About Elaine E. Sherwood:
I grew up in a small, rural, ultra-conservative, Pennsylvania town. My father was the pastor of the town’s only church. His rules were to be obeyed without question. I chaffed against the rules without explanations and the required constant church attendance. I rebelled, not without life-changing consequences. In my early twenties I moved to Upstate New York. The next forty plus years were spent working in the health care industry. During that time, I met and married my husband. We have one son and daughter-in-law and two beautiful granddaughters. In 2012 I retired and now I spend my time ballroom dancing, reading, traveling, tending my flowers and plants, and of course, writing.
What inspires you to write?
My books were “birthed” out of a time of chronic depression. I had been diagnosed with a couple of health issues, which were treatable, but chronic in nature. My life had not turned out as I had hoped and my son had grown up and moved away. To cope with my situation, I created a fantasy world inside my head where I was happy and where I spent way too much time. When I confided in my son, he told me I should write this fantasy down. So I did. It proved to be very cathartic for me and it gave me something positive to do. When others enjoyed reading what I wrote it was a huge boost to my self-esteem and confidence. I am now in the process of writing the third book in The Sweet Ever After series.
Tell us about your writing process.
The continuing story of Ann Reynolds-Peterson’s life was in my head in its entirety before I ever put one word on paper. It’s like watching a movie and writing down what I see and feel. I just sit down and type it out. The editing and proof reading is the hardest part.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I AM the main character in my books. The books are about my imaginary life. A lot of the other characters are based on people in my life or people I have known in the past. I simply write down what I “see.”
What advice would you give other writers?
Don’t be afraid to write what you feel. The first step of putting your emotions out there for all to see is a hard one, but I have found that many of my readers identify with my characters. Hopefully, reading my books will encourage them to keep moving forward and not give up.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I couldn’t find a traditional publisher who was interested in my books, so I self-published. I googled book publishing and picked one. I didn’t have any experience in the field and didn’t know anyone to ask. If you’re determined, you can find a way to get your work out there.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think printed material will eventually be a thing of the past. Writers better develop computer skills!
What do you use?: Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: I only write drama/romance.
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Elaine E. Sherwood Home Page Link
Your Social Media Links
Facebook
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit, to allow you, the reader, to hear the author in their own voice.
