

1. Name: Cheryl Shireman

2. How long have you been an indie writer? Since the last week of January of 2011.

3. What formats do you publish in? Kindle, Nook, and paperback.

4. What genres do you write in? Literary fiction, chick lit, and non-fiction.

5. Are you on Twitter or facebook? Yes – both!http://www.twitter.com/cherylshireman
http://www.facebook.com/cherylshireman
http://www.facebook.com/cherylshiremanbooks

6. How do you want your readers to feel after they’re read your book? When I finish a book that I really enjoy I feel a little sad that I am ending the book, but also excited about reading more of that author’s work. I hope that my readers feel the same. As a reader, I am always thrilled to discover a new writer and then learn they have multiple titles published. I also hope that characters from my books stick with the readers. Strong characters are remembered long after you read a good book.

7. What’s your current book? I just finished re-releasing my first novel (Life is But a Dream) under the title – Life is But a Dream: On the Lake. This is an edited version of this bestselling novel and I am really excited about it. It is the same story, but it has been professionally edited and the text is cleaner and tighter. I received so many emails from readers asking me if there would be a sequel to Life is But a Dream that I decided to do just that – create a series based on the main character of Grace Adams. So, this is now the first book in that series.

8. What’s your next book about? I am currently rewriting the second book in the Grace Adams series and plan to publish it this fall. This book will pick up where the first left off and the reader will follow along with Grace as she balances family life with a new adventure in an exciting and beautiful location.

9. What types of jobs have you had other than writing? I have worked in factories, as a trainer for a couple of independent bookstores, as a ghostwriter for two non-fiction books, as a Director of Small Groups in a church, and as a Coordinator for an international network that connects small group pastors.

10. What did it feel like when you were first published? It felt like a dream come true. Because it was.

11. What’s your go-to song when your writing muse needs to be recharged? I cannot listen to music with words when I write because it distracts me. Instead, I listen to classical music like Vivaldi. But as the writing becomes more intense, the volume continues to be lowered. Sometimes I have to turn it off completely.

12. What do you do when writer’s block strikes? I don’t believe in writer’s block. I just write. Getting the words down is the thing. Even if they are no good at all. Because you can always go back and rewrite. I think it is important to keep the flow of words going, even if they appear to be nothing more than brainstorming and notes. Never stare at the blank page (or computer screen) and worry about what to write. Just write something. Anything.

13. What’s the best compliment your writing ever earned? When my kids say, “I’m so proud of you, Mom.” They have watched me write for years and years. Now, as they see the success of my books, all of that shared history means more than ever. No matter what anyone else says, if your kids are proud of you, what more could you ask?

14. If you’re stranded on a desert island with a solar battery recharger, what would you be reading on your Kindle? The Dummies Guide to Building a Boat From Deserted Island Materials.

15. If you could have dinner with three other writers, who would they be? John Steinbeck, Elizabeth Berg, and Margaret Mitchell. If Steinbeck and Mitchell could be alive for this dinner, it would probably be a lot more interesting.

16. What’s your blog and/or website address?
Website – http://www.cherylshireman.com
Blog on writing – http://cherylshireman.com/blog/
Blog on family, kids, dreams, and life – http://cherylshireman.com/still-waters/

17. Cats or dogs? Horses

18. Cake or death? (To soothe the boisterous Eddie Izzard lobbyists…) Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting in a bowl, with milk poured over it – eaten immediately with a spoon. Yum.

19. What fictional character do you identify with most? In my deluded state, I would say Scarlett O’Hara. I love her strength and passion. Her methods may be slightly wicked, but I would bet on her to get out of any difficult situation. You gotta love a resourceful woman. But, in reality, I think that a part of me is in every female character I have ever created – women who dream, who love their families, and who are just trying to find their way in this world.

20. What’s the closing line of your latest book? Oh, I’d never give away a closing line. You’ll have to buy the book to find out. But MY closing line is this – Thank you readers. You have, literally, made my writing dreams come true. I am so grateful. Thank you for taking the time to send me emails and for stopping by my blogs to leave your comments. Your kind words and encouragement mean more to me than you will ever know.

And thank you Mary Pat!

Amazon link for Life is But A Dream: On the Lake http://www.amazon.com/Life-But-Dream-ebook/dp/B004JU21YU/
Amazon link for Broken Resolutions http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Resolutions-ebook/dp/B004V9FPB0/
Amazon link for You Don’t Need a Prince: A Letter to My Daughter http://www.amazon.com/You-Dont-Need-Prince-ebook/dp/B004S2KLTG/

Share