Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an optometrist turned published author, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams!
I began my college career as an accounting major, but hated it! I then proceeded to change my major three times. I had no idea what we wanted to do professionally, but always loved writing. My parents told me what most parents tell their kids when they want to pursue their dreams: “You’ll never make any money at that!” So I went the “safe” route, and became an optometrist. But twenty years later, I still regretted not pursuing a writing career, and decided it was about time. At forty-five years old, after having been an optometrist for twenty years, I decided to write my first book.
I live in South Florida with my wife and two boys.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is called Running Still. The corruption that goes on every day in healthcare and with big pharma is what inspired me to write it. While my novel is entirely fiction, it’s not too hard to imagine the story I tell as being real.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I sit down to write, I don’t know where the story is going. Many writers have a well thought out outline and know what each chapter or day will bring. When I write, the story unfolds as I type. The ideas come to me, sometimes in the middle of the night, but usually that same day. It’s exciting in some ways, because I don’t know what’s going to happen next or how things will turn out!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite authors are John Grisham, James Patterson, Michael Crichton, Robin Cook, and JK Rowling. They are all incredible story tellers with writing styles worth admiring.
What are you working on now?
My next book is very different from Running Still. It’s a whole new story with different characters. Gun rights will be at the heart of it, but not in the way most people would expect. It will be fictional, but the story will be very relatable and entertaining.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I rely heavily on social media for promotion. You can reach a lot of people using simple strategies to leverage social media.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Don’t worry about what or how others do it. Come up with an idea, something you think would make an interesting story, and then put pen to paper (or fingers to keys). And be consistent. Write a little bit every day, and don’t stop until you’re done. And then keep going, lol.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry about what other people think. It’s your story, it’s your book, it’s your life. You decide how you want it to turn out. Don’t let other people’s opinions decide for you.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Honeymoon, by James Patterson. I love his ability to shape a story and craft characters that you fall in love with very quickly.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m in promotion mode for Running Still, and still in search of the right literary agent to work with. But once that’s done, I’ll start working on Book #2 and telling a new story.
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’d love to bring the entire Harry Potter series with me. It’s so easy to get lost in that world, maybe I’d forget about being stranded for a while, lol
Author Websites and Profiles
Steven Sheiner Website
Steven Sheiner Amazon Profile
Steven Sheiner’s Social Media Links
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