Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Paris, Texas with my husband; all four kids have moved while the youngest is a freshmen in college. I have practiced general and palliative care/hospice pediatrics and general medicine. I am passionately involved with a non-profit in Dallas, Texas- the Gendercide Awareness Project @Gendap – I write the social media articles pertaining to the girls we sponsor abroad. I have written three books and self-published a juried anthology of poetry and photography.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
PLAYHOUSES was written in response to the presidential election of 2016. I wanted to spotlight the role of fundamentalist extremism in institutionalized discrimination against the LGBTQ community. I hoped the book would resonate with those who feel they have been targeted and with mainstream religious organizations who are struggling to understand the current debate within their own traditions.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not as consistent as I would like to be. But I do try to do the “Morning Pages” that Julia Cameron recommends in her book, The Artist’s Way – most mornings. If I leave my writing to the afternoon, it’s usually a matter of procrastination. I seem to know when I’m done, so I don’t write to a set time or amount, not now anyway.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, obviously Julia Cameron, and words from Natalie Goldberg stick. Haven Kimmel’s A Girl Named Zippy and Maria Bauer’s book Beyond the Chestnut Trees showed me memoirs of unknown people could be just as fascinating as books about the famous. Frank McCourt writes the way I think. Poets I love and admire include Naomi Shihab Nye, Roger Reeves, Martin Espada, Virginia Chase Sutton, and Ted Kooser- to name a few. I love Ted Kooser’s book of prose, Lights on a Ground of Darkness.
What are you working on now?
I’m always working on poetry I hope to someday leave in a collection for my children. I have started and abruptly stopped on another memoir regarding my father’s death, sort of a companion to my first book, The Year My Mother Died.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to engage with people, so I’m still working on my author FB page and Instagram followers. I would like more interaction with my website, sherryshieldscott.com- so, I do promote it. I love in person events, but since Covid, that has not opened up as before. I like reaching out to independent book stores and mailing signed books to contacts abroad. And taking advantage of e-book promotion sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
With my own experience, it always changes, so, follow what is comfortable to your individuality. Of course, believe in yourself and if something keeps popping in your head and won’t leave you alone, pay attention- it wants to be written.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Synchronicity- paying attention and often the words will come. “As I create and listen, I will be led.” Julia Cameron. She also said, “easy does it.”- small steps.
Monica Wood of The Pocket Muse 2 says, “A single task won’t crush your spirit. Give yourself a break.”
“Stay with your original mind and write from it.” Natalie Goldberg
What are you reading now?
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts and Bury Me Standing by Isabel Fonseca.
I just finished Allie Brosh’s books, Hyperbole and a Half and Solutions and other Problems- and I’m craving more! Brilliant illustrated read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing social media articles for my non-profit, highlighting the plot of girls and women around the world. I hope to continue the work I started after my father died, whether it’s professionally published or not. A children’s lullaby book I hope to coordinate with friends for the written music and illustrations. And always poetry.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I couldn’t say- the collections I have previously mentioned contain many of my favorites, but I would be remiss not to mention Angela’s Ashes.
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