I Interview Cheryl Bradshaw!

Today I welcome Cheryl Bradshaw as my guest! Cheryl happened to be very busy the last time we tried to get together, and I'm happy to say we finally managed it! For those who don't know, Cheryl is the founder of the Facebook group Indie Writers Unite. Where I spend a lot of quality time.

Cheryl

Welcome Cheryl! Tell us what your book is about

What if you'd been given a second chance to catch your sister's killer—would you take it? And if you did, would a lifetime behind bars be justice enough, or would you need to see him dead?

MEET SLOANE

Private Investigator Sloane Monroe has solved every case that's come across her desk with the exception of one—the brutal murder of her sister Gabrielle.

Three years have passed without a trace of the killer until today, when a young woman's body is discovered on a patch of dirt in front of the local supermarket at daybreak. Now Sloane is faced with the most difficult challenge of her life—finding a man who's a master at concealing his identity before he captures his next victim and sends them to eternal rest.

MEET SAM

Park City, Utah was a peaceful place until Sinnerman came to town.

Enter the mind of Sam Reids, a serial killer who slashes his trademark letter S into the wrist of his female victims before he discards their body in the same place he found them.

Who is he, and why does he prey on innocent women?

I know she has suffered a great loss. Tell us more about the main character

She has been given a second chance to avenge her sister's death as well as the opportunity to save lives in the process.  She's passionate and doesn't let anyone get in the way of a goal once she's set it. 

I definitely like passionate and determined female characters!

What conflicts drive the story?

The biggest conflict for Sloane is whether she will be able to turn Sam over to the police to face justice or if she will end his life to satisfy her need for revenge.  Three years of pent-up anger, range and sadness over a loved one does that to a person

I can see that as completely realistic…I've seen it happen!

What would you say the theme of the book is?

It's a dark thriller. 

Who would be most interested in this novel?

Anyone who enjoys mysteries/thrillers, stories about serial killers, stories with a strong female lead. 

This concept is pretty unique. How did you come to write the book?

First and foremost, I love writing fiction that pulls a reader in and takes them out of the ordinary in their lives.  I've also been fascinated with the lives of serial killers since I was a teenager, and I wanted to incorporate some of my knowledge into why they kill and what motivates them into this novel. I've had a lot of feedback from readers on this who enjoyed that aspect.   

I very much enjoy the psychological aspects of thrillers. It adds real dimension and impact.

When you write, how does it make you feel?

Liberated.  Free.  I've always felt like I'm a mediocre verbal communicator, but when I write, the words flow out faster than I can get them down on paper.

I can identify with that, completely.

What authors inspire you?  Whose books can't you put down?

Agatha Christie, Robert B. Parker.  I'm the pickiest of readers.  If a book doesn't pull me in by page three, I'm done, no matter who the author is.  

Would you like to share any other stories or books that you have written?

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3 (Spring 2012)

Romantic Suspense Novella

 

 

 

 

 

Please tell us about yourself and your family

I grew up in sunny California but married into the Wild West of Wyoming near the area that Butch Cassidy once hid out (true story).  I have a few girls and one day hope to move to Jackson Hole or back to Park City, Utah where I lived for a few years prior to getting married. 

I've been writing since I was in middle school, and used to make up stories for my sister at bedtime.  It took twenty years to write my first novel, but now I put out at least two a year. 

***In 2011, Sinnerman was nominated for a Whitney Award. 

***In 2011, I formed the author group Indie Writers Unite on Facebook and have over 900 members.

***I also run two blogs: Unearth the Clues for Writers, and Cheryl Bradshaw Books for Readers.

What projects do you have planned for the future?

I am finishing up I Have a Secret (Spring 2012) and will also write the fourth in the series this year as well as one or two more novellas.