EBOOKSROCK.NET - April 2001
Shari, hi! I was just over at Athina Publishing, checking out your page and reading the excerpt of Home Is Never Far Away. Can you give readers a quick description of what this story is about?
SG- Sure! It's about a house cat named Oliver who's always been dying to get out of the house and see what's out there in the world. One day he gets his wish, but when he gets lost in a forest, he realizes that "there's no place like home!"
ER!-What inspired you to write for children? And where did the idea of Home Is Never Far Away come from?
SG- I've never grown up and always preferred to be with the kids reading stories, playing games, coloring, thant with the adults chatting about politics or "adult" stuff. I still re-read my childhood favorites (Wrinkle in Time, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe series, etc.), and it just came natural to write a children's story first. The story comes from real life, from watching my cat, Oliver, try to get out of the house every day for the last 11 years. I often wondered what the heck he thought was so great out there, and that if he ever got out, he'd hate it! No food, water, and treats being brought to him (he's a slave-driver!).
ER!-What's your favorite part in Home Is Never Far Away?
SG- Where the cat jumps on the owner's head in the morning. He does that to me all the time!
ER!-Do you have more stories planned for Oliver?
SG- Definitely. There will be one where Oliver gets a brother, who he despises at first, but then comes to love. It came naturally to me to write that, since we found a kitten, Jack, about a year and a half ago, and Oliver hated him. In real life, of course, they have not stopped fighting since the day Jack came home, and Oliver wants him out!! Alas, why can't the kids just get along?
ER!-What would you say was the biggest writing challenge in this book?
SG- This may sound crazy, but there weren't any! I'm a published poet, and know kids love rhyming stories, so that part was easy. And having the characters playing their roles right in front of me just fed the fire for the story. It was great!
ER!-Is there a book out there that you're just dying to write but for some reason haven't?
SG- I've been working on and off for about 4 years now on a suspense thriller. Horror and suspense are my first passions, and things keep distracting me from going back and completing it. It's pretty good, but I just can't find the time, or the inspiration to finish. Maybe some day.
ER!-Is there a book that you've written, but we'll never see? Why?
SG- The only thing I've written that no one would see is my journal. I write when I'm happy, sad, angry, any range of emotions, and vent in my journal. I wish I could arrange for it to explode if anything happened to me so it wouldn't fall into the wrong hands! What a scandal!
ER!-Is there anything out there that you'd like to do, but haven't yet been given the opportunity?
SG- I love to travel. We go to other countries to experience the people, culture, and definitely the food, but over the last three years we've had so many changes in our lives, we haven't had the time -- or money! But I plan to go to Ireland next year and pick up on my travels.
ER!-Why did you decide to publish electronically?
SG- It was just on a whim. I wrote the story and knew I needed to submit it to a publisher. I had to first get an agent to send it to hardcover publishers, and hadn't had the time to scour information to find a reputable one. So, the story was on my computer for a few months (I also kept forgetting it was there!), and when I was on the Internet one day, I came across Athina, liked what I saw, and submitted it to see what would happen. Voila! A book is born!
ER!-If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing?
SG- Well, I've always worked in marketing, PR, and advertising, creating for corporations, and one day I decided to quit my corporate life, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, and take back my life! There were so many things in the business world that I didn't like, besides the daily grind, commuting, the falseness of so many people...it was so draining on my spirit. When I quit, I took my time trying to pick the right job from offers, and accepted a position as an editor, where I could work from home on manuscripts. It changed my life! It keeps me pretty busy, while also doing side work for advertising agencies as a copywriter, and freelance writing for magazines and web sites. So, I guess you could say, I'm doing exactly what I want to do, and I feel so lucky. Some days, I work in my pajamas! I could never go back to a regular "office" job.
ER!-What's the non-writing world like for you? Is there a husband, a boyfriend, slaves hidden in the basement? Children?
SG- My "significant other," Robert, is the love of my life. We've lived together for about 8 years, and have three kids (in feline form): Pasha, Oliver, and Jack. My life has always been so filled with children, with family, friends, and co-workers, that I haven't even thought about having any of my own right now. I think my natural "immaturity" (which I will never give up!) is what draws kids to me, and my love for fantasy and fun.
ER!-Many readers wonder what's going on in an author's head, and here's the part where we find out. Describe yourself in one line:
SG- Funny, imaginative, loving, and completely childish!
ER!-(Finish this sentence) On a Saturday night you'll find me...
SG- At home, writing, or with friends just hanging out. It's a 50-50 split.
ER!-If I were a cartoon character I'd be...
SG- Underdog! Goofy, lovable, but always comes thru in the end!
ER!-If I could have one wish, I would wish...
SG- That everyone I know, and everyone on the planet, would be happy, content, and healthy. That in the blink of an eye, there'd be so much love, instead of hate and separation, that we could focus all our energies on taking care of one another instead of trying to find new ways to blow each other up.
