Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Sherri Simmons is a wife and a mother to her beagle K.B. She is the oldest of four children (two sisters and one brother) and the aunt to three nephews. She has been an educator in the Chicago Public Schools for 14 years, where she has taught 3rd, 1st, Intermediate Math, served as an Assistant Principal, and is currently working as a STEM Integration Specialist. She is also the Founder and President of Young Ladies At All Times, NFP (Y.L.A.A.T.), a mentoring program for young girls and a member of Young Women’s Professional League (YWPL). She began writing Underneath the Hat in 2013 after her separation from her first husband. The book served as therapy for her to get through the ordeal. Due to the book, she has expanded her brand to a YouTube web series and a podcast of the same name. She hopes that others will be helped as they learn through her journey of rediscovering who she is by revealing what’s Underneath the Hat.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Underneath the Hat. I was in a low place where I was running away trying to avoid thinking about “Campbell” when a co-worker suggested that I write everything down. I started that day at Red Robin restaurant writing things down on napkins and soon I had an entire book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I begin by writing things on napkins, then as more things transpired I began to record myself speaking about it until I had the whole book on my phone. I love that I did it that way because so many people stated they loved the fact that they felt they were in the room with me while they read it, and that is exactly what I wanted.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything Terry McMillan. I have also read all of E. Lynn Harris’s books.
What are you working on now?
Now I am working on my 2nd book chronicling my journey with infertility.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
sherrisimmons.com. You can also find it on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Tell your truth. Don’t worry about how others will take it. This is your story and your opportunity to heal and release so that you can be the best version of you. Every few years we change as people and in order to change you have to reflect and change and the only way to do that is to be YOU.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t set yourself on fire in order to keep others warm. I have to learn to take care of me first so that I can be whole enough to take care of others. Self-care is not selfish. It’s okay to take care of yourself Underneath the Hat.
What are you reading now?
Contracts and manuscripts for my next book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
to complete my 2nd book by the end of the 1st quarter and move on to writing my plays.
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, anything by E. Lynn Harris, Zane, or Terry McMillan.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sherri Simmons Website
Sherri Simmons Amazon Profile
Sherri Simmons’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile