Welcome, today we are talking with Cheryl Waters! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.
Can you share a little something about Cheryl Waters that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?
I owned and ran a wedding dress shop for 5 years and have often thought I could write a story based on this!
How long have you been writing
I took up writing seriously in 2020 when the pandemic started but I used to be in a creative writing group some 8 years before this.
What have you found most challenging about it?
I think promoting your books is very difficult especially as an Indie Author as you pay for your own publishing/editing/book covers etc. it feels a very difficult profession to progress with at times but you just have to keep writing!
What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?
Yes I do get emotional because you draw on life experiences but it’s also a great escape from daily life as you get drawn into your characters worlds.
Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?
I usually sit down in the mornings about 10am and will write until lunchtime. Then again for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I find writing in the winter easier than the summer so tend to write from about September through to February. Mood does come into it though as some days it just doesn’t flow and other days I want to keep writing until I drop!
Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?
Definitely a hobby I think for me if it was a “job” then it would feel more pressured. I write when I want to write and although I have personal deadlines they are not under any body else’s control.
What inspires you?
Travel! I love to visit places to feel the atmosphere the smells the sounds. My books have all been about places and I want to encourage people to visit them. I love to describe the feelings that travel evokes.
What are your pet peeves?
Poor customer service and bad manners.
Who is your hero?
I find this question difficult but I am going to say my husband! Cliche yes but he has supported my writing career unconditionally! Without his help and support I wouldn’t have my books published.
Give us one thing on your bucket list?
To sail around the Croatian islands on a yacht!
If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?
My friend Jennifer I think she would have loved the fact I had taken up writing! I’d like to sit and have a bottle of wine and a good catch up.
Please tell us a little bit about, It’s Time to Let Me Go, which by the way has received rave reviews.
What was your hardest challenge writing this book?
It is the first book I have written using 3 main characters. Linking the chapters together to make the story flow I felt was a challenge.
What kind of research did you have to do?
I have spent a few holidays in Cavtat where the story is based so I used my experiences from the visits to write. I researched the history of the places that feature like Dubrovnik. I read up on the history of some of the buildings to be able to draw snippets into the characters conversations.
What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?
The fact they are drawn together by an unfortunate incident & being of the same nationality in a foreign country forges a friendship/solidarity to help each other.
Any other works in progress
I have a story half written but haven’t been able to finish. I then discovered another author had written a similar story which is also based in France so now I don’t think it will ever be finished. I do have a few ideas floating around though!
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Yes just do it! Start writing let the ideas flow you just never know where it will take you! I find it hard to believe I’ve written three novels now when less than five years ago I was just aspiring to be an author.
Final words?
Thank you so much for Coffee Time Romance’s continued support. A huge thank you to all my readers and if you haven’t read one of my books please have a look.
More from Cheryl
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