Today I’m interviewing Sherry Soule, author of Beautifully Broken (Spellbound #1). Sherry was my editor for Thief of Hope, and I can tell you she knows her stuff!
The blurb:
They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.
Sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf is a heritage witch from the Broussard family, a family both destined and cursed. When she takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes spellbound by his charms. Yet she is determined to discover the connection between them before it’s too late.
Finally, Shiloh’s met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list. And Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much?
It sucks to have a destiny, especially since Shiloh would rather spend her summer being a normal girl who worries about clothes and boys, not the supernatural. But she’s never been normal and the stranger things become the more her own magical senses awaken. With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, she will begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.
Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.
Witches, vengeful ghosts-what’s not to like? And now let’s find out more about Sherry!
Q: Where were you born? How many places have you lived? Are you the kind of person who likes to move around a lot, or do you prefer to live in one place?
A: San Francisco, California. Only one. Stay in one place!
Q: What sparked your interest in writing? How long have you been writing?
A: A love of reading sparked my interest. Loved writing since I was in the 2nd grade.
Q: Your recent release, Beautifully Broken, features a 16-year-old witch who also slays demons. What makes witches and demons so appealing?
A: I love all paranormals. But witches are fun to write.
Q: How long did it take you to finish the book? How many drafts did you write before you were satisfied?
A: Over 2 years. Drafts? LOL More than I can count, but I’d guess about 15 to 20 drafts.
Q: How would you describe your path toward publication?
A: Writing has always been my true passion. This was what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to publish novels. I’ve tried three times in my life to find a literary agent (gatekeepers to the publishing world) without success. I’d like to think I’ve learned a lot since then. I hope I have.
Then 5 months ago, someone I knew announced that they wanted to start a publishing company. So, I was the first to sign with them. Sure, they’re small. But everyone has to start somewhere. Going Indie is a scary endeavor. On occasion things don’t work out. Books don’t sell. The genre dead ends. Bad timing. Worse luck.
But indie authors can find a small amount of success due to the book blogging community, which is so incredibly supportive. And I sincerely thank the bloggers who have embraced and heartily praised my debut novel. You guys rock!
Q: You’ve written both young adult and adult novels. How do you approach writing YA vs. adult?
A: Hmmm, well, YA has a younger voice and Adult is more complex and a bit steamier. 😀
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
A: I have a blog devoted to unpublished writers: http://www.darkangelwritingtools.com/
It has posts with self-editing tools, agent and publishing secrets, and tons of writing tips.
Q: Tell us about your current writing project.
A: Working on the sequel, “Beautifully Haunted” and editing my adult PR, “Disenchanted”
Q: Coffee, tea, or hard liquor? (or all three?)
A: Drink a cup of coffee every morning. Tea on occasion. And never hard liquor. (dulls the creative senses.)
Q: What books are you currently reading or on your to-be-read list?
A: Currently reading, “Descended by Blood” by author Angeline Kace. So good!
Q: And now for the bonus fluff question: If you could be a character in one of your favorite novels, which character would you be and why?
A: Hard question! I guess I’d be Scarlett O’Hara. She is perhaps the best example of a genuine, realistic pragmatist. She was a fighter. Gotta admire her for that…
Thanks so much for stopping by!
For more information on Sherry Soule and her books, please visit her online:
Website: http://sherrysoule.com
You can also get her book on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Beautifully-Broken-Spellbound-Sherry-Soule/dp/061550812X/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_4
Cindy Young-Turner 