Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a father of four, an avid reader of anything I can get my hands on and a lover of music. I have been appreciating art in general for a very long time. Music and literature are an integral part of who I am. If I could write and play guitar and sing all at the same time I think I would be in heaven. In regard to what I have written: one completed and published work (angel paranormal romance, From Heaven to Earth) and two novels that are nearing final editing stages. (From Earth to Hell, From Heaven to Earth’s sequel and Rebirth, the introductory novel for a YA series called, Lailia.)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
From Heaven to Earth and its series, The Faith of the Fallen, was inspired by my religious upbringing, world religions, various mythologies and theogonies, anime, a lot of Tool and Mars Volta and my imagination which synthesized it all together.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to have music on when I’m writing. Sometimes I get so into a groove with a song that I will be dancing with my eyes closed and typing rapidly. Those are the times when I know what I’m writing is working and coming together. Everything feels like it is coalescing into something palpable and beautiful to behold.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman were the first fantasy authors I really got into. I had read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by the end of third grade, but I never really appreciated the epic scope of that story until I re-read the series later. I would say fantasy in general has influenced me in ways that make me see things differently, like there could always be an adventure around the corner. This doesn’t mean necessarily that it will be a completely joyous thing. It could be a terrible conflict, an accident, or someone who just doesn’t want you to succeed but its all in the way you look at it. Everything offers you a chance to grow and learn something. Even the things that change you for the worst can be used in a positive, conducive way. I’m not sure if its a cliché or an axiom at this point, but I do think everything does occur for some kind of reason. It is up to us to discern that. Cormac McCarthy has influenced the way I write quite a bit. His minimalist style is very inspiring. I envy his ability to be precise and meticulous, using only exactly what he needs to get a concept or description expressed, yet the feeling of empathy and the visceral potency is not sacrificed. Recently Neil Gaiman has really inspired me, not only because of his versatile set of works in cinema and prose, but because of how he began his career and grew from it. Indie authors have been inspiring me as well since I became a part of the community last year: Henry Martin and his Mad Days of Me series is excellent literary work, Sam Astbury’s Cloud Storage has fantastic stream of consciousness first person prose, Mark Laporta’s Heart of Earth is the first indie sci-fi I have read and I was most impressed with it, and MC Webb’s Fade to Black was a well written harrowing thriller. I have found that great Indie writers have a lot of heart and passion which I can identify with readily.
What are you working on now?
Currently I am trying to polish the introductory novel of my YA paranormal romance series, Lailia. It tells the story of fourteen year old Zarah Cloud, the descendant of a ancient native American people that settled in Illinois and mysteriously disappeared in 1300 AD. She finds her heritage more of a curse than a blessing when an ancient evil awakes and harasses her to the point of insanity. Feeding off her fear makes it stronger still, and she must somehow find a way to drive it back to slumber before it gains enough power to fulfill its wish: to terrorize humankind and become a god of malice through their fear. It is a novel that explores aspects of the ancient Cahokian culture and is inspired by a blend of shamanism, Native American culture and early civilization mythology.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I am trying to balance my PR aspect with everything else that is going on, but goodreads has been my cornerstone. There are numerous groups that allow you to post your work and offer it up for reviews, interviews and other promotional opportunities. I would highly recommend it for any new indie author or poet who is trying to better their work or find an audience.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anyone say you can’t do it. Keep going. Sometimes it takes a very long while before your work is in publishing shape, and no one is going to do that work except for you. Even if you write/edit a page a day, by the end of the year you will have a finished draft. Whether it is your first draft or one of your final edits; the feeling of accomplishment as your printer prints off your novel is almost indescribable. When you get there savor it, and resist the urge to further the editing process for a few days. Take your time and enjoy the writing process.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That the most important thing to do is believe in what you’re writing and then make other people feel that belief through your writing.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Kojiki by Keith Yatsuhashi and American Gods and The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am continuing PR work for From Heaven to Earth and trying to get Rebirth ready for its debut. I am working on a review blog to try to give Indie authors that need exposure a chance to get some reviews and criticism for their work. A little criticism, whether negative or positive, goes a very long way in helping writers polish their work.
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 Road by Cormac McCarthy
An island survival guide : P
Dragonlance: Legends (a little piece of nostalgia to comfort me)
Lord of the Rings in one volume or The Hobbit (because it will remind me of my family)
Author Websites and Profiles
Sherrod Wall Website
Sherrod Wall Amazon Profile