Today, I feature Sharon Srock. This woman has a heart for women! She writes about ordinary women who use their faith to do extraordinary things.
Sharon lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s writing credits include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.
Sharon is hopping around to blogs everywhere in an effort to spread the word about her book. She is offering a gift basket to one fortunate winner. The rules are easy. Every reader who comments gets an entry into the drawing. You will need to leave a comment below and leave your contact information (email address). A winner will be drawn Monday, November 19th. The items add up to well over $100.00 in value.
The gift basket includes:
Sharon, tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I grew up all over. I was born in California, my sister was born in Oklahoma, and my brother was born in Virginia. I’m the oldest of the three. We moved back to Oklahoma when I was in the 4th grade. My parents were Christians growing up and though they drifted from their beliefs for a while, by the time I was in the 3rd grade they had rededicated their lives. So I was brought up in church. Making my own personal commitment in the 4th grade came naturally to me.
Now, I still live in Oklahoma. My husband Larry and I have 6 children between us and 23 grands and great grands. We attend the Pentecostal Church of God that I’ve attended since I was fourteen.
What a blessing to have been raised in the faith! Now tell us three things about you that would surprise your readers.
I’m a serious Trekker with several uniforms in my closet.
I HATE reality TV.
My favorite pet was an iguana.
What did you like to read as a child? Is there a book that still brings pictures to your mind?
I’ve always been a reader, but I think the book that most often comes to mind when asked is Harriet The Spy. Probably because my sister and I aspired to be spies. My sister actually kept a notebook on people for a couple of years.
Tell us about the journey to getting published.
I’ve been a reader all my life, but writing was never my dream. I remember cringing in English classes when a single page paper was due. One night I went to bed a reader and woke up determined to write a book. I was very involved in Star Trek fandom, had some short stories and poetry published in a fanzine here and there. My first full length project was a Star Trek story.
Now, I’m Pentecostal, so you’ll have to work with me here…One night, about 25 years ago, we were in a revival. The evangelist, who didn’t know me from Eve spoke a word of prophecy over me. In paraphrase… “I’ve put a pen in your hand and a light by your side. Use it for me.” Well at that point in my life the only Christian writing I knew about were lessons or theological works of non fiction. That didn’t seem like me, so I stopped writing altogether. Three and a half years ago, a new employee stopped by my desk to introduce herself. In the course of the conversation, she mentioned that she was a writer. I told her that that was my dream at one time. She gave me the oddest look and spoke five words that have changed my life. “You gave up too soon.” That night I started writing Callie’s story.
Wow! How many years did it take to sell your first book? 3 years
What was your biggest obstacle? A lack of time and a lack of self confidence. Aren’t we all afraid of failure? This was failure on a big scale if I blew this.
Do you put yourself into your main character, or do you find yourself borrowing from family or friends as your characters develop? Callie started out a lot like me. Over 50, Sunday school teacher. Her personality diverged from mine pretty quickly. There are bits and pieces of friends and family in the mix, but not so that you’d say, “oh, that’s…”
Do you have to juggle writing with a job, family responsibilities or other obligations? How do you balance it all? I have a full time job, I sell AVON, I have a husband, and a house to take care of. I’ve learned to write in small snatches of time. Lunch and breaks, weekends, picnics at the lake. When the story is impatient, you write where and when you can.
I have found that if the story is supposed to be written, it will be written no matter what the obstacles or time limitations. Now share something about your day-to-day life that might help readers feel as though they know you a little better. I’m just me. I get up at 430AM and go to a job I’ve had for 25 years. I come home, I cook, I clean, I read, I write. Isn’t that every writers life?
Do you have a favorite scripture? If so, why is it your favorite? Proverbs 13:12: Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. My husband wasn’t saved when we married. I prayed for 13 years before he accepted the Lord. I can tell you about every emotion described in this verse. I’ve applied it to my writing as well.
What is the coolest, wackiest, most risk-taking thing you’ve ever done? Coolest: Snorkling, Wackiest: attending Star Trek conventions in full uniform, Risk-taking: Either para sailing, or riding the mules down the Grand Canyon.
You have definitely lived a full life! Is there anything else you’d like to tell us? Maybe a writing tip or advice for aspiring authors?
My tip for aspiring authors…Don’t walk this road alone. Find a group to join, find a good critique partner, surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.
Great advice! Now for a little about her book:
The Women of Valley View: Callie book blurb:
Visit her BLOG at: http://www.womenofvalleyview.blogspot.com/
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SharonSrock
http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/callie
Don’t forget to leave a comment with your email address!
Sherri, thanks so much for having me today!
Well Sharon you have a very interesting life and it’s funny how you and your siblings were born in different states, that’s a fun story in itself.
jennydtipton[at]gmail[dot]com
Jennifer, thanks for stopping by today. I call us the coast to coast family.
