by DiAnn Mills
It’s an honor to have Sherry Kyle with us today. In the following interview, Sherry explores what’s behind the scenes with her novel Watercolor Dreams. She also gives us a bit about herself and insight into her professional life. Like me, you’ll soon recognize a talented writer.
Sherry, thanks for taking the time to visit with us and sharing about your writing life.
Sherry, tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, there. I’m a wife of twenty-six years to my college ‘surfer’ sweetheart, mom to four almost grown kids, and wannabe real estate agent and interior designer. I’ve been writing for women and tween girls for the past decade and have been known to whittle away hours over coffee with a friend.
I’m excited to hear about your newest book. What inspired your story?
Thank you. I’m over-the-moon Watercolor Dreams is now in print! The setting of my story, Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a familiar place to my husband and I since we vacationed there on our honeymoon and numerous anniversaries over the years. One year during our visit I went inside the Harrison Memorial Library and discovered that artists and novelists flocked to the small beach town in 1910. An idea sparked. What if a female artist sketched a male novelist into her painting?
My faith definitely influences my writing. I was raised in a Christian home, went to private school, and accepted Jesus into my heart at a young age. God has always been part of my life, and I feel blessed because of that. Honestly, I wouldn’t know how to separate my faith from my writing. It’s part of me.
How do you plot your books?
I’m a ‘seat-of-the-pants’ writer, but I do have a rough outline. I’m a big fan of Angela Hunt’s plot skeleton. You can find more information about this approach here: http://bit.ly/1mqQC11
What do you enjoy the most about writing?
I enjoy creating characters, story, and reconnecting themes. I also enjoy the friendships I’ve made within the writing community and connecting with my readers.
What do you enjoy the least about writing?
I am lonely at times since I’m an extrovert by nature. When I spend too much time at the computer, I get out of the house and connect with the world. (Yes, I talk to strangers in the grocery aisle.)
What is the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself since you’ve started writing?
The most important thing I’ve learned about myself is that I produce my best work when I’m not afraid to be vulnerable. Fear stifles.
What motivates you?
The biggest thing that motivates me is a contract and a deadline. Grin. I work best under pressure. But there have been many years where I’ve had to motivate myself to keep learning. Most of all, I rely on God to carry me through.
What is the most unusual thing about you?
I was born with red hair, but it changed to blonde soon after.
I have had three surgeries to remove body parts. (Don’t ask!)
I eat a bite of chocolate every day.
What is the funniest thing you’ve ever done?
I’ve been known to say goofy things. Just ask my husband. Fortunately, he thinks it’s cute.
What do you treasure about your home life?
First, I treasure my godly husband. He has encouraged me in my writing dream and has supported me to be a stay-at-home mom to our children. I thank God every day for Carson (21), Brittany (19), Noah (17) and Grace (15). They keep me busy. My husband and I also are blessed to live by the ocean. We purchased our current home two years ago and have enjoyed fixing it up.
What are your short-range goals?
Work on my organizational skills and continue learning the craft.
What are your long-range goals?
I would love to get a multiple-book contract. That’s the dream.
What does the future hold for you?
I wish I knew the future, but only God knows that. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
What would you like to tell readers?
Support your favorite authors. Buy their books. It’s a crazy time right now for publishing. Most of all, I want to say thank you. Loyal readers are the best!
How can our readers connect with you?
Readers can connect with me through my website and social media.
Website: www.sherrykyle.com
Blog: http://www.sherrykyle.com/category/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherryKyle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrykyle
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sherrykylebooks/
Watercolor Dreams
It's 1910 and Anna Lewis is praying that God will help her become a premier watercolor artist of the lush beaches of Carmel, California. When a man strides down the beach and stops to face the ocean, Anna sketches him into her painting. Was it a mistake? Anna thinks so when he tells her he doesn't have spare change to purchase her work. Spare change indeed! But while she seeks God's leading for her art career, she'd better keep her day job as nursemaid to two rambunctious boys.
The minute Charles Jordan walks away, he regrets criticizing the woman's painting but as he told the artist, he's just been jilted at the altar.
How will a secret from Charles' past affect his chances of loving again? And how will Anna have the hope she needs when tragedy strikes and she must rely on the one man who crushed her spirit?
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her
readers should expect an adventure. She currently has more than sixty books published.Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award
contests. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2014 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers
Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn is also a craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.
She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. Visit her
website at www.diannmills.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/DiAnnMills
Twitter - @DiAnnMills
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/DiAnnMills
Goodreads - www.goodreads.com/DiAnnMills
Thank you for the interview, DiAnn. I look forward to hearing from your readers!
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