Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
By day, I’m a humble program assistant working in professional licensing. By night, I’m an independent author writing mystery novels. I’ve published 5 titles including Blurry, Quarantine, Anywhere But Here, and Move. Her next book, an apocalyptic science fiction novel titled Splinter, will be published in November 2013.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled “Move,” and it’s a mystery novel with an urban fantasy bend. Here’s a synopsis:
Be careful what you wish for …
All Ruby Josen wanted was to get ahead in life. After a decade of lost relationships and missed opportunities, she’s ready to move on and desperate to do whatever it takes to get out of her rut. When Ruby meets Bryce, a handsome stranger at the town’s spring festival, his offer to turn fate to her favor seems too good to be true. But everything has a price, and Ruby learns that interfering with fate has bigger consequences than she realized. It leaves her to wonder who’s really controlling her life and who – or what – Bryce really is.
The book was inspired by life changes. I went through a season where I faced changes in my personal and professional life, and I was pondering the “flip side” of the situation – life ruts – when the idea for this novel came. I visited The Smoky Mountains while I was developing the plot, and in talking to people that lived there, the rest of the story came together.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I work full time, so I have a laptop and I write wherever and whenever I can. I don’t really have a “formula” for it. When I can write, I write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy, so it’s quite a list! P.D. James, R.A. Salvatore, Ben Bova, Kim Stanley Robinson, and, believe it or not, C.S. Lewis have all influenced and inspired me. Christopher Pike, the young adult writer that released most of his books in the early to mid 90’s (when I was a teen and in my early 20’s) also influenced me as a writer.
What are you working on now?
I’m taking my first ventures into sci-fi, and I’m excited because it’s my favorite genre! “Splinter,” a sci-fi apocalyptic novel, will be released through Whiskey Creek Press in November. I’m also working on a sci-fi novella tentatively titled “Incursion” which is about manipulation of neural chips to start interstellar war.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Besides my own website and blog at www.sherrithewriter.com , I like Goodreads and Twitter. That seems to be where I get the most interaction and “traction” with readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t pay too much attention to what’s coming out through traditional publishers in the bookstores. Ebooks are on the rise, and it’s giving writers great opportunities to try new things and capture audiences, a niche at a time. Write what’s in you and, if you’re willing to work hard to promote it, you’ll connect with the audience. Take advantage of this turn of the tide in the publishing industry with e-publishing and self publishing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what’s in you; not what’s popular right now. They used to say that people are always looking for “the next big thing,” but with the rise of ebooks, I’d say people are being more true to their tastes and looking for the next thing to captivate them. That could be you!
What are you reading now?
I just finished “2312” by Kim Stanley Robinson, and started “New Earth,” by Ben Bova.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue exploring possibilities and opportunities in sci-fi. I know I’ll always go back to mystery, but I’d like to get established in both genres.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Bible. After that, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Mars Trilogy (Red/Green/Blue Mars) by Kim Stanley Robinson.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sherri Moorer Website
Sherri Moorer Amazon Profile
Sherri Moorer Author Profile on Smashwords
Sherri Moorer’s Social Media Links
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