Welcome, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cher Mason for taking the time to answer these questions for Coffee Time Romance. Is this your first book?
LOVE’S CREATION is not the first book I ever wrote, but it is the first one that has been published. I wrote it about five years ago, after several learning experiences as a writer. I’ve heard that a writer must write a million words before they become an author. I now believe that is so true!
How do you feel now that it has finally been published?
I feel FANTASTIC! I thought having a publisher agree to take your book on contract was exhilarating, but it doesn’t compare to the feeling of seeing it on a page all by itself, knowing it is out there for others to enjoy. I did the Snoopy happy dance all over the house when I saw my author page on Coffee Time Romance! Then did another one when I saw it actually for sale at Triskelion Publishing.
How long did it take you to write Love’s Creation?
The first draft took me about a month to write. The re-writes took five years! You know, writing is mostly re-writing. It was a learning process.
What inspired you to write Love’s Creation?
It was a dream. I woke up and wrote down as many details as I could remember and then later began an outline of possible scenarios. The idea of creating a perfect lover appealed to me. I mean, what woman wouldn’t want a gentle, know-what-you-want-before-you-say-it, unconditional love all wrapped up in a hot, handsome package?
Did you have the characters already plotted out or did they come to you as you were writing the book?
The main characters were definitely fleshed out (no pun intended). The secondary characters, well, they just popped into the house and made themselves known. As a matter of fact, the secondary characters convinced me that I had to write their story, so now this has become a trilogy!
Where did you come up with the idea of good versus’ evil situation?
Initially, the story did not really have a good versus evil premise. It was to be a love story with a little witchcraft, a few rituals, some psychic phenomena and a conflict of personalities. However, Arthyr (aka Richard) entered the picture (remember those bossy secondary characters?) and the story took on a whole different aspect–a little darker.
The psychic intuition is fascinating, do you have any experience in this area?
I’ve got a little experience here. I’ve been seeing auras’ since I was five, but back in the day, it was not encouraged at all. I came into my own after I married and had children. At that time I became a professional numerologist and that brought out my intuitive abilities. I’ve worked psychic phone lines and now give Internet readings through my website, which I really enjoy. Since I am part Native American, and I grew up Catholic, that made me more aware of the mystical side of life. Studying religions broadened my thinking.
Did you have any difficulties writing this story?
Actually, it flowed once I added Arthyr to it. It took on dimension and a little meat, so to speak!
Did you have to research much of this story?
I did some research into the religion of Wicca. I spent two years learning the proper way to do rituals. I hung out with Wiccans, Pagans, and others who had a metaphysical bent. I learned a lot. Combined with my own abilities, I felt confident putting these issues into my stories. My husband helped with the rest of the research! (blushing here)
Did you always want to be a writer growing up, if not, how did you become a writer?
I can say with extreme confidence that I have always wanted to be a writer. I got my Tom Thumb typewriter at age six and was putting out a one page newspaper the next summer. I can’t ever remember not writing or telling stories.
Do you have certain hours that you write or are they when you can manage to snatch them?
I learned to treat this like a regular job on the advice of two successful authors who told me they wrote every day for eight hours. One was Nora Roberts and the other was Sharon Ihle, both my idols! I, myself, try to write five to six hours a day, five days a week. Of course, in the last few months, I’ve gone through some tragedy and my own illness and so it did put a little crimp in my schedule. I like to keep the weekends open for being with my family, but if they have plans or Mike has to work, I am in front of the computer playing with my characters.
Have you ever had Writers’ Block?
I think every writer has it at one time or another. It may only last a few minutes…or a few months, even years, but it does go away again, if the writer really loves/needs to write. The muse comes back.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
Yes! I am writing the second and third book for the LOVE’S series. LOVE’S PORTRAIT will follow with LOVE’S WITCHING HOUR after that. Also, I am working on a book to teach numerology simply so that others can apply it to their daily lives. The new Sister O line coming from Triskelion next year has me intrigued. I have a sketchy outline for a hot, erotic story for it! I am an editor for Vintage Romance Publishing and I do reviews for Coffee Time Romance. I love those jobs, too! (they involve other aspects of writing, you see!)
What encouraging words would you give to aspiring authors, if you could?
Keep writing and finish the book, even if you think it’s no good! You can always re-write it when you learn more. Never give up on your dream. I have a plaque that has this quote on it: “You are never given a dream without being given the ability to make it come true.” I believe it with my whole heart. My advice is — KEEP WRITING!
I would like to thank you on behalf of Coffee Time Romance for chatting with us and good luck on your upcoming projects.
Sheryl
Interviewer
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