1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I fell in love with the written word, ever since I was introduced to Dr. Seuss! His books were so imaginative, and colorful with great illustrations and characters that I knew in grade school I would be a writer. I wrote poems and short stories starting in grade school and have been writing ever since. 

2) What inspired you to write your book?

Actually, the book was drawn from my own life. I was the one that got the late night call that my mother had passed away even though she hadn’t even been sick. The antics that ensued afterwards were so unbelievable that I thought: You’ve gotta book on your hands with this craziness! Haha!  I also have a fun activity for readers and book club members for them to guess which parts are actually fictional! It’s so much fun when folks find out the truths behind the characters and the writing.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

First, that we, as individuals, understand that we CAN choose peace-no matter what the situation. That doesn’t mean we allow others to get away with treating us horribly, but that we make them aware that we won’t stand for that, and that unfortunately, that MAY mean getting to the same place they’re insisting on bringing to us, but ultimately, WE don’t have to Stay there with them, and we can gracefully choose to move on. That is why you see my characters all do some self-reflection throughout the series, to make themselves aware of the positions they’re in and own up to their own responsibility and accountability. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I actually write in several genres’ but fictional is my genre of choice, because you can make the story and characters go where ever you like. But I also have a Parenting book titled ‘Seven Successful Strategies for Divorced Parents,’ which was culled from my time of being a parenting instructor through a program called ‘Building Strong Families,’ at Michigan State University. In addition I have a Poetry book titled ‘All Kinds of Poems for All Kinds of People,’  a Self-help book titled: ‘Choices-The Power is Within You,’ and a Self-Empowerment book titled: S.T.E.P.P. which stands for: Start to Exercise Personal Power. In Addition to those, I also wrote the ‘From Brilliant Bitch to Dynamic Diva’ series of books under a pseudonym- Sady Belafontay.  I love writing about all kinds of topics and all of my books are available at Amazon.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Well, since these characters are from my life, I think I would LOVE to ask my readers THAT question. Haha! But since the character that is not one of the Fabulous Five group, I would like to have a conversation with Shauna regarding what she’d experienced and how it shaped her moral character. 

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Although my books were all written some time ago, I was busy with ‘life’ and wasn’t properly prepared to market my books, or make the connections needed to develop a readership base, but as I approach retirement this April, I decided to start completely over from scratch to manifest and create the life-long visualization of being a well-known, well read author.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Now that I have time to really focus on marketing-which is just as important on the writing itself, I would encourage aspiring or people that are thinking of becoming a published author, to REALLY take advantage of all of the modern tools, resources, and technologies at their fingertips that we have today. When I started, there was no internet, Facebook, Youtube or Twitter. It was grueling trying to connect with local bookstores as a local author, but even with that being said, I managed to get my First book-Choices- The Power is Within You,’ into the Barnes-N-Noble bookstore chain which was a major feat in itself as it was the largest book retailer in the United States at that time. And even THAT experience was highlighted in sessions I do with my readers today as it was quite interesting-to sat the least. Haha!

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Why of course! Right now, I’m working on a fictional novel titled ‘Greyhound Dawgs.’ It has 5 lead characters like my Best of Friends trilogy, but this one revolves around 5 male characters and covers their exploits after retiring from a military black-ops, regime. But for now, my goal is to market the books I currently have on Amazon and to build a great readership fan base for those at this time. 

If you’re aware of any book clubs that would like to have a virtual ‘Meet and Greet’ with the author, please share their contact information with me, or share my information with them. I’m targeting Book Club members because as you know, they are ALREADY reading & recommending great books! 

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www.sherrybrantley.com