Hi Sharon! Thanks for joining me…
Why do you write?
Until the age of forty-five, I worked in accounting. After taking a memoir class, I decided to make a career change and pursue writing. The class made me see that a writer lived inside me. It was that mid-life moment when you say “take a chance” or “face regret years later.” I’m taking a chance.
What’s your favorite genre?
I’m not stuck on one genre. Rather I enjoy reading any well-written story that let’s me escape. I do love when there is a romantic element to any tale, so that’s why I write romance. But my stories are always about more than the romance.
To be successful as an author, what do you see as the main goal?
Success is writing a story your reader’s don’t want to put down. One that makes them wish the world you created could go on forever. It’s how I measure the books I read.
What inspires you and how do you channel it when you need inspiration?
Music. When I’m writing and get tired or just stuck, I often grab my iPod and go on the treadmill or elliptical. There are songs for every book I’ve written that are my character’s song. Just by listening to those, I’m reminded about their journey on paper and it can get the creative juices flowing.
What advice can you give to aspiring authors?
Learn everything you can. Write every day. Accept that you won’t be an overnight success (and will get rejections). Most important, don’t ever give up.
What advice would you give to the youth of today (not just authors)?
Find something you’re passionate about then work hard and learn, learn, learn.
What’s on your bucket list?
I’d like to live in Europe…for a while. I’d like to go repelling (but I’m terrified.) I’d like to speak another language, enough to have a bad conversation in the language.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I love animals, to laugh and to pretend I know a lot about wine tasting, but really just enjoy my wine on the weekends.
Tell us about your book
The Hourglass is romantic women’s fiction. The main characters are in mid-life and facing past issues.
Blurb:
Can forgiveness survive lies and unspoken truths?
Until Brenda McAllister’s husband committed suicide, she appeared to have the ideal life: a thriving psychology practice, success as a self-help author, and a model family. But her guilt over her affair with Jack’s best friend prevents her from moving on. Did Jack learn of her infidelity? Was she the cause of his death?
The release of Brenda’s second book forces her into an unexpected assignment with arrogant celebrity author CJ Morrison, whose irritating and edgy exterior hides the torment of his own mistakes. But as she grows closer to CJ, Brenda learns she wasn’t the only one with secrets—Jack had secrets of his own, unsavory ones that may have led to his death. While CJ helps Brenda uncover the truth about her husband, she finds the path to forgiveness isn’t always on the map.
For a trailer, excerpt and book group questions on The Hourglass, visit www.thehourglassnovel.com
For more about Sharon, visit www.sharonstruth.com
Sharon blogs at Musings from the Middle Ages at www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com
Available in Print or E-book at these vendors:
AMAZON buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Hourglass-Sharon-Struth-ebook/dp/B00CIX1YDO/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-2&qid=1374868706
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hourglass-sharon-struth/1115199538?ean=2940016552453
Thanks for hosting me today, Shelley!
You’re welcome! Good interview-thanks for visiting.
Nice interview, ladies 🙂 I’d love to live in Italy someday for a couple years. The Hourglass was a great read!
Italy is in my top three, Debbie. Tuscany, in fact. Thanks of the nice words about The Hourglass!
Sharon’s local friends read The Hourglass in book group and she visited us to discuss it – we all loved it! Good Luck and keep finding those dreams!!!
Thanks, Jean! I loved visiting your book group. You ladies were so much fun. My next book is out in August, Share the Moon. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for stopping by.
I’d love to spend a prolonged time across the sea (in any direction!) but I’m not sure I want to live anywhere but here in the US. Great interview! Thanks!
I think I’d miss the US and would come back, but I’d love to give it a try. Thanks for stopping by, Terri.