Interview with Author Cheryl I. Brooks:
Hi Cheryl. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...
- Please tell us about your latest book.
The Cat Star Chronicles: Warrior was released October 1, 2008 and is a science fiction romance about a witch and a sexy Zetithian warrior. It’s got action, adventure, mystery, romance, and the hottest sex in the galaxy!
- What can we expect from you in the future?
There are plans for six books in this series. Slave was the first, and Warrior the second, with Rogue, Lover, Fugitive, and Hero to come.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
I have a website: cherylbrooksonline.com, and I blog regularly on Casablanca Authors Blogspot and Wickedly Romantic Blogspot (see links below)
- How may readers contact you?
- How many readers/fans contact you?
I love hearing comments from readers, and I’ve heard from several, but my fan mail hasn’t reached overwhelming proportions as yet!
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
Most writers will tell you that they read a book and thought: I can do better than that, but I started writing because what I wanted to read simply wasn’t on the shelves. I wanted science fiction, and I wanted eroticism without being all sex and no story. There are more books like this available now, but way back when I first got the idea, there were none!
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
There’s an element of me in all of my heroines, and I think if any writer is honest, they will say the same thing. I try to infuse them with other traits, but my own quirks keep showing up!
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
That depends on how many other things I have going on. Before I was published, I could write a book in a couple of months because that was all I did with my spare time. At the moment, I’m trying to finish a 90,000 word book in three months, but the demands on my time have increased.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I write whenever I can—which sometimes is while I’m waiting for my car to be serviced! For the most part, I write during the times most people would be watching television. I never watch anything anymore!
- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
I get interrupted sometimes, but mostly, I stay back in my bedroom with a cat for company and no one bothers me.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
I plug in my Ibanez guitar and sing my little lungs out!
- Where do your ideas come from?
I have no idea! My tortured brain, I suppose.
- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?
Absolutely! We see enough drama in our daily lives, and I think we all need a good laugh.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
I LOVE writing love scenes! If I didn’t, I’d probably be writing murder mysteries or straight sci-fi! I lost my inhibitions—in my writing, anyway!—a long time ago.
- What kind of research do you do?
That depends on the story. I’ve researched everything from hurricanes to how to grow avocados, and I’ve done it all on the Internet.
- What does your husband think of your writing?
He wants me to be very successful so he can retire!
- Do you ever ask him for advice?
I ask my husband some things to get the male point of view, and I run some plot ideas past him from time to time. He also keeps my computer and Internet up and running!
- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I’ve got a BSN from IU and have been a critical care nurse for more than thirty years. I’m married, have two sons, five horses, and five cats.
- What are some of your favorite things to do?
I have horses, and I ride when I have the time. I also enjoy gardening and cooking, and I’ve been playing guitar since the age of ten.
- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
I have always been a Mary Stewart fan, and her Merlin Trilogy is my favorite series. Aside from that, I’d have to say Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca is my favorite novel. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve read it.
- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
I belong to RWA, but haven’t been to any events yet. My other job as a full-time nurse doesn’t let me get out much!
- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
I’ve been writing for about thirty years off and on, but I can’t say I’ve always wanted to be a writer. It’s been more of a creative outlet for me. To be honest, I’ve always wanted to be a horse breeder—or a rockstar!
- How many books have you written, how many have been published?
I’ve written about twenty so far, have two published with Sourcebooks, one self-published, with more on the way.
- How many books have you written, how many have been published?
I’ve written about twenty so far, have two published with Sourcebooks, one self-published, with more on the way.
Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
Author Links:
Cheryl's Website Review Email Casablanca Authors Blog Wickedly Romantic Blog Sourcebooks Romance Newsletter
RaH Links:
Review Review Review
Purchase Links:
Buy Cheryl's Books At Amazon
Buy Cheryl's Books at SourceBooks Casablanca
Discover SouceBooks
