Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in NJ, went for a couple of college degrees and worked for several years as a social worker, therapist and administrator. I liked to write poetry and short stories when I was younger and always thought about writing more seriously when I retired. I began studying more about writing in December, 2011 and self-published my first short story in September, 2013. My second one was published in March, 2014. These are short story westerns with a strong female protagonist.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest publication is a short story entitled, “Return to Texas.” This is a stand-alone sequel to my first short story, “That’s Just the Way It Is.” Both have roots in a dream or past life memory of a man I visioned as a cowboy in the late 1800’s, a man I know in a different way in the present.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I primarily write when I am inspired. Sometimes a story, a scene, or a piece of an essay will begin writing in my head, and I have to stop whatever I’m doing to write it down. There have been times when I haven’t been able to do this, and I’m usually sorry afterward because I’ve lost the passion of that moment. When I’m focused on a particular project, I try to write more on a daily schedule, but that’s hard for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I can’t say that there is any one author or book that has influenced my writing. When I graduated from college I had experienced so much literature being thrust upon me, that it killed my joy for reading for a number of years. I am not sure that I ever fully returned to the love of reading that I had as a child. I read a lot of non-fiction— books about spirituality, Italy, creative consciousness, etc. I don’t read as much fiction as a fiction-writer probably should. I will be writing non-fiction at some point, though, and I do now on my blog.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on a novel which will probably be called, “Trip to a Lifetime.” It’s a story about reincarnation where two people meet and one of them instinctively remembers the other. I’m really looking forward to completing it and getting it out there. At the same time I’m editing a small book about my grandmother and her poetry written around 1900 because I believe her words should be put in print before the pages they are written upon crumble any further. It will be titled, “Martha’s Words.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a self-published author, I do all the marketing and am still in the process of learning what works best for me. I know I’ve received sales both from a Facebook presence and my WordPress blog. I heard recently that Goodreads works better for some so I have become more active on that site. There is so much out there and what works for one author may not for another. Unfortunately, it’s so easy to get lost in the marketing that you don’t have time to write. That’s an issue I’m dealing with.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m a relatively new author myself so my experience is limited. I would say what has been told to me: write, write, write and make sure you know the basics of the craft. Then start keeping up with what’s going on in the publishing industry. Don’t sacrifice your writing time, no matter what, because the more you write, the more you will have to share with the world and get noticed. Also, as you continue to write, the quality of your writing will improve.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To write from the deepest part of myself so that I can touch others in the same place. The best quality of any art form is its ability to put you in touch with your emotions.
What are you reading now?
At the moment, it’s “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer and “The Gospel of Mary Magdalene” by Jean-Yves Leloup.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Now that I have two short stories under my belt, I’m ready to focus a lot more on the novel I’ve been working on for a few years. I’m setting April, 2015 as the drop dead date for publication.
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?
I would take a Bible because it’s full of stories, takes a long time to read and can be a source of strength; a book about moving to Italy such as “The Reluctant Tuscan” by Phil Doran because I love reading books about people moving to Italy and experiencing the culture; an inspiring book about writing such as Stephen King’s “On Writing” because I sure would be doing a lot of writing on that island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Shirley Sorbello Website
Shirley Sorbello Amazon Profile
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Goodreads Profile
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