1st Blogoversary: Interview with Cheryl St. John & Giveaway!

Cheryl, welcome to Hardcover Feedback! Thank you SO much for being a part of my 1st Blogoversary Celebration! What or who made the biggest influence on you wanting to become a writer?

 Reading books as a child nourished my desire to become a  writer. During summer vacations I mourned the loss of the school library. I wrote my own stories, drew the covers and stapled them into little books. 

What was the first book you ever wrote about and was it ever published?

The first book I ever wrote was titled The Rebel and it was undeserving of publication. I was 14 and I wrote about a teenage gang. How embarrassing, but I guess I put a dot on the learning curve.

Do you have any writing habits that people might find unusual?

I don't turn around three times before sitting in my chair or don my writing cap or anything. Sitting in the chair is the biggest hurdle. Fingers to keyboard next. If I do that, words come. I do clean my office and my desk between each project, but I wouldn't call that unusual.

Do you have a favorite character or one that is especially close to your heart?

I really love Joshua McBride in Saint or Sinner. He was a man redeemed of his past and focused on the future. I also have a special fondness for Tye Hatcher in Joe's Wife. An underdog with a heat of gold. 

What is the best gift you have ever received and who gave it to you?

Best gifts ever are my ten grandchildren, and my four children gave them to me. I never knew how wonderful it would be to have that special bond. They possess my heart. 

What is something that you have always wanted to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet?

I always have a craft in the planning, so I have boxes and totes of materials for windchimes and jewelry and all sort of different things. I just never get around to actually doing the projects!  

What is your all-time favorite book?

All time favorite book is a tough decision, but after some thought I have to go with Twice Loved by LaVryle Spencer. Rye Dalton is my favorite hero of all time. Now that is romance at its finest. 

Other than yourself, who is your favorite author?

A favorite author is just as difficult. I love everything LaVyrle Spencer ever wrote, so I have to go with her. 

If a TV show was based on your life, what would the theme song be and why?

You ask difficult questions. I'm going to go with can't Buy Me Love. I've had little and I've had a lot, and none of it means a thing without the people you love. When our kids were little we didn't go out to eat, but we cashed in aluminum cans to go to the movies on Friday night. My favorite times with my grandkids are usually spent hiking through the woods or going for a walk. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love movies, so whenever I can sneak in an hour or two I watch a movie. An old one, a new one, I don't care. I have favorites I watch over and over, and they inspire me. 

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I am definitely a night owl. I have to force myself to go to bed, and I've always been this way. My husband is the early bird. I'm often just going to bed when he's getting up to head out for work. It's always been my philosophy that sleep is a waste of time and I'll get a lot of it after I die, but I'm trying to correct that thinking so I can stay healthier. 

What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?

My favorite TV show was ER for many years, and some some odd reason it's now Gray's Anatomy. I don't think it's the medical stuff; it's the character interaction and the fast pace. I also enjoy Bones and I never miss American Idol - and yes I vote.  

If you had the opportunity to go anywhere you wanted, at anytime in history, where would you go and why?

If I had the opportunity to go somewhere in history, I think I'd be in the crowd when Jesus preached the sermon on the mount. I think hearing Him would be pretty cool.

You are given an unlimited budget to plan your ultimate party. Please describe it (i.e. Where would it take place? Who would be on the guest list? What would be on the menu? Would there be a theme? etc.).

My ultimate party would be a beautiful tea party, with eclectic cups and saucers and beautiful dishes. I would invite all my friends and we'd spend an entire summer afternoon under the shade of tall old trees, drinking tea and eating scones and cakes. 

What are you currently working on?

I have several projects in the works right now. I am having rights reverted to four of my very first books, so those are in the process of becoming digital releases, but it's a lot of work. I'm excited that the stories will have a second life with new readers. I've also been working on a non-fiction project that has been challenging, but for which I have big plans. I have a proposal in for a historical and a couple more nearly ready. 


Where can people connect with you online?
Readers can find me online at a variety of places: 

My website: http://www.cherylstjohn.net/
My blog, From the Heart: http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCherylSt.John
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/CherylStJ
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cheryl_stjohn/

Thank you so much Cheryl for being on Hardcover Feedback!

GIVEAWAY:

Cheryl has graciously offered to give away a copy of her new book The Wedding Journey! If the winner is in the US they may choose a printed book or an e-book. If the winner is NOT in the US, then they would receive an e-book. 

To enter, all you have to do is follow this blog in at least one way, complete the mandatory entry and then complete whichever extra entries you want in the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open internationally!

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