Sunshine Rodgers

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Best Selling Author, Blogger and Entrepreneur.
My books have been translated in Spanish and Portuguese and created
into audio books. My 8 books have reached International notoriety as I use my
time to create original content for my 32K followers and write weekly emails to my readers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “The Characters Within.” The story is set in a fictitious theme park “Cheddar and Such” where guests can have a “delicious” time eating cheese samples, riding Gouda Falls and watching the show Fun at the Parm featuring animatronics Patty the Pretzel and Peter the Breadstick. The main character, Brittany works at Fun at the Parm and is writing a novel while also stuck in a love triangle between her best friend and one of the managers at the attraction. This story was inspired by my time working at a theme park in Orlando Florida.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I am notorious for using my friends as characters in my books. In my 8 books, I have used 45+ real life people as characters on the text. Each person has to sign a permission form for me to use their name and likeness and fill out a questionaire of personal information about themselves so I can further develop their character on the pages. And of course, I always use my husband, Travis as a reoccuring character in all of my books.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My all-time favorite author is John Eldredge! I’ve bought every book he’s ever written! His writing is so passionate and so real…I feel like I know him. And of course, C.S. Lewis who just amazes me by his words and the inspiring messages on the text. How I wish I could just sit down and have a cup of coffee with C.S. Lewis!

What are you working on now?
I am writing another fiction piece – Book #10 – potentially called “Andrew’s First Act.” It’s about a young man who attempts to be a stand up comedian in New York City with his Agent ,Sunnie. Though Andrew is talented in comedy, there is one problem…he can’t handle the hecklers. When someone boo’s him from the audience, he tenses up and can’t seem to remember his jokes. He fires Sunnie and quits the life of a comedian only to rediscover his passion in a new way. This story is about overcoming the critics and finding your true purpose in life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Website: sunshinerodgers.com
Blog: http://sunshinerodgersblog.simplesite.com/433966135

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors would be to have patience. My first book came out 6 years ago and I just became a full time author last year! If you’re passionate about storytelling, keep writing! Give yourself a personal deadline…like for me, I write 4 books in one year. Set aside time just to storyboard and write pages. And remember WHY you started writing. Like for me, I started writing because I love it. Period. All the rest…the money, the fans, the reviews are all just extra.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be too hard on yourself. I have an inner critic that plays in my mind all the time where I doubt my work… I’ll even look back at my older books and roll my eyes at my amateur writing. But you have to be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to grow and mature as a professional author.

What are you reading now?
I am reading “Intentional Living” by John Maxwell AND “Acres of Diamonds” by Jentezen Franklin. I usually read about 2-3 books at a time. I can’t seem to get enough! I already have 3 filled bookshelves full of books in my personal library at home and I need to buy an extra one since I am running out of room. I always ask for more books for birthdays and holidays.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. In 2020, for obvious reasons, I stopped traveling and attending book signings. So now I am focusing more on reaching an international audience on social media as my books have landed on Amazon Best Seller lists in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. And my next book “The Roland Sisters & The Spirit Program” is the next one to launch in a few months.

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
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge (my favorite book!)
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Author Websites and Profiles
Sunshine Rodgers Website
Sunshine Rodgers Amazon Profile

Sunshine Rodgers’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account