Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Saige's Stage - Interview with Sherry Gloag


Saige:  This week, I've invited Sherry Gloag, author of The Brat.  Sherry was called by Gina and Ben to explain to them why she chose them to write about and what her advice was to aspiring authors.  Sherry was so kind as to share this intimate interaction with us.
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“It’s good to see you again.” Ben ushered me inside. Greek sunshine and light spilled through the bespoke angled window frames.

“That’s clever.” I studied the 90% angled of the frames that not only let light in through the traditional angle but also through the roof space.

“We like it.” A smiling Gina joined us then led the way to the outside deck.

Talk remained general for a couple of hours and I began wondering why they’d invited me. Although this wasn’t my first visit, Ben stated quite firmly on the phone, they had something they wanted to talk about and would I join them for the weekend.

“Tell me something,” Ben said.

“If I can,” I began a tad hesitantly. It didn’t do to commit yourself before you knew what the pin-sharp brained Ben Kouvaris was after.

“What did you learn from writing our story?”

“You are asking about a hundred different questions. Help me out here and narrow down what you really want to know.”

Gina leaned forward on her recliner. “You’d written other stories before ours, so what advice would you give to aspiring authors in the same boat.”

Reaching for her fresh lemonade with one hand, she waved the other at the sun-drenched scenery around us. “What kept you going even though you received several rejections over the years? Why us? Why did we make the grade, when your previous stories didn’t? Didn’t you believe in those characters?”

Good questions, all of them. I studied her eager face and then looked in Ben’s direction. He too, wanted to know.

“Let’s see,” I said slowly, trying to marshal my thoughts together. “First, I’ll deal with my previous stories. Yes I believe in them, as strongly as I believe in you and Ben. But my writing lacked polish. I am working with one of them now and hope with gained experience I can improve it. Now to your other questions, I need to re-arrange the order of your queries.”

“O.K.”

“The most important weapon in an aspiring author’s arsenal, is self-belief. Without that, they are more likely to give up at the first, or maybe the second hurdle.

“Then you need to believe in your characters, because if you don’t, then why should anyone else?

“Put your characters in the wrong setting, or mess up that setting with bad research then you are broadcasting your lack of attention to detail to one and all. Some readers may read on, but there are those out there who will know you have cut corners and will not forgive you.

“All writers approach their stories in their own way. Some consider plot the motivational factor that drives their characters and would set plot first. But regardless of order, you need a good sound, well-thought-out plot to motivate your readers to turn the page and read on…”

“What about those writers – like you – who maintain they are ‘pantsers’?”

“Hm.” The sudden heat in my cheeks owed nothing to the sun.

“In your case, you have to admit, you were in the driving seat and you both simply used me to set down your story.”

I raised my hand to prevent Gina’s intended interruption.

“Yes, I had to edit and tweak, and yes further edits were made after publication, but you have to admit, they enhanced your story.”

Gina and Ben both nodded in agreement.

“But we digress.” I brought my thoughts back into line.

“Next you need an open mind. If you are not open to suggestions or requests for changes to your precious work publishers will soon lose interest in you. There are plenty of other fish in the writing pool, so they don’t need to burden themselves with stroppy writers. Unless, of course, your writing is exceptional!”

“So…” Ben entered the fray. “If asked, by an aspiring author for piece of advice, what would it be?”

“Believe in yourself. Because if you don’t, why should anyone else?”

 ***

S:  I would like to thank you, Sherry, for sharing this very interesting exchange with us.  It gives quite a bit of insight and it is very appreciated.  I would also like to thank you for stopping by and I hope you will join us again.

Here is a bit more information about Sherry and her book, The Brat!


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Click Banner for Sherry's Website  

Buy The Brat here   = http://bit.ly/d5nVDC
And at Amazon = http://amzn.to/bclDhY
My blog  =  http://bit.ly/bnuELA
Book Trailer = http://bit.ly/9O6j6C
Facebook = http://bit.ly/daeGN7
Goodreads = http://bit.ly/bTOzHC
Twitter = http://twitter.com/SherryGloag


Click Book Cover for Purchase Page
Blurb

Gina Williams has a secret and prays it is buried with her childhood persecutor, Em Kouvaris, as discovery will ruin her reputation as a famous children’s author. She soon discovers the son, Ben Kouvaris, new owner of her publishing company, has uncovered her past and is making demands. Will he ruin her career if she doesn’t comply?

Ben Kouvaris is blown away by the unknown beauty at his estranged mother's funeral, and when his father demands he marry, immediately, to secure the family business, he knows just who he wants as his temporary bride. But can Ben persuade Gina to trust him?

Excerpt

“You’re no better than your mother. I was a child when your mother ordered my life, but I’m a grown woman now and won’t be ordered around by you or anyone else. So don’t stand there sanctimoniously telling me it is your right to control my life for the next ten months. And when they end, what then? You drop your control, just like that? I doubt it. There’s not a Kouvaris on this planet that isn’t a control freak.”

She drew in a deep breath, glared at him when she came to a brief stop in front of him. “You’ll keep tabs on me, tell me what to do and when…”

“Why would I do that?” Cold as steel, Ben’s voice cut across her tirade, but it didn’t stop her.

“Because you’ll tell me it will impact on your reputation, or the company profile, or the value of the shares. How would I know? You’ll have a reason and expect me to abide by your ruling.” She spun away from him and back again. “Oh, I nearly forgot. As your ex-wife, someone may use me to get to you. Wasn’t that how you put it when we arrived in Greece?”

Hands fisted on her hips, her hair plastered against her fiery cheeks, she watched the colour climb up his neck and into his face. Until she heard the words hang in the air, she hadn’t known they were there. But she knew they’d hit their target head on.

2 comments:

  1. Great interview, Sherry and congrats on all your recent nominations.
    The Brat is definitely on my tbr list.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Megan,I always appreciate your company and support.

    ReplyDelete