There are 2 ways to receive this special access written interview with
Sheila M. Cronin
Novelist, poet, screenwriter
On writer’s responsibility, Pandemic community action, mystery writers, writing tips& more
1. Click on link below for the pdf
***Click HERE to download the 2020 10 08 Sheila M. Cronin Interview PDF***
OR
2. Read the interview below
Welcome to Write
Volumes: Behind the Volume presents Shades of Writers 8 at 8 Author Interview
series. Our goal is to give diverse voices an outlet for expression and to
bring attention to diverse writers and our thoughts. In this monthly newsletter we are featuring
interviews of our wonderful writers to help people like you to get to know them
better.
This month’s
interview features Sheila M. Cronin.
Sheila is a writer, novelist, poet, screenwriter and a thoughtful person
active in her community. Sheila’s writings center on family dramas full of wit
and insight. She is working on the third installment in The Gift Counselor
series, two screenplays and she wrote “Where There’s Smoke” and “Left, Right
& Straight Down the Middle” in Shades of Transition & Transformation.
Her poem “Ode to Father Mulcahy” was published in Upon Arrival: Prelude; Eber
and Wein Publishing, 2020. You can find her books on apple, Kobo, Nook, or
Amazon. Check out her website for more
information and free excerpts at http://www.giftcounselorbook.com
WV: How important is writing to you?
SMC: Being able to write is a skill, being
inspired to write is a gift. These days, having the gift of talent is more
precious than ever, because it is something I can turn to that lifts my spirit,
no matter how much or how long isolation is imposed on us all.
WV: What is the responsibility of a writer to
their readers? What contract exists between a writer and reader?
SMC: Narrowing down this broad question: A writer
of fiction must first engage and entertain, sometimes educate and sometimes
enlighten. With regard to a contract, traditional thinking says that a good
writer “takes care” of the reader, implying that a writer does not gratuitously
titillate, shock or otherwise hurt readers. There is another school of thought
that subscribes to the notion that the contract refers to an exchange of money
for a satisfying read. No such thing can be guaranteed. As I write, the
contract (i.e., hope) that comes to my mind is: If I write it, they will come!
WV: How would you describe your style?
SMC: Mostly, I write stories and family dramas in
the vein of Jan Karon, Alice Munro, and Jon Hassler, though lighter. My main
ingredients are conflict, humor and insight. I occasionally write plays,
mystery stories, essays, and non-fiction.
WV: What advice do you have for anyone who may
want to write? What did you learn?
SMC: Consider
joining a writing group; there are many listings on Meetup.com. Take a creative
writing class. Work on your writing as often as time allows. Don’t merely read
books but also study them for sentence structure, style, charm, grammar and
punctuation.
WV: Do you have
1-2 tips for writing in general?
SMC: 1) As you
read a new book, keep pen and paper nearby to jot down interesting words and
phrases. Your writing can benefit from the influence of other writers and
authors.
2) Formatting,
spelling and punctuation are as important as good writing. Take time to learn
your craft. Proof your work and find reliable beta readers to help proof your
work.
WV: Developing
and belonging to a community are important parts of being an author. What ways
do you keep community during this time?
SMC: In the week
before the closings, when the pandemic became imminent, I searched my closets
for unused clothes and shoes and donated them at the main library downtown.
Just days before the closings began, I donated blood. To support the Red Cross,
I wrote a letter to the editor at the Tribune about the need for blood
donations and it was published. When blood donations were allowed to be
accepted again, I made my next appointment. I observe social distancing and,
mindful of others, wear a mask. I continue meeting with my writing group via
Zoom and continue to support my writer friends online and by phone.
A few more
questions for SHEILA:
WV: What is on your reading list?
SMC: More books by Susan Sussman, A.J. Pearse,
Louise Penny, Dorsey Fiske, Tracy Chevalier, James Carroll, Fanny Price,
Jennifer Chiaverini, and many others.
WV: Who are some
of your favorite authors? Why are they
important to you?
SMC: Mystery
writers to me are the “sports page” writers of fiction. In other words, they
are often more entertaining than literary writers, and more creative. Jon
Hassler and Mary McMullen are two writers whose styles influenced my writing.
Though I don’t write in this genre, I enjoy mysteries. Donna Leon and Louise
Penny are among my favorite authors because they deftly advance their
characters’ lives with each installment. I also read many debut novels.
WV: Why did you choose to be a part of an
anthology?
SMC: I chose to
be part of an anthology for several reasons. 1) My first published story was
part of an anthology developed by WritersNet; the excitement of that event
stays with me. 2) An anthology gives a writer the chance to get a story
published that otherwise may be difficult to place. 3) It’s another credit to
add to a cover letter. 4) I wanted to support a friend and fellow author.
That said, the
question I’