Author Interview: 10 Questions with Sharon Srock

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Our interview today is with Sharon Srock. Thank you Sharon for being here today and for agreeing to do this interview.

Sharon Srock

Question: What do you think prepared you or qualifies you to write in your chosen genre?

Answer: I think being a reader all my life helped prepare me to begin the writing process. And what better way to prepare a person for writing in the genre of women’s fiction, slice of life stories, than living a woman’s reality for fifty five years.

Question: Tell us about things you enjoy — what you do for fun or personal satisfaction?

Answer: Travel. I try to take at least one week a year to go someplace restful and tropical. I don’t write while I’m away, I try not to think, much, about what’s going on at home. That seven or eight days, it’s all about me and what I want to do.

Pam The Women of Valley View

Question: Tell us about working with any people who help you create your books — Do you use Beta readers? Hire an editor or proofreader? How do you get your covers?

Answer: I have a wonderful critique partner and a great circle of cheerleaders and readers. They will read, read, and re-read and cheer me on at every opportunity. I wouldn’t be writing if they hadn’t propped me up in the early days.

Question: Tell us about your newest book. Make us want to read it.

Answer: THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: PAM will release after the first of the year.
Pam’s divorce broke her heart. The cruelty of her ex-husband broke her spirit. A bottle of sleeping pills almost took her life. Four years later the scars of Alan Archer’s emotional abuse are beginning to fade under the love of her new husband. When Alan returns to Garfield, Pam must learn that buried secrets and carefully cultivated indifference do not equal forgiveness.

Alan Archer has returned to Garfield with a new wife and a terminal heart condition. His mission? To leave a Christian legacy for his children and to gain Pam’s forgiveness for the sins of his past.

Two hearts hang in the balance waiting for the delicate touch of God’s healing hands.

Callie Women of Valley View

Question: What is the “message” of your writing? (For example, is your purpose to encourage old-fashioned values, encourage romance, or do you have different purposes in different books?)

Answer: My tag line is: Ordinary women using their faith to do extraordinary things. I think Ordinary women do extraordinary tings every day and that’s what I write about. I want to encourage women to take a step out of their comfort zone, stretch their faith and find the extraordinary things that God has planned for them.

Question: Tell us one place you want to visit, or person you want to meet, and why.

Answer: Alaska and Australia are on my bucket list. I have a trip to Alaska booked for this coming Spring. God willing, Australia will be a reality in the late winter of 2016. Both of these places have just stuck in my mind because of stories and movies. It may not be what I think it will be, but I need to go and find out for myself. I’d love to visit Africa and Egypt. There is so much history and beauty there. Given the current political climate, I’ve accepted that those trips probably won’t happen.

Terri Women of Valley View 2

Question: Share something that makes you laugh, with just plain humor, or happiness, or because it’s so stupid.

Answer: We have two large Labrador retrievers and we recently added a new puppy to the mix. Watching this puppy bounce and bark and nip at the two older dogs has great entertainment value until one the older dogs decides she’s had enough and sends the puppy running.

Question: Share something that’s amazing, touching, or that makes you angry.

Answer: Nineteen years ago we lost a grandson to child abuse. He was a beautiful twenty-two month old baby when he was beat to death. Child abuse makes me angry.

Question: How many books do you have out?

Answer: Two
THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: CALLIE is currently available
THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: TERRI is currently available
THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: PAM will be available after the first of the year.

Question: What are your future projects?

Answer: THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: SAMANTHA is almost ready to go to my agent for submission. I’ll begin work on THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: KATE right after the first of the year.

Author Bio:

Author Sharon Srock went from science fiction to Christian fiction at slightly less than warp speed. Twenty five years ago, she cut her writer’s teeth on Star Trek fiction. Today, she writes inspirational stories that focus on ordinary women using their faith to accomplish extraordinary things. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Sharon serves her local chapter in the role of treasurer. Sharon lives in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma with her husband and three very large dogs. Her books include: The Women of Valley View: Callie and The Women of Valley View: Terri, both of which are currently available. The Women of Valley View: Pam will release in early 2014.

Connect with her at

http://www.sharonsrock.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock#!/SharonSrock
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SharonSrock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6448789.Sharon_Srock
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sharonlsrock/boards/

Reviews:

PRAISE FOR CALLIE
This wonderful book stirs the heart and touches every emotion. What an emotional tug-of-war for the heroine! I found myself waking up the morning after reading the book, wondering how Callie was doing, and hoping Sam, Iris and Bobbie were safe. I fought the urge to pray for them all! This is truly the sign of a great book. Highly recommended! – Janice Thompson, author of Queen of the Waves

This is Sharon Srock’s debut novel, and she hits a home run with this heartwarming story. In this first book of the series about the women of Valley View,Sharon creates characters who grow on you and capture your heart. Callie’s own heart is breaking because a child she tried to help as a social worker is now dead. Dare she try to help another one so soon? But she is drawn to Iris like a moth to flame. Her attempts to help Iris and her sister Samantha begin simply, but turn into something much more dramatic that will tug at your heartstrings and have you rooting for this precious family to be reunited. How Sharon brings Callie’s life full circle and restores her faith in her ability to help children makes for a wonderful read. I’m looking forward to reading more about Callie’s friends in Valley View. Martha Rogers

In the debut novel, Callie, book one of The Women of Valley View, Sharon Srock has written a sweet story of friendship and healing. Callie is a mature and likable heroine haunted by the death of a child. Yet she can’t stop worrying about a little girl in her Sunday School class, all the while afraid of getting involved again. Toss in a father searching for his children, a couple of nosy, loving friends, two young girls and a baby, and you have a very nice debut novel. The spunky secondary characters of Sam and Iris sometimes seem too mature for their ages, but perhaps in their situation this could be expected. I especially enjoyed the mature, loving romance between Callie and her husband. His gentle humor was perfectly written, as were other elements of humor throughout the book. If you haven’t heard of the biblical Jael, you’re in for a giggle. For a tender, feel good read, I recommend Callie. Linda Goodnight

FIVE STARS FOR TERRI
Sharon Srock did a fabulous job in writing this book. The dialogue was realistic, the characters believable, and the relationships progressed at just the right pace. I don’t always like romance books because they’re so sappy. But Terri was more level-headed than most protagonists and I related to her desire of wanting to have a family. I admired her for not “settling” when she had doubts about her romantic interest. The friendships she shares with the other women of Valley View was refreshing and genuine. I highly recommend this book. Linda Carlblom

In this second book of the Women of Valley View Sharon gives us a closer look at Terri Hayes. We met Terri in book one of this heartwarming series.

Terri is the proud owner of her own daycare but despite that there is something missing in her life. Terri longs for the perfect husband and family. She has come close to finding Mr. Right a few times but no one can quite meet her standards. So until he comes along Terri focuses on becoming a foster mom.

Steve Evans is a man with a horrible past. As a young man he let drugs rob him of his family. After coming to his senses and giving his life over to God he was reunited with his two beautiful daughters, Samantha and Iris. Now he is a renowned author using his past as a compelling agent to win others to Christ.

Terri and Steve have become friends since he moved to be with his daughters, and when Terri and her new foster daughter are forced out of her house for a few weeks Steve offers his basement apartment to them. Will this be the perfect opportunity for his daughters to do a little matchmaking? Has Terri finally found Mr. Right or will a situation arise that makes change her mind?

Once again Ms. Srock has written such a moving story I found I was drawn into it from the very beginning. This was made even better by the secondary story of Terri’s dealings with the young couple that are the parents of the foster child she took in. I am hoping there will be a third book coming soon! T.S. Matthews

After reading Callie this week, couldn’t wait to read Terri!!! What a great story of a young woman holding onto God’s promises for her life. Definitely could relate with all the children in the story line. What a great story for the young and the old. Definitely recommend this book for the young teenage girl looking for her promises.
I cried, laughed and cried again. Never have I read a book plus its sequel in a weeks time. Now my son has started reading the first book in this series, at the age of 15. Thank you Sharon for sharing your dreams with the world!!! Shannon Mohaw

Sharon Srock has a wonderful talent for writing about relationships. This is the second book in the Women of Valley View series, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as I enjoyed the first book, Callie. Creating relationships based on Christian foundations, the author blends the lives of her characters in a delightful manner. Sharon’s characters are well defined and likable, with human frailties that are true to life. Woven through the main story line are bits of humor that enhance some of the more serious issues that are ongoing. Friendships are also important components in Sharon’s books. Sensitivity and compassion are important aspects that mirror Christian relationships, and this book excels in these areas. I’m looking forward to the opportunity of reading book 3! Nancee Marchinowski

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