Dariel's Fridays with Friends Spotlight: Mickie Sherwood

Today's spotlight is on fellow Red Rose Publishing (RRP) author Mickie Sherwood. Among her sweet and spicy multicultural novels are a number of RRP bestsellers! Get to know a little about her in the interview below, and take a look at her great books :-)


1.     When did you know you wanted to be a writer? I had no idea I wanted to be a writer although I would critique each book after I finished it. Not to tear the book down, mind you. I always had a different idea about some scenes. Then, one day I read The Color of Love by Sandra Kitt. It was so close to the perfect love story that I lost myself in it at that time. Well worth every minute of every time I've read it. What were some of your first steps toward making your dream a reality? I spent a lot of time researching, at the brick and mortar library, back then. I read. I wrote. I submitted. And I was rejected. So, I took a breather from submitting, but never stopped writing.

2.     What 3 things would you like readers to know about you? Three things I'd like readers to know about me. Hmmm. I think I cover that in my simple bio.
Bio:
I'm a cruise-loving, people-watching, picture-snapping baby boomer with time on her hands. So, I write sweet and spicy relationship-based mainstream contemporary romantic love stories for you to enjoy.


3.     Tell us about your books. Genre, titles, any favorite characters? What can we look forward to from you in the near future? WIP’s, upcoming releases
I call my novels relationship-based love stories. They are all mainstream contemporary with a sensual heat level. So far, I write in two different sub-genres. I write African-American and Interracial romances.

I'll list them for you starting with the most current first. I call my heroines Louisiana Ladies on Parade.

Like Slow Sweet Molasses (2013) IR - RRP Bestseller
Teacher Angela Munso has lost control—of her spiraling life. She can control the fallout of recent news from whose loins she sprang as easily as she can her heart’s pitter-patter for arrogant Lt. Brock Alexander, whom she now wants to hate. Will love intervene and school their arrested hearts?
 
Cutie and the Cowboy Trucker (2012) AA - #1 Bookstrand Mainstream Bestseller
Widow Veronica Torres needs something desperately—invisibility. A rash decision puts her on the road and right into the path of trucker Mike Masterson. Will he be just another speed bump in her life? Or will Mike's compassionate ways make all of Veronica's troubles disappear?

BayouBabe99er (2012) IR - 2013 Swirl Award Finalist/5 Stars B&N reader rating
How many things can go wrong at one time?

That question plagues feisty divorcée Sharlene Mouton. A lost job. An oil spill ecological disaster threatening her rural Louisiana community. What else can happen? How about repeated run-ins with suave Drake Cormier, the oil company’s liaison officer, and someone barely older than her daughters.

Nicked Hearts (2011) IR - RRP Bestseller
A Hawaiian escape is just what runaway K.C. Montreaux needs to mend her broken heart. Not the lies and deceit of her self-appointed rescuer. But—that’s not all Dr. Nick Hart supplies her.

Louisiana Hot Sauce (2010) IR - RRP Bestseller
Reclusive Mesha Rayburn’s horrible secret keeps her shattered heart under lock and key. Can helicopter mechanic Jack Connolly break in to make the necessary repairs?

As far as favorite characters, I love all of my creations. Each one has a different personality from the ones in the previous novel. I must admit, though, to having a special connection with Mesha. She's the heroine in my first love story, Louisiana Hot Sauce.

My WIP list is growing. However, I write everyday on one particular story that's still in its infancy. So, you'll have to hold on awhile longer before I release the storyline. I can tell you it's not your typical lovers-reunited story.

4.     Is there a common thread in your books? Yes. There's always a common thread in my books. That thread is l-o-v-e. How do your values show up in your writing? I don't know if it's my values, exactly. I sometimes wonder if it's the baby boomer in me coming out. I'd like for anyone who has read my novels to comment on that question. What do you want readers to take from your writing? That love is huge and not always packaged the same for everyone.

5.     What do you look for in a good book? I definitely look for the relationship between the main characters to be believable, intriguing and sometimes contentious.

6.     What are some of the best social media, marketing, and publicity tips you’ve come across? I read an article where an author would visit bookstores and place a bookmark from one of his books in books on the shelves. Sounds daring to me. Readers and authors, I'd like to know what you think about that.

7.     What are some things you know now about writing and being an author that you wish someone had told you at the very beginning? I had never heard of head-hopping. Now that I finally have an understanding, I know that I'm a fan of it. Head-hopping is the same to me as watching a movie in my head. That's the way my characters interact with me. Although I have made a conscious effort to control how I put those movie scenes into play in my novels, I still like to see how my main characters react to the same situation, at the same time.

Readers, what are your views on occasional head-hopping when reading a novel?

8.     Along that same line, what are some of your favorite resources?
I love it when authors support one another. My favorite resources are groups where authors share their vast collective knowledge. I'm a questioner because I was taught "if you don't know something...ask." I try not to bombard them. But, if I need to know something, I need an answer.

