Today we are talking with Sheri Levy, the author of Seven Days to Goodbye.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
Things that most people don't know: I twirled a baton competitively from fourth grade through high school and twirled with the college band. I began teaching twirling at age thirteen, and it gave me the desire to become a classroom teacher.
What kind of books do you write?
My first YA novel, Seven Days to Goodbye, is a contemporary, coming of age story, and will tug at the readers' hearts. Each book in the Trina Ryan series has something about service dogs and an issue all teens can relate with. My love of the beach, dogs, and teaching special needs are combined in this first story on Edisto Beach, S.C.
What inspired you to write?
I always had a book in my hand and I loved passing this passion on to my students. They sat at the edges of their seats, listening to me read in the morning. At the end of the day, I read more, but left them hanging and anxious to return the next day. My students created my desire to be a writer.
What makes your writing stand out from the crowd?
Since my book was published, I have had wonderful reviews. Readers have said that my knowledge of the subjects; training a service dog, autism, the beach eco system, and young love, seems to captures their attention.
What is the hardest part of writing – for you?
I find writing and teaching writing to be intoxicating, but I find it difficult spending so much time marketing and coordinating the many activities needed to promote the book.
Where do you like to write – what is your routine?
I find I do my best creative writing in my office. My desk sits in the dormer window, overlooking our wooded backyard. First thing every morning, I must walk my dogs. Then I can settle in and write for a few hours, until one of my dogs nudges me with his paw or nose. Then it's break time. I try not to write at night. It interferes with sleeping!
What do you do when you are not writing – do you have a day job?
I am retired! My favorite activities are walking and training my dogs, reading, being at the beach, swimming, eating chocolate, and being with family. I have two teen grandsons, and my husband and I enjoy traveling, and include our dogs on many trips.
Do you work with an outline or just write?
I have a basic outline, and so far, I've always known the end of the story. Then I start, and try to write to the end without doing much revision. I treasure my time with my critique group. They steer me in the right direction and help brainstorm on problems.
What advice would you have for other writers?
When I do school visits, I share how long it took to get published. If I had given up, it would never have happened. My best advice is to WRITE! Have critique partners you trust. Take classes. Learn new skills.
Revision is practice. I compare it to learning to play an instrument, a sport. It takes practice to get better.
How important is marketing and social media for you?
Marketing is hard work! I enjoy social media, getting to know my audience, and sharing good and bad times with friends.
What's your next step?
To enjoy writing the next book!
Seven Days to Goodbye by Sheri Levy is available here.
If you are interested in book promotion, please visit http://thebookpromoter.com