ER!-What kind of car do you drive?
SG- Saturn coupe.
ER!-What kind of car do you *want* to drive?
SG- Any kind of two-seater sports car. And it must be red.
ER!-Answer the following questions as quickly as possible, but feel free to expand on any of your answers (Hey, it's not a test).:
What's your favorite movie? SG- (I have about 100, but here it goes): Steven Spielberg's Empire of the Sun
ER!-Favorite song?
SG- Dream Weaver
ER!-Favorite snack?
SG- Ice Cream
ER!-Favorite book?
SG- Stephen King's The Stand (or The Talisman)
ER!-Typewriter or computer?
SG- Computer
ER!-Soup or salad?
SG- Soup
ER!-Pre-planner or blind leap?
SG- Equally both. Sometimes I plan, sometimes I leap!
ER!-Turkey burger or steak?
SG- Steak!
ER!-Slacks or jeans?
SG- Jeans
ER!-Boxers or briefs?
SG- Briefs
ER!-Are blondes really more fun?
SG- No! (I'm a brunnette)
ER!-Have you ever held anyone hostage?
SG- Oh yeah! And they loved it!
ER!-If no, would you?
SG- Absolutely.
ER!-Do you believe in love at first sight?
SG- Big time. Sometimes, you just know.
ER!-Are aliens real?
SG- Yes! How could we possibly be all that's out there?
ER!-If you could vote members off of Gilligan's Island, who would get the boot first?
SG- Lovey (Mrs. Howell). She always annoyed me!
ER!-If Godzilla and Superman got into a street fight (no weapons allowed), who would win?
SG- Superman, of course! He's indestructable, while poor Godzilla can bleed.
ER!-What is one thing about you that very few know?
SG- I get scared sometimes, of what life will hold for me in the future.
ER!-What is your greatest fear?
SG- Change. I hate that things change, people move away, things end. But then again, life would be boring if things never changed, so, I'm stuck in the middle.
ER!-If you could be anyone (dead or alive) who would you be? And why?
SG- Any billionaire will do. I could do so much with that money, and try to help people.
ER!-And finally (and you can take your time on this one:-)), what's next for you? Your next book? Writing venture? Goal?
SG- After 20 years in South Florida, I'm taking a huge step and moving to a place I've never been - North Carolina. I'm terrified, but excited! Mountains, snow, seasons...I can't wait. I'm taking my editing job with me, which is great. I plan to find an agent (I have a huge list to go over now), and get "Home Is Never Far Away" printed in hardcover. I want to finish my novels (there's actually two: the horror, and a hilarious one about family life in an "Erma Bombeck"-style), and travel. Boy, where will I find the time!!?
LISA'S BOOK REVIEWS - April 2001
How did you get started writing children's books?
I've been writing all of my life. First it was short stories, poems, or just things in a diary when I was very young, then later, a professional career in marketing, PR, and advertising. I've loved children's stories and the fantasy genre all my life. First it was Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, and then it progressed into books such as The Hobbitt. I still read them all avidly today. When I'm with family and friends, I prefer being with the kids reading stories than chatting with the adults (my family thinks I've never grown up!). Writing a rhyming children's story came naturally to me.
My first real memory of doing something with my writing was at the age of 5 (I was in kindergarten), when they had a writing contest at my elementary school (grades kindergarten thru 6) in New York. There were Norman Rockwell paintings in the hallway and you had to choose one and write a story about it. I chose one where there were young boys running from a lake holding their soaking wet clothes. In the background was a sign that said "no swimming," or something like that, and they looked like they were in trouble, running from the law or something. I won first prize, which was a trip to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. That was great.
What inspired "Home is Never Far Away?"
My cat Oliver was my inspiration since he’s been trying to get out of the house since he was a baby (he's now 11years old). I always wondered what he thought was out there that was so great and that if he ever got out, he’d see that there’s really "no place like home," and really miss his home. And voila! My story was born. Also, I’m a published poet and I know kids love a good rhyming story, so that part came easy, too.
I like the idea of using a fluffly white cat for the character. Why did you choose a cat?
That was easy because it was something real-life, in my thoughts every day as I watch him scramble to run out the front door. I thought to myself that it would make a great story, and one that could have continuing sequels. Maybe he'll become famous and everyone will want to read about the adventures of Oliver! He'd like that.
Who are some authors that have inspired you throughout your career?
I'm not sure of authors (I forget names), but I know their books and which have definitely influenced me. Besides Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and John Saul in the genre of horror/suspense (I have all of their books), the writers of children's fantasy and sci-fi were a huge influence on me when I was small. Reading the Mouse and the Motorcycle, Charlotte's Web, and the Hobbit, besides A Wrinkle in Time and and the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe series all made me love reading, instilling in me a craving for more and wanting to write just like that. I loved being taken to another world or time. To be able to enthrall people with the written word is a dream of mine, and I would love to be able to put out material like those authors did. Maybe some day.