I loved this interview. A pet iguana? I’m pretty certain that wouldn’t have been my favorite! 🙂 I had a favorite pet rabbit named Snowball when I was growing up. I loved that rabbit.
I use to sell Avon at one time when the kids were little. Now I just buy it.
I can’t wait to read “Callie” and the rest of your books.
Blessings!
Judy
sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com
Judy, I was surprised that the lizards, we had two to start, had distinct personalities. It was fun to watch them. I hope you enjoy the series.
Fun interview! You’ve had a interesting life! Snorkeling. Iguanas. Star Trek conventions. How fun!
Campbellamyd at Gmail dot com
Amy, Thanks for visiting today. I LOVE to snorkel. If you haven’t tried it, you should.
i would like to read yur book hope i can win it. my e mail is lawsonsandra92@yahoo.com
Sandra, there are more books being given away on good reads. Good luck in both places.
This book sounds very intriguing! I can hardly wait to read it. Thanks so much for the interview and the chance to win your huge giveaway! My email address is: skwilson5904@gmail.com
~Susan
Thanks for stopping by!
Susan, Thanks for the kind words. Good luck in the drawing.
Sharon, it was great getting to know you. We are the same in a lot of ways. My husband and I live in California with our two dogs. I am a mother and grandmother and I teach Sunday School….Oh, and I am also a Trekkie. I’ve never gone so far as to attend a convention (never had the chance) but I love all things Star Trek. Except for Deep Space Nine. Never could get into a show about a space station. I will be following you on Twitter…Your book sounds great and I would love to enter the contest. So, sign me up! debsbunch5@jesusanswers.com
Debbie, thanks for your visit. I didn’t have trouble with Deep Space Nine, I loved the characters. The final series Enterprise was where they lost me.
I enjoyed Enterprise until the final episode where the killed off Trip…so unnecessary..I guess my problem with Deep Space Nine is that I was always used to seeing a Captain that runs a ship traveling through space, where all the action is. I loved some of the characters, Odo, O’Brian and Quark. 🙂
Your book sounds very interesting!! That big giveaway basket looks awesome! 🙂
marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
Marissa, I hope you like the book once you read it.
I’m feeling kinda bad right now. In Nicaragua we bought an iguana (I named him Tortilla cause I had this feeling…), the next day a pastors wife volunteered to cook him! I couldn’t do it, I had named him!
missionwife@hotmail.com
Melody, I could never have cooked my Cocoa! I did, eventually, have to give her to a nature preserve once she got to big for me to care for poperly.
Sounds like you’ve had a good life. I don’t like tr Reality shows either. I would love to know more about “Callie” so would love to win this book. Maxie ( mac262@me.com )
Maxie, I hope you love the book. Good luck!
wow love your story and interview. would love to win. God Bless
Pat, thanks, good luck in the drawing.
Pat, I need your email address for the giveaway.
I moved around a lot as a child too. (attended 6 different elementary schools and 2 middle schools.) Sometimes when I tell people that they give me an “oh-my!” look, but I loved it. It gave me opportunities to meet new people and experience many things I wouldn’t have otherwise.
Isn’t it cool how God places certain people in our lives? How incredible that the new employee’s five words set your life on a different course. 🙂 And you’re right, a critique group or friends who are supportive of our passion of writing is so important.
I enjoyed the interview, and Callie sounds like a great story! I’m intrigued. Thank you for the opportunity to win it. 🙂
nicnac63 AT hotmail DOT com
Thanks for your wonderful comments. I attended 11 schools before I entered the 9th grade. I think that’s why I’m such a reader. Books were my friends. Good luck in the drawing.
So want to win this! lmcarlblom@yahoo.com
Linda, I love that you are taking the time to make the rounds. I appreciate your support!
Would love to win this book! Thanks! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com
Megan, Glad to see you here. Good luck!
Callie told me to come! What a great blessing that you have been in the same church since age 14……I was, too, until moving to the country. Oh, how I miss it! But at our age, we needed to be near family. I have plenty of time to read and am anxious to read your book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Jackie Smith
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
So, Sharon…would you want to share which is your full time job and which is your 3/4 job? Since Callie told me to come, i thought you’d answer this question for me. Thanks.
mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom
Jackie, they have been my haven in more ways than one!
Sherri, you have a very nice site. Callie told me to come, today, but I’m sure I will be back to do some more exploring. I enjoyed the interview. Sharon, you are a busy lady! Do you ever find time for sleeping?
may_dayzee(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Kay, 6 hours a night if I can get there in time!
This is Maxie again. I forgot to tell you that “Callie told me to come”.
Maxie ( mac262@me.com )
Maxie, great to see you here.