9.     What lifts your spirits when you’re discouraged?
Music. I love all types. Definitely something with lots of bass and drums. Something that works my sub-woofer. That's also great for getting me up off the couch. (Couch? Old people term. LOL)

10.                        What tips can you offer towards building and maintaining a strong support system as a writer?
Sometimes support can come from outside of your family and circle of friends. Show yourself genuinely supportive of others' endeavors. You could be cultivating a bond that enriches your writing efforts.

Like Slow Sweet Molasses
Blurb:
Teacher Angela Munso has lost control—of her spiraling life. She can control the fallout of recent news from whose loins she sprang as easily as she can her heart’s pitter-patter. To have feelings for a man who is everything she now wants to hate? That’s the last straw!

Lt. Brock "Chance" Alexander’s arrogance baits Angela. And—he knows it. It’s never so obvious to him as when she lobs that insulting phrase at the side of his head. She pushes all of his hot buttons. But, there’s one he dares her to touch—the one that pushes him out of her life.


Excerpt:
"Are you coming in for a few minutes?" Angela asked Chance once they arrived at her door.
"I shouldn’t," he declined.
"I guess you’re right. What’s the point? This so-called relationship failed its first test."
"That’s not the way I see it, Angela." Chance cut the motor but stayed on the bike. "We’re both afraid of circumstances beyond our control. I’m more than certain I want you, exclusively, in my life. I’m just not certain you feel the same about me…and my profession."
"I’ve confessed to having a humongous crush on you, Chance. An infatuation that supersedes all the anguish I’ve experienced in my lifetime. What would I do if you’re mortally wounded?" Her eyes closed at the thought and opened to him closing in for a kiss.
Chance relished the closeness as she melted in his arms accepting his affection. The kiss would have to last him several days for his next mission, assigned to him months before meeting her, would take him away from her and out of the state. He held on imprinting the feeling into his heart, rebelling at the thought of releasing her. "I’m going to walk away, now. I won’t be responsible for what might happen next in this relationship if I enter behind those doors."
"I can tell," she quietly admitted, her own passion rising. "Can I say something and you won’t think I’m easy?"
"I would never think that about you, Angela."
"I’m glad you refused my offer to come inside. Lately, my will isn’t my own when I’m so close to you."
He hoped she felt that way if she learned of his omission to inform her of his call to duty. If everything went according to schedule, she’d be none the wiser.
"Then, there is hope for us." He drew from her well of sweetness once more, mounted his bike and left the words, "I’ll call you," in the wind as he drove away.




My other novels are available at:


Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~




Comments

Kayelle Allen said…
*waves to Mickie* I'm not a fan of head-hopping when it's done randomly and within a scene. I like seeing the story from different points of view, however. I just want to be able to immerse myself in the character and become her (or him) for a period of time so I can experience the emotional and dramatic impact of their situation. Probably the worst writer ever for doing this is Tom Clancy. In The Sum of All Our Fears he shows 5 different POVs in one paragraph. Yes, five. So why is he so rich from his writing if he does this? Because readers will forgive you any mistake if you tell them a riveting story and make up for your mistake in other ways. So if head-hopping floats your boat as an author, but you can still tell an incredible story and capture readers' attention -- go for it.
Dariel Raye said…
Hey, Kayelle. Good point. That's one of the things about rules - there are always exceptions. Once you figure out what's most important to people and you're talented enough to give them that, the petty rules are not nearly as important. In fact, most of the greats in every field, particularly the arts, step outside the rules (the norm).
Mickie Sherwood said…
Hi, Dariel and Kayelle,
*waves back*
I appreciate the input on headhopping. It's something that I'm conscious about when writing since my introduction. But I still see my characters' actions as movies in my head. Hmmm. LOL
Mickie Sherwood said…
Good afternoon, all,

Have you ever had one of those days where every errand you had to run needed running on the same day at just about the same time? Well, no excuses. Simply why I wasn't here at the crack of dawn. Then, I get home to Pooh Pooh (http://www.mickiesherwood.com Pooh Pooh's pic and his story.) swiping my leg like he is a cat to tell me take him out.

Now for the big finish, I open the door to let him out and close the door—on my pointer finger. Yea, I did. Ow! It's still throbbing as I type.

Thanks to Dariel for sharing her visitors with me. I'm Mickie Sherwood. I create sweet, spicy mainstream relation-based love stories. I hope you enjoy my interview and participate by answering the questions posed.

Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
Viola Russell said…
Mickie, I'm like you. I love all of my characters. Some have a special place in my heart, but they're all my kids in a way. I always knew I wanted to write, and like you, I used to critique books, looking at how it was done.
Kayelle Allen said…
Critiquing other books -- especially the published ones, taking them apart to see how the author made you see, or feel, or hear, or experience -- that is what makes for good writing of your own. The thing with headhopping to remember is that the only problem with it is when you can't tell who you are. Clear transitions are important. No, they're vital. If you immediately know who you are supposed to be, then you're good. It's that vague... who the heck am I now? feeling that is unsettling.
Mickie Sherwood said…
Kayelle,
I love that. "Who the heck am I now?" I believe I've gotten better at recognizing when I'm causing whiplash. LOL
Mickie Sherwood said…
Hi, Viola,
It's wonderful when you can feel that special connection with your characters. I love mine, too.