Author Interview With The Fabulous Sheri Fredricks!

Alright everyone!  We have the absolutely amazing Sheri Fredricks joining us today!  We sat down and had a wonderful chat with her about some very interesting topics!  Have you been wanting to pick her brain as well?  Let's get to this!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

This sounds so lame, even as I type my answer…but I like to wear a hoodie when I write. You know, the shirt with a hood attached. I have them in long sleeve, no sleeve, thick material, striped, mesh…  I’d probably wear the evil specter hood that hid my face deep inside if I ever found one.

Ok, this guy isn’t an evil specter, but he looks HOT in a hoodie!

Hoodies are a definite necessity!  So, after reading Remedy Maker, we have to ask: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

They come to me in different ways. One time I was attending an online class on how to deepen a character’s point of view. Taking a class from home is great; you can sip a gin and tonic while participating in class exercises—which is what I was doing when the idea for Remedy Maker hit.

I remember when another idea hit. I was nursing a gin and tonic, writing the next chapter in the Centaur series when an idea for a short story came to me. I started sketching the idea so I wouldn’t forget, and ended up writing the book’s entire outline.

Hey, do you see the pattern here? In both instances, I was writing when the ideas hit!

Yes, that's the pattern we see...(giggling) What does your family think of your writing?

I think there were steps to their acceptance of my career of choice:

•          At first, it was a great way to get me out of the TV room so the testosterone laden could watch their MMA shows.
•         Then came their annoyance that clothes were not washed and dinner wasn’t ready and on the table.
•          Along came curiosity at what would keep me glued to my computer that wasn’t Youtube related.
•         Lastly, when the book was finished and available for sale, my loving males cheered me on… and left me alone to write the next book.

That's the true sign of a supportive family.  They know when you're in writing mode and that they need to walk away.  How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written four books, but only published two. Well, technically one, since the publisher closed their doors and I haven’t republished Portals of Oz yet.

Of the stories I’ve written, Remedy Maker has been my favorite. I got deep into my character’s heads and lived through their eyes. It was an awesome experience, one I hope to repeat often in my writing. 

It's hard picking a favorite book because they are such an integral part of the author.  What about your fans? Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I have only just started receiving feedback from readers, and I must say I’m humbled and flattered. Here are a few examples of the comments I’ve received:

“A new twist on some of my favorite mythical creatures, and a love story that I will definitely want to come back and read again and again.”

“ I can't wait to see where this story goes because the ending leaves you with so many things unfinished! ”

“Remedy Maker is like no other fantasy romance I'd ever read.”

Those are some great reviews!  We know that Remedy Maker is a fantasy, but are your characters or books based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

When I was in my 20’s, a roommate introduced me to a friend of hers. This man had served in the military and saw action first hand. He never talked about it, but once shared how he didn’t trust himself to be in a relationship. He suffered from what he called a startle effect. If someone woke him from a dead sleep, on more than one occasion he’d been known to wrestle or choke the person before he became fully awake and knew what he was doing.

I loosely based Rhycious’s character on the brave man I met. Never did I doubt he was capable of doing great harm – he stood six feet five inches tall. But I think he overlooked the immense size of his heart and conviction to do good despite his personal demons.

He definitely sounds like a great inspiration for a character as great as Rhycious.  So, we're dying to know what your current projects are.  Any hints? 

I’m working on Troll-y Yours, book two of the Centaur series. The story takes place in the Boronda Forest and involves a character introduced in Remedy Maker. Aleksander is head guard at the Centaur palace and has a big ego to match his important position. It’s his unfortunate pleasure to meet the only mythic female that isn’t taken in by his blessed-by-the-gods handsome looks and smooth charm.

I’m having so much fun with this story!

We will be patiently waiting for that one! It sounds like another great book!  If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Absolutely not, I wouldn’t change a thing. I took my time outlining Remedy Maker and made sure all the pieces fit the puzzle and loose threads tied in the end.

We wouldn't change anything either.  It was an absolute pleasure to read.  What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing the perfect ending proved the hardest part of the book. While I knew how the story would end, wording it just right and translating the emotions to the reader had me rewriting the ending. Third time was the charm.

Well Sheri, unfortunately that's all we have time for today, but we have to say, you have been absolutely fabulous!  You are such a kind and vivacious woman and we look forward to sitting down with you again in the near future! (We'll bring the Gin this time!)

Thank you so much for having me here today. You two sure know how to make me feel relaxed and at home. Of course, the gin and tonics helped.

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