Interview Cheryl N. Warner

by

Jeannine Van Eperen

1) Thank you, Cheryl, for allowing me to interview you. Tell me a little bit about why you started to write. Was writing something you always wanted to do?

As I’m sure every author will say, I’ve always enjoyed writing. I believe the love of writing and the desire to tell a story is a gift that many of us are given at birth. Unfortunately, responsibilities sometimes get in the way of the things we love to do, as does misconception. Authoring books seemed too glamorous, too out of reach to be attainable. Until four years ago…

At that time, I reached a milestone birthday. I’d rather not say which one, if you don’t mind! I took inventory of my life and felt that I needed to become more ambitious, more adventurous. I needed to spread my wings and expand my horizons. I bought rollerblades and gave in-line skating a shot. I also purchased voice lesson tapes to improve my singing and practiced almost every day, for a while.

Then on my wedding anniversary, which was a biggie, too, I decided to sit down and write a romance, just like that. Well, my rollerblades and singing lesson tapes got tossed aside in record time, and I became completely consumed by writing. It’s the only part of my mid-life crisis that stuck, and I believe it happened for a reason. I feel as though I’ve finally arrived home, as if I’m at the exact place I’m supposed to be in my life, like writing is what I was created to do. What a great feeling!

2) I haven’t as yet read your book, but I know the heroine’s first name is Christian. Is your book in the inspirational category? Or does the name have nothing to do with that genre?

Yes, Christian Ways is an inspirational romance, and names play a large part in the story. One of Christian’s favorite pastimes is researching the meaning of names, a hobby that was passed down to her from her parents. When I wrote this book, I intentionally chose names that had appropriate meanings for each character’s personality. Doing so was not only challenging and fun, but also very educational. The title, Christian Ways, has a dual meaning, but I’m afraid I’ll give away too much of the story if I explain both meanings here.

3) What is different between Zachary and Cameron, the man Christian is considering marrying?

Zachary and Cameron are as different as night and day, a fact that certainly contributes to Christian’s confusion over choosing between the two. Zack is a passionate musician who lives and loves just as passionately, but can only express what he’s feeling through his songs. Cameron has no problem expressing himself, and yet he bores everyone with what he has to say! Cameron’s passions include status, appearance, and possessions.

Zack is seven years younger than Cameron but has lived life at least seven times harder! Zack was raised under the influence of a father who was continuously “under the influence”, and Zack followed down the same destructive path. After a tragic accident opened his eyes to just how destructive his life could become, he turned to God and began his walk on a much straighter, albeit uphill, path.

Cameron, on the other hand, grew up in a respectable, upper-class home, completely sheltered from the world that Zack knew so well. Unfortunately, Christian also knew this world very well, and she thought it best to associate herself with someone like Cameron, someone who could help her stay on the straight and narrow. Funny how our hearts can have completely different plans from our minds. And God usually speaks to the heart rather than the mind, doesn’t He?

4) Is there a special reason you set the book where you did?

I wanted the story to take place in a small Southern town, but I also wanted the town to be a fictitious one. I decided to go with the same process I used in choosing names for my characters: picking them based on their meaning. I named the town Valhalla, which is another word for heaven. This name is appropriate because Christian considers her hometown a little piece of heaven when she returns there after running away to Chicago and leading a turbulent and unsavory life.

I decided that Valhalla was located in the great state of North Carolina. I’m really not sure why I chose North Carolina. I think it just sounded right: Valhalla, North Carolina. Rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?

5) Have you developed any particular routine in your work?

Yes, as far as when I write. I’m a night owl, so I’m at my best creatively after dark when the house is quiet. Since my husband’s job requires him to keep very early hours, he’s in the bed by 8:30 or 9:00 each night, and that’s when I resume my writing. Usually, I have to pry my hands from the keyboard and force myself to go to bed at a semi-decent hour.

When it comes to spending a given amount of time plotting and outlining, I have no routine. To try to force a schedule in these departments would be pointless. When I write, my characters take over the story, and I’ve learned to let them do as they please. Otherwise, all creativity is squashed and the story falls flat on its face. Plus, I would lose precious writing time arguing with them.

Most nights, I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to write when I take a seat at my computer. I place my fingers on the keyboard, and the story takes off, sometimes in directions I never saw coming. This phenomenon is very strange to me. I’ve always been a very structured and disciplined person. I like to plan everything far in advance, years in advance! To be able to fly by the seat of my pants, like I do when I’m writing, blows me away. You’d think it’d make me uncomfortable considering my personality, but it doesn’t. It makes me feel free and alive. To experience what my characters are experiencing for the very first time as I create the story, there’s nothing else like it. It’s akin to a spiritual experience for me. It’s also the most fun I’ve ever had.

6) If you could be back or forward in time, which would you chose and why?

I’d definitely go back in time, not forward. I’ve completely bought into the “good ol’ days” mentality, even though I realize that retrospection is always greatly skewed and highly romanticized by those telling historic tales. I seriously doubt there were many aspects of the pioneer days that were even remotely romantic. But something in me longs for a slower pace and a simpler, more innocent time. I’m currently doing my best to make the here and now such a time.

7) What is your writing workplace like?

Believe it or not, I write in my kitchen. Years ago, we located our computer on a built-in desk in our kitchen area, and it’s worked out fine since I only write when I’m alone. From my writing chair, I have a great view out the sunroom windows. For many, the view would be a distraction. For me, staring out at the brilliant sunshine, blowing leaves, or even the dead of night helps clear my head, especially when I’m struggling to find just the right word or phrase that will convey my thoughts.

I don’t only write at the computer, though. Sometimes an idea will strike when I’m cleaning house or relaxing in the bathtub. At any given time, you may find a scrap of paper or even a tissue lying around the house with barely decipherable sentences scrawled across them, sometimes in ink, possibly in lipstick or eyeliner!

8) What person has inspired you most and in what way?

I’d have to say that my mother had the greatest influence on my life. She taught me the importance of hard work and self-discipline, which is now so very valuable to me as a writer. Her inspiration came from God, and through her shining example, so does mine.

9) Do you belong to any writing clubs and/or critique groups?

Not at this time. I am a member of several on-line author and readers’ groups, including Wings’. Writers and readers alike can gain a wealth of invaluable information and inspiration from groups such as these.

My main critic is my husband. He’s honest, yet kind. I like that!

10) Which books and authors are your favorites?

My all-time favorite author is James Herriot, who wrote the “All Creatures Great and Small” series about his adventures as a country vet. I’m very inspired by him because he didn’t begin his writing career until he was fifty years old. Plus, I’m a pushover for any story involving animals. That’s one reason I also like “The Cat Who…” series by Lilian Jackson Braun. Mysteries and cats, what could be more entertaining?

In the romance department, I enjoy Christian romance authors such as Lori Wick and Tracie Peterson. I’m also a huge fan of Shakespeare’s work, especially Romeo and Juliet.

Most recently, I’ve developed a fondness for Penelope Lively, who wrote The Photograph. This book was not only entertaining, but also a very challenging read. I definitely plan to put other books by Ms. Lively on my “must read” list.

11) Do you have a favorite hobby or sport?

I’m not really into watching sporting events, although I do like to keep up with how my Atlanta teams are doing. I also enjoyed following the career of NASCAR driver and Georgia boy Bill Elliott, but, unfortunately, he’s now semi-retired.

My favorite hobby is bird watching. This pastime is something I can easily squeeze into my day when I’m staring out the window in search of inspiration. During summer months, I especially enjoy watching the hummingbirds battle it out around the feeder strategically located right outside my sunroom window.

12) Is there anything about Cheryl N. Warner that few people know that you’d like to share with us?

Hey, I thought this was an interview, not true confession time! LOL Okay, I’ll try not to scare anyone away by making a hugely personal confession. How about a slightly embarrassing one instead?

As I mentioned earlier, I sat down at the computer one day and decided to write a book. Well, I left out one tiny detail. My renewed interest in writing had been sparked by fan fiction websites. I happened across one of these sites while cruising the Internet one day and read a few of the short stories fans had posted there. I thought to myself, I can do better than that, and decided to try my hand at a fan fiction story. Okay, here comes the embarrassing part: my story revolved around the boy-band ‘NSYNC. Please stop laughing. All this happened at the peak of their career and during my midlife crisis, so what can I say? I had a tiny crush on Lance, okay? Judge not, lest ye be judged! LOL

Anyway, I’m sure my fan fiction story was much better than any of the thirteen-year-olds’ on that website! The Bible says that God uses foolish things to confound the wise. I’m a living testament to that fact. From a silly fan fiction story to three published novels in three years! God truly works in mysterious ways.

Thank you, Cheryl. I think readers of this interview will find it as interesting as I. I’m glad you took the time to give me such thoughtful and insightful answers. I look forward to reading Christian Ways.