18Q Sherry Derr-Wille

Sherry Derr-Wille

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

I think it chose me

2. What is your background? (Education, work, etc.)

With only a high school education, I have written many books, 29 of which are in print, and worked as a reporter for the local daily paper.

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

I was in my sophomore English class when the teacher assigned several of us to sit in the back of the room and write for a year. I’m the only one who enjoyed the assignment.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

My stories are character and dialog driven

5. What is your writing process?

I write from beginning to end and do my best work early in the morning (like 4-6am)

6. What was your path to publication?

A lot of rejection

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

Have books-will travel a home party book signing plan

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

The amount of editing it takes to get a book ready for publication.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

By putting myself in my character’s shoes. My characters

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

When i received a glowing letter from the teacher who started the whole thing.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

Finish the book - finish the book - FINISH THE BOOK!!!!!!!

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

Sitting at a book signing all day and not selling one book

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

Getting published

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

It takes 15 minutes to get into character and 15 seconds to get out of it. This is what I do, get over it

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

Watch TV, read and crochet

16. Who do you like to read?

Historical, Christian, and anything by my writer friends

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Don’t get discouraged and don’t dwell on your first chapter.

18. What are you currently working on?

I’m working on two books as Sherry Derr-Wille. The first is Double M: the Jennings, the last in a 4 books family epic series for whiskey creek press, and Sue Watkins: Over the Hill Biker Bride for the Encore L’amour line of Wings e-Press.

Sherry’s 18Q