Do you think you'll only write children's books, or will you branch off in different genres?
Oh, definitely branch off in different directions. Since my first love is horror/suspense, I'm half-way thru writing a novel that any Stephen King fan would love. It's about a man who's connected to a serial killer in a supernatural way, and is tormented by the killings going on in his life (people he knows are being murdered left and right!). I also started a funny book on life in a family and how not to kill the ones you love, but try and understand them. It's hysterical! There's so many things to write about, but definitely not enough time!
ReadersWeekly.com/Just Views - March 2001
Just Views -- From the moment you received THE CALL for your first book, what is the one thing that you have learned about the publishing business which has remained constant?
Shari-- It is a process; one which you HAVE to be patient with, since obstacles always pop up. Just keep the faith that your publisher is working hard for you, and never give up!
Just Views -- We'd like to know a little about your first book. (When was it sold? How many rejections did you receive before it sold? Did you use an agent? Is this a self-published book? If so, explain the process you went through to make this decision.)
Shari-- This is my first book, which is debuting December 1 in the E-book world. I didn't receive any rejections; Athina Publishing was the first publisher I submitted the book to and they immediately wanted to publish it. I'm in the process now of obtaining an agent for hardcover publication.
Just Views -- Describe your feelings when you received the contract from the publisher.
Shari-- I was unbelievably excited. I felt like I was a "true" writer and my work was going to be seen by millions! (wishful thinking, of course, but hey, why not?)
Just Views -- Let's be honest. Do you like the covers designed for your books? Do you have any say?
Shari-- I LOVE the cover. It is magical and whimsical and exactly what I wanted children to first see before they open the book. I definitely had a say. The publisher was great - they wanted all my feedback on the illustrations...I love them for that.
Just Views -- What would you be doing if you weren't writing? Do you have another job in addition to your writing career?
Shari -- I've been writing all of my life. First it was short stories and poems when I was very young, then later, a professional career in marketing, PR, and advertising. I quit my corporate job two years ago to become an editor...and freelance write on the side...which I've been doing for over a year. I love it!
Just Views -- What/who influenced you to write for this market?
Shari -- I've loved children's stories and the fantasy genre all my life. First it was Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, and then it progressed into books such as The Hobbitt. I still read them avidly today. When I'm with family and friends, I prefer being with the kids reading stories than chatting with the adults (my family thinks I've never grown up!). Writing a rhyming children's story came naturally to me.
Just Views -- Tell us the hardest part of writing that you experience either day to day or contract to contract.
Shari -- Once I'm done with a story or article, I critique it too much...reading and re-reading it for imperfections or ways to make it better. I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to writing and I just need to leave things alone more and just let it be what it is.
Just Views -- In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of being a writer?
Shari -- The best aspect is having a piece of yourself in each article or story: your views, your feelings. It's as though you're in the story yourself. The worst aspect is the pressure you can place on yourself. I found that if I can just relax about it (my writing), then my best work comes through.
Just Views -- Since you've signed the first contract, what is the one thing you learned about the publishing business or writing process that you thought you knew?
answer -- I thought that everything would be exactly on schedule. Of course, that's totally unrealistic...you never know what obstacles are going to pop up (which is just like life). I learned to be more flexible and patient (definitely virtues that are hard to learn!!!).
Just Views -- Curiosity killed the cat but we'd like to know anyway. Has a reader (or editor) ever told you that a specific research detail was incorrect in any of your books? What was your reaction?
answer -- No, I was never told that since this is my first book. And with it being in the fantasy/children's genre, I don't think it would ever come up (thank goodness!).
Just Views -- What, if anything, is done before you start the actual writing process?
answer -- There is nothing I do first. I just sit down, and it flows from my mind. Inspiration comes from everywhere; if it's poetry, it could be that I was either very sad or very happy about something. With stories, I'm inspired by things I see around me, too. My book is about my cat, Oliver, who has been trying to escape outside for 10 years (he's a house cat and has never been outside). So my story is about him, and what happens when he finally does escape. Inspiration can come from anything around you.
Just Views -- To wrap up this interview, please share an experience that may (or may not!) help other writers take the publishing world by storm. (as an example, you can share your
booksigning horror story which may not help writers break into the market but it would help them know what not to do at a booksigning )
answer -- The key is patience and perseverence. WIth the Internet today, there are literally thousands of places to go to have your work published, in every form (articles, stories, poems, etc.). And the access now to every magazine, web site, and publisher out there is unbelievable...All you have to do is look and you will find a place for your writing. And never give up on yourself. If one place doesn't want to publish you, there are 20 others who will.
