************Author Spotlight*******************
Sam Cheever Author
Interview:
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
As far back as I can remember. But a specific event I remember was when I was in High school. I wrote an essay that the teacher really liked and he highlighted it to the class. That was the first time I realized I might have a talent I could use someday.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
I can write a novella (30k or shorter) in about 5 weeks, give or take a week. My natural length seems to be around 50 to 60k and I give myself 2 to 3 months for a book that length because the plot and the characters are more complex. I spend more time on edits/rewrites for more intricate stories because there’s more opportunity to miss something.
3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
First of all, I’m always writing. LOL I write 6 to 7 days a week, depending on if I’m trying to meet a deadline. On a typical work day I get up at 4:00 am and spend the first several hours of my day doing administrative and marketing tasks: interviews, publishing support and promotions. I have several blogs, a couple of websites and a newsletter to keep up. I also do any training I’m taking part in during the morning and answer emails. I write in the afternoons and my daily goal is around 2,000 words. Some days I get more done and some days less. I generally work on more than one project at a time, usually in two different genres so I can mix up my day a bit.
4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’m a pantster to the core. I keep trying to do more plotting, in fact about halfway through each book I hit a wall and to get over it I force myself to plot out the second half. I hardly ever follow the path I plot out. I’m a born rebel…apparently even rebelling against myself. LOL But the activity breaks my block and allows me to move forward on the book. Strange, I know. But it works for me!
5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My inspiration comes from many places. I get inspired by other great authors and the incredible stories they write. The creative beauty and genius of some movies also inspires my muse. And life inspires me. I see opportunities for great stories all around me and it's fun to put my own spin on the stories I see.
6. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was in my thirties when I finished the book that is now entitled, Bedeviled & Beguiled. The book was first published by Ellora’s Cave and I got my rights back on it last year.
7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I have a lot of interests. Since I have 16 dogs now, obviously much of my extra time goes to caring for them. They’re my family, my entertainment and my hobby. A few years ago hubby and I decided to move to a smaller home with a bigger yard. We now live in Southern Indiana on a 13 acre lot with a pond and woods for the dogs to play in. So I spend a lot of my time walking the property with them, sitting by the pond watching them play, and just laughing at their antics. I also love going to the movies with my daughters. We try to see a movie every weekend. And, when I have the time, I enjoy doing power yoga!
8. What does your family think of your writing?
They’re all supportive and happy for me that I get to do what I love. Only a couple of them actually read my books but I’m okay with that. I’m not sure I want them to know the full extent of my dementia. LOL
9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
After the first book, I thought I’d completely drained my poor brain of creativity. It was a total shock to me when I learned there was more crazy stuff in there to be spewed out! In fact, I’ve learned over the years that the more I use that creative muscle the better it works. Amazing that.
10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I stopped counting at around 70. I actually write under 3 aliases and if I add them all up it’s probably well over that. I think the book I’m most proud of is Book 8 in my Honeybun Heat series, Honeybun One and Done. This story was the culmination of the series and highlighted a full array of emotions, encompassing personal crisis, danger, intrigue and humor and ending with a love overcomes all message. It was a complex story, difficult to write and I’m very proud of how it turned out.
11. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Never believe you’re too good to learn. When I look back at my earlier work I can’t believe how much I’ve improved in my craft over the years. Listen to authors who’ve been where you are and learn from their experience. Then, once you have a firm grasp on what you should do in your writing, don’t be afraid to stretch the rules a bit if it makes sense. One of the best things the Indie Publishing revolution has given us is the ability to write our stories the way we want to write them, not based on some safe, cookie cutter prescription given us by a few gatekeepers in New York. And finally, as you find your way to success, never believe you’re too important to help the guy beneath you on the ladder. Because, if the guy above you had felt that way, you might never have gotten where you are.
12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
The most common questions are about whether there will be more books in a series or when the next promised book in a series will be coming out. Over the last year, since I began seriously building my newsletter list, I’ve been getting more notes from readers who just want to tell me they loved my books. Those notes are so sweet they’re nearly caloric!
13. Do you like to create books for adults?
I’m assuming you mean erotic stories? If left to my own devices I tend to write more sensual than erotic stories. I have definitely written erotic and still like to write them on occasion, but many of my books don’t lend themselves to going in that direction.
14. What do you think makes a good story?
A great story needs to have three things:
1. A fascinating world that makes sense
2. Strong, fully fleshed characters with whom the reader can identify
3. Strong writing with crisp, believable dialogue
It’s extremely difficult to create all three in a plotline that satisfies. But when it all comes together there’s nothing better!
15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a writer. I believe everyone is good at something, the trick is just finding out what that something is. #:0) I discovered at an early age that I had a knack with words. But I didn’t think I was going to be able to make a living writing. Then I found a degree program at a local 4 year college called Professional and Technical Writing. It was the happiest day of my life! I was able to use my BA degree in writing to offer my writing and editing services to Corporate America until I could get my fiction writing career underway. I feel very blessed to have been able to do what I both love and have a skill for.
Bio:
USA Today Bestselling Author Sam Cheever writes romantic paranormal/fantasy and mystery/suspense, creating stories that celebrate the joy of love in all its forms. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the award-winning author of 50+ books and has been writing for over a decade under several noms de plume.
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