The Literary Vixen presents…
Joining us today is Sherry D. Ficklin! Her newest release, Kingdom of Shadows and Dust released on June 1st 2021.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I’ve always wanted to be a reader. I think it’s an important distinction. I became a writer because I wanted to control the story I was reading. Writing was the natural progression of that.
What time of the day do you usually write?
I try to keep somewhat normal office hours, M-F 9 am to 4pm. But often life has other plans. I try to write at least a little every day.
How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?
It depends on the story and the genre. I have worksheets that help me flesh out my world, they are especially useful for fantasy/paranormal. Historical is easier.
Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?
Losing Logan was the most fun I’ve ever had writing. Partly because the story and characters are so personal to me, partly because Zoe is so funny. I laughed out loud a LOT.
What book is currently by your bedside table?
The Lost Book of the White by Cassandra Clare. I’m in love with everything she writes.
Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?
It depends. I don’t get a ton of personal emails/letters, feedback is usually in review form. And honestly, it runs the spectrum from “I loved this so much” to “Wow, you really suck.” That’s kind of the deal when you write. Some people will love it, and some will hate it. You have to have a very thick skin.
Favorite book when you were a kid.
My Antonia. It was one of those read-for-school books, and I thought I’d hate it, but it was really transformative.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Rebel.
What advice would you give to other authors?
Just write. Write for yourself. Finish the story. Tell it your way. If you love it, that’s really all that matters.
What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?
My books are an escape. Writing them is my escape and reading them is yours. It’s not about making a point or conveying some bigger truth. It’s entertainment. That’s all I’m trying to bring to the table.
Thank you Sherry D. Ficklin for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Kingdom of Shadows and Dust today!
~Synopsis~
A spellbinding fantasy story… and a fascinating world to escape to! ~InD’tale Magazine
As the king’s only daughter, Ava was supposed to be many things; meek, submissive, and above all, silent. While she dreams of fighting alongside the armies of Ankara, she’s forced to hide her identity behind a veil. It seems her prayers are answered when fate intervenes, allowing Ava to sneak away and join the battle. Yet the tides of war turn on her, leaving the young beauty defeated… her hopes shattered. Her only chance at salvation is Callan, a mysterious black wolf willing to risk everything by hiding her away among his kind. But there are some dangers far more ominous than the snapping jaws of a wolf. Ripped away from the brave Turnskins, Ava is imprisoned by the beguiling Shadow King who fills her head with promises of peace and a haze of passion. Forced to choose between her family, the bond she shares with Callan, and the handsome king’s striking proposal, Ava finds herself torn between duty and desire. When an unthinkable sacrifice is required to save all she holds dear, will Ava accept the crushing demands of taking the crown? Or follow her heart to the forbidden touch she desperately craves?
Sherry is the author of over a dozen novels for teens and young adults including the best selling Stolen Empire series. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she’s on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs.
Official website: www.sherryficklin.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sherry.ficklin.
The Literary Vixen 
