Ask the Author: Sherri Leimkuhler
Answered Questions (11)
Sherri Leimkuhler
Hmmm, good question! I don't write mysteries but there are two incidents from childhood that might make for interesting plots . . .
One is the mysterious case of the rubber tree plant; one day most of the leaves from the bottom half of the plant were scattered on the floor around its pot. I think my little brother ripped the leaves off the plant. He claims I did it. Meanwhile, my parents would just look at each other and smile as my brother and I argued about it and assigned blame, as if they had a theory of their own. To this day, no one has ever fessed up to plucking the leaves from the plant.
The other--which is far less funny but still mysterious--is the case of our disappearing dog. He was a little Pomeranian named Bouncer and he had always been quirky. But, as he got older, his odd behavior got more pronounced. A few times, he escaped from the yard, so my dad added extra posts to block some of the gaps. Later, I was working with a group of classmates on a history assignment; we were making a video about the Roman Gods and Goddesses. Bouncer had a bit part in the video, appearing as a "she-wolf." When we watched the final video, there'd been a glitch in the tape and Bouncer was there for a moment, then gone the next, as if he just "disappeared" into thin air. But it was like the video had been a prophecy, because shortly afterward Bouncer disappeared for real. The fence was secure and the gates were closed but one day, he was just gone. He was elderly and my parents concluded that he had probably wandered off to die (which is not only a misconception, but also not very comforting). But we never did find out what happened to him.
One is the mysterious case of the rubber tree plant; one day most of the leaves from the bottom half of the plant were scattered on the floor around its pot. I think my little brother ripped the leaves off the plant. He claims I did it. Meanwhile, my parents would just look at each other and smile as my brother and I argued about it and assigned blame, as if they had a theory of their own. To this day, no one has ever fessed up to plucking the leaves from the plant.
The other--which is far less funny but still mysterious--is the case of our disappearing dog. He was a little Pomeranian named Bouncer and he had always been quirky. But, as he got older, his odd behavior got more pronounced. A few times, he escaped from the yard, so my dad added extra posts to block some of the gaps. Later, I was working with a group of classmates on a history assignment; we were making a video about the Roman Gods and Goddesses. Bouncer had a bit part in the video, appearing as a "she-wolf." When we watched the final video, there'd been a glitch in the tape and Bouncer was there for a moment, then gone the next, as if he just "disappeared" into thin air. But it was like the video had been a prophecy, because shortly afterward Bouncer disappeared for real. The fence was secure and the gates were closed but one day, he was just gone. He was elderly and my parents concluded that he had probably wandered off to die (which is not only a misconception, but also not very comforting). But we never did find out what happened to him.
Sherri Leimkuhler
Hi, Patricia. Huge apologies for the delayed response--I am just seeing this question. I am happy to answer though, would you please clarify which challenges you are referring to? Thank you!
Sherri Leimkuhler
So many books, so little time! I'm in three book clubs, and I also enjoy reading books written by my fellow 2020 Debut authors! I try to keep my Goodreads profile up to date with all the books I've read/am reading!
Sherri Leimkuhler
I would go to 1743 Scotland and to the US during the Revolutionary War--as depicted in the fictional book worlds created by author Diana Gabaldon in her amazing Outlander series. I am a history buff, so I'd love to spend a day in either of these worlds. And meeting Sam Heughan--the actor who plays Jamie Fraser in the television series--wouldn't be too shabby, either! ;)
Sherri Leimkuhler
The year was 2020. A global pandemic had thrown the world into chaos and a divisive election loomed in the United States.
A horror story indeed, Lol!
A horror story indeed, Lol!
Sherri Leimkuhler
I take a break and get some exercise. I do my best thinking while my body is in motion--especially when I'm outside/in nature.
Sherri Leimkuhler
Getting to do what I love, exercising my creativity, flexible schedule, and seeing my debut novel, What's Left Untold, in the hands of readers! :)
Sherri Leimkuhler
Never quit! My journey to publishing my debut novel was 11 years in the making! Here is an article I wrote that details my "Seven tips for writing success and sanity."
https://booksbywomen.org/from-inspira...
https://booksbywomen.org/from-inspira...
Sherri Leimkuhler
The first draft of my second women's fiction novel is almost complete! Currently titled The Executive Club, it tells the story of a woman who quits here lucrative sales job to start her own business and soon finds herself in dire financial straits. When a former client dangles the prospect of discreet, lucrative work in an underground enterprise, she finds the temptation hard to resist, though venturing into this risque business forces her to question the strength and integrity of her moral compass, and threatens the relationships that are most important to her.
Sherri Leimkuhler
I have always enjoyed writing. In college I was a double major--in aviation and journalism. I'd planned to be a commercial airline pilot and did end up flying for many years. But after my children were born, I began taking on freelance writing assignments and ultimately decided I wanted to write a novel!
Sherri Leimkuhler
I was helping my parents move and found a trunk filled with childhood memorabilia, including photo albums, yearbooks and a box of letters. One of the letters had an interesting, ominous post-script that caught my attention: "I need to see you. I have something important to tell you."
I have no idea what that had been about and figured it was probably just typical high school drama, nothing important. But later, as I was driving home, I began to wonder . . . what if it was important? And then I asked myself: "What is something you could learn 20 years after the fact that could still have a major impact on your life?" And that was the inspiration for my debut novel, What's Left Untold. I hope you will read it and, if you enjoy it, leave a review! Thanks for the question! :)
I have no idea what that had been about and figured it was probably just typical high school drama, nothing important. But later, as I was driving home, I began to wonder . . . what if it was important? And then I asked myself: "What is something you could learn 20 years after the fact that could still have a major impact on your life?" And that was the inspiration for my debut novel, What's Left Untold. I hope you will read it and, if you enjoy it, leave a review! Thanks for the question! :)
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