Sherri Shackelford Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. If only I had a catchier and more interesting story! I’m a full-time writer living in Nebraska with my husband, 3 kids, and an extremely needy dog.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. My passion has always been reading. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an avid reader. When my daughter was born, I discovered romance novels. She was 7 weeks premature and spent her first Christmas in the NICU. I spent hours at the hospital. This was almost 20 years ago, and cell phones were still of the flip-top variety. With nothing else to do, I read. When you’re not guaranteed a happy ending in real life, it’s comforting to find a happy ending on the page.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. In 2007, my youngest child was nearing pre-school age, and it was time for me to think about going back to work. I’d had a job in insurance—not exactly a dream career. Someone made a casual comment about writing, and I decided to give it a try. I discovered a book by Pam Crooks. Her bio said she lived in my city, and she was a member of a writers’ group. That seemed like a promising start…

Ignorance is bliss! I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Self-publishing was still in its infancy, and I focused on traditional publishing. I joined Romance Writers of America without having written a word, then I joined my local chapter, Romance Authors of the Heartland. I was invited to a critique group, and they gently guided me through the process.

There’s an entire world of underground contests, and I entered most of them. For the first couple of years, I’d received devastating feedback. Decide I hated this business and I was quitting. Then I’d start over again and submit to another contest.

Mary Connealy suggested I enter a contest called “The Genesis” sponsored by ACFW. I’d never even heard of ACFW! The kicker was that the author had to have a finished book. Thankfully, Mary assured me only the people who finaled in the contest had to provide the finished book. *wink wink* We both knew I was never going to final.

I finaled. That was the first book I ever finished. That’s when I learned I can only finish books if I’m under a contracted deadline! Nothing but the threat of legal ramifications works. That book released in 2012. It was called Winning the Widow’s Heart. It’s not that great, but it got my foot in the door.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release NO SAFE PLACE?
A: No Safe Place is my first contemporary suspense novel. After writing 14 historical novels, Harlequin chose to discontinue the line. Since I enjoyed reading suspense, the switch felt natural. Well, sorta natural. I had to relearn how to write. So that part wasn’t as great.

Here’s the blurb:

After forensic accountant Beth Greenwood uncovers a money-laundering scheme tying her company to the organization that murdered her mentor, she knows she needs to go into hiding. With ruthless killers in pursuit, she’s forced to rely on homeland security agent Corbin Ross’s protection—even as his investigation suggests Beth is complicit in embezzlement. Can their uneasy alliance develop into something deeper—and keep them alive?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for NO SAFE PLACE?
A: I’m fascinated by regular people forced into extraordinary experiences. Generally, I see the first scene of the book in my mind and work backward from there. How did the people get to that point? Why are they there? How do I give them a happy ending?

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: This book is about two people who spend too much time at work because they don’t want to open themselves up to a relationship and risk hurt. They are forced to work together under extraordinary circumstances and learn to trust each other. I hope people remember that what we give in this life is love-and not simply work.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. I can’t *not* write. I quit all the time. I quit writing yesterday. I wrote a long email to my agent about why I was quitting. I was both self-righteous and justified. Even eloquent. They were gonna be real sorry they didn’t have Sherri to kick around anymore. Then I deleted the email. Unfortunately, I’m stuck. This isn’t a career for me, it’s a calling.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. Right now I’m working on an amnesia story! I *adore* amnesia stories. Or a good limp—I love a heroine with a limp. Don’t ask me why. My critique group thinks I need professional help. They’re probably right.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. At this point in my life, keeping the kids alive and remembering to wear pants when I leave the house are my primary goals. Life is a little hectic right now.

Thank you for having me and happy reading!!!!