Interview With Author Cherie Burbach
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an artist and writer. I worked for over a decade as a freelance writer for various publications and now I work as a full-time artist, selling my artsy goods at shops and galleries throughout the Midwest. I’ve written over a dozen nonfiction and poetry books, and just recently released my first fiction work.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “The Space Between Dreaming” about two women who are holding on so tightly to a certain vision of their future that they’re missing out on happiness in their life. Despite their different ages and the circumstances they are each struggling with, they become friends. A painting created by the husband of one of the women also plays a key role in helping them see their own version of a new future.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nope. I devote an hour here and there most days. It’s part of my overall creative practice and is an important part of my life. “Habit” is the key word in that question. You need to do it regularly if you’re going to be a writer.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m most influenced by poets (Mary Oliver and Maya Angelou especially) but I also adore Elinor Lipman, Lawrence Block, Pearl Buck, and Willa Cather. I read widely and appreciate a variety of works.
What are you working on now?
I’ve got another novel in the works and a couple nonfiction works.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve always found social media to be the best to communicate new releases and info about my books. I send a regular newsletter that talks about exhibits I’m in or new products I’ve designed.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the story only you can write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From Neil Gaiman, who basically said on some days the writing will flow easily and on some it won’t, but when you sit down to read it later you aren’t going to remember which words came from which days. The point being, it’s the discipline of doing the work that makes you a writer.
What are you reading now?
Lawrence Block’s “The Burglar Who Met Fredric Brown” and “How to Inhabit Time” by James K. A. Smith.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I write whether I publish or not, so just writing regularly is enough of a blessing for me.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Devotions (Mary Oliver), and The Prophet (Kahlil Gibran).
Author Websites and Profiles
Cherie Burbach’s Social Media Links