Interview Cheryl N. Warner

by

Ruby Moon-Houldson

1) What is your latest book about? Setting? Time?

My latest release is entitled “The Speerings”. It is a contemporary romance that also contains elements of intrigue, as well as inspiration. It takes place in a small Southern town.

The main character’s name is Carly Wright, and she is the lead journalist for her college newspaper, entitled The Speerings. Naïve enough to believe her views will be accepted as fact, she publishes scathing articles and editorials about her county’s controversial sheriff. She doesn’t mean any harm. She merely wants the citizens of her hometown to know the truth about the man they elected sheriff. To do so poses two problems, however. Carly is a twenty-year-old college kid with only a hunch as her guide. She’s also the mayor’s daughter. Problem number three surfaces when she begins dating one of the sheriff’s deputies.

As Carly digs deeper and deeper to uncover the truth, she finds answers that only lead to more questions. Asking these questions could lead to danger for both her and the people she loves. Much to everyone’s dismay, she proceeds and soon finds that she’s in way over her head.

2) What prompted you to write this story? What was your inspiration?

This story was inspired by tales I’ve heard through the years about a real life sheriff. I think the stories may have been true to a point, but I also suspect that quite a bit of embellishment took place as they passed from person to person. These stories were just too juicy not to use in a book. The fun part was that I could do some embellishing myself to make the stories fit into my novel.

3) How many books have you written? Which was your favorite or easiest to write? Which was the hardest? And why?

I’m working on book number six at the moment, and it’s a sequel to my fifth novel, “The PMS Diaries”. I’ve never written a sequel before, and it’s quite a learning experience.

“The PMS Diaries”, was definitely the most difficult to write. It’s a romantic comedy, a genre I hadn’t previously attempted. I loved every minute of writing it, but comedy is extremely tough to write and write well. I’m hoping to announce a publication date for “The PMS Diaries” soon.

The easiest book to write was “Christian Ways”, my very first novel. I think it was the easiest because I had no idea what I was doing! I just went with what was in my heart and mind. Ignorance is indeed blissful. After much editing, “Christian Ways” became a polished novel that will always be very special to me. It’s my firstborn.

4) Do you travel in order to conduct research for your books? What kind of research do you do? (online, books, interviews)

I haven’t traveled specifically for research purposes yet, but I have used knowledge and memories gained from past travels in my books. In all my books except “Autumn Crossroad”, the settings are fictional places I created, but they each borrow characteristics from my hometown or places I’ve visited.

Most of my other research comes from the internet, books or sometimes from television.

5) Do you have a special place where you write?

I can only write at my computer desk where it’s quiet and dimly lit. And there must be no distractions! Needless to say, I do most of my writing at night when my husband and dogs have gone to sleep.

6) Is there anything that offers inspiration to you while writing such as music or atmosphere?

Most of my inspiration comes when I’m not sitting at the keyboard. Ideas for stories and even conversations between my characters pop into my head at various times. My favorite place to get inspired is while I’m relaxing in my jetted tub. The ending for “Christian Ways” dawned on me when I was dusting my furniture. Who knew Pledge could be so inspiring?

7) What’s your favorite genre to write in? (paranormal romance, general romance, mystery, etc). Is there a certain genre you’d like to write in but have never tackled yet?

I write inspirational romance. The inspirational level of each story varies, but I do incorporate spiritual elements in each of my books. As mentioned previously, I also write romantic comedy.

I’d like to try my hand at a historical romance one day. Maybe when I’m retired and have the time to do major research, I’ll tackle it.

8) How many books at a time do you typically work on? Or are you an author who has to home in all their energies on one book at a time?

Without a doubt, I’m a one-book-at-a-time author. I can only focus on the details of a single story, and sometimes even that is tough if there’s a lot going on in my own life. I’m not a person that thrives on activity and chaos. I need calm and quiet in order to be creative.

9) Do you outline a storyline first or do you just let your fingers sweep you into the adventure?

I don’t outline on paper but I do need to have a mental picture of where I’m headed. Once I have it, then I can sit down at my computer and the words begin to flow. At times, my characters head out on their own and surprise even me. I really like when that happens.

10) Tell us a little about yourself (past accomplishments, awards, guest speaker events, home life, pets. etc.). Is writing your full time job?

I’m a part-time writer with a fulltime day job. I wish the opposite were true, but I’m not quite there yet. Perhaps I should play the lottery more often.

My greatest honor in writing was when Ecataromance awarded “Christian Ways” their Reviewer’s Choice award in 2005. To have my firstborn recognized in such a way was thrilling to say the least.

I’ve been married to the same wonderful man for twenty-five years. We live on a lake in Georgia and have three furry children: two feisty Papillons and a tabby cat. They add a ton of love and excitement to our lives. Readers can see their happy faces on my website, www.cherylnwarner.com.

Thank you for your time. And HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!