1. How did you come up with the concept for Blurry?
It started with recurrent dreams I had while my husband and I were building our house in 2007. I kept having dreams of being in high school and college. They seemed to come together to form this story about a woman that finds herself facing a reality that is much different than it appears.
2. Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes, I have. I've always been fascinated by stories and loved creating them as much as reading them.
3. Who was your favorite character to write and why?
I liked them all, but I do believe Rachel was my favorite. I know what it's like to find your friends aren't who you thought they were. It's a shock, and I could completely relate to the uncomfortable realizations she came to throughout this book.
4. Why did you choose the Young Adult genre?
This is actually the only Young Adult novel I've written. All of my other novels are adult novels. The theme of this story seemed more suited to a high school setting than anywhere else. Yes, you can face these situations at any time, but it seemed more appropriate to write it in a "coming of age" setting. Plus, everything is so new to teens. A thirty-something facing similar situations would have a somewhat more jaded perspective of the situation than an eighteen year old would.
5. Do you prefer to write with pen and paper or on a laptop/computer?
Definitely, a laptop. I am all for technology and take advantage of it every way I can.
6. Can you describe your book in 5 words or less?
Dealing with deception.
7. What do you think makes a good story?
It takes a lot to make a good story. A solid plot is the first thing that comes to mind. I have to care about and relate to the story that's being told. I also think you have to like the characters. They have to be realistic, like people you would meet in real life. I also think a good book makes you think and explore your beliefs and reasoning. Even fiction can make you ponder important life issues and situations, and I think a good story gives you something that you relate to or apply to your own life, even if it just reinforces something you already know or believe.
8. Is there a specific food or drink you like to gave handy while you are writing?
Not really. When I get into writing, I'm so focused that I usually forget all about basic things like eating and drinking anyway.
9. What are you working on now?
Right now, I have two writing projects in process. The first is an adult mystery novel titles "Move". It's about a young woman that unknowingly makes a deal with a djinn (genie). The problem is, the djinn is new to this world and really doesn't handle the whole "wish granting" thing well, so he cause more problems than he solves. This story is unique because a major theme is dealing with change. The lead character in this novel is resistant to change and is facing a situation where she really needs to make a move in a new direction, but she doesn't want to. The botched wishes complicate the situation to the point where it comes more and more difficult for her to stay in the comfortable rut she's put herself in.
The second book is my first major non-fiction project in five years. It's titled "Feathered Frenzy! A Quick Guide to Adapting Birds Into Your Life." This is a book of tips and tricks I've picked up in over 27 years of having birds for pets. I've had birds since I was 10 years old, and we've learned so much about how to care for them better so they have longer life expectancies. I'm frequently asked for advice, so I thought it would be nice to write a book of all the little tings that the pet guides don't think to tell you, like how to pick the best cage, toys and food, or how to keep your house clean when you have feathers and seed thrown all over the place every day. I plan to self publish this book when it's complete.
10. Coffee, tea, or neither?
Coffee definitely! Brownie points if it's Dunkin Donuts Coffee. That's my favorite!
Thank you Sherri for taking the time to answer a few questions. I know a lot of readers like to learn more about the authors behind the books.
Please be sure to check out the following:
Blurry on Goodreads
My review on Blurry
All of Sherri's books on Goodreads
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