|
Welcome to New Faces,where we are pleased to spotlight debut romance authors. This week we welcome Barbara Sheridan, whose new book Timeless Wish is in stores now. Let's meet her. Tell us about yourself, Barbara. I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with my two daughters. I have no formal education beyond graduating from high school,which makes selling TIMELESS WISH special to me. Both my parents (now deceased) grew up during the Depression and had to drop out to find work to help their families. I think they'd be proud knowing that all those books they gave me made a difference. Are you coming to romance writing from another job? Mostly "mom-duty" and assorted part-time jobs scheduled around that. And as any mom can tell you, that's a full-time job! What led you to write romance? I've always loved Historical novels in general and grew up on the romantic suspense I could dig out of the library---Barbara Michaels, Victoria Holt, Norah Lofts, Anya Seyton, and on and on. Tell us about your road to publication. It took about 9 years total. I began doing horror/dark fantasy and had quite a few short pieces bought by small press magazines I tried my hand at contemporaries, received encouraging rejections, so kept it, turning to historicals (which was a great "excuse" to buy more reference books ). Joining RWA and in particular RWA's Outreach International chapter approximately 3 years ago were a BIG help. Outreach has some great critiquing programs free to members. The memberships are a bit expensive, but its well worth it. What kind of research was involved for your first book? Actually most of the historical research was done for the straight historical I did before TIMELESS WISH the story of Jason and Star (---the book no one but me loves....) I've always loved Victorian houses and old photographs so, researching that part wasn't hard since I had a "working knowledge". Who are your influences as a writer? I suppose Anne Rice first because when I read her Interview with the Vampire I was so hooked on the characters I didn't want to let them go (and re-wrote the ending just to keep it going a bit longer). And of course all the books I'd read growing up. The author who most made we want to go into historicals in general and western themed stories in particular was Susan Johnson. Her Braddock-Black books are excellent! The characters, the history and blended so well in my opinion (and the loves scenes aren't too shabby either). What does your family think of having a romance author in their midst? They're of the "You sold your book,that's nice, what do we have to eat?" persuasion. Although I have to admit when my 15yr old took one of the sample copies of TIMELESS WISH that my editor sent I expected to get the "worst review" in the history of fiction but lo and behold the girl actually said: "Wow, this is good. I couldn't stop reading it. You really CAN write..." Tell us about plans for future books. Currently I'm working on a paranormal for Jove's Magical Love line. Unless something changes it will be called SILVER RAIN and released in May 2000. It's the story of Danielle (Dani) Curtis, a "reluctant" witch bound by tradition to watch over the "Sleeping Beau" who was entranced by one of her ancestors in 1797. Should Alain Devereaux awaken during her time she will have a mere thirty days to help him find and win back his reincarnated love. If she fails, Alain will fade away, cease to exist and Dani will have dishonored countless generations of witches before her. But, if she succeeds, she will lose Alain--the only man she ever loved... How can readers get in touch with you? I would LOVE to hear from readers and welcome their comments (both positive and negative). I hope to write stories that people want to read, that they actually look forward to. I think a big part of that is hearing what "works" and what doesn't in the opinion of a wide range of readers.
Readers can contact me through mail or e-mail:
Barbara, thanks for visiting with us, and best of luck! Readers, check out our review of Timeless Wish. April 12, 1999
|
Please tell us what you think!
Back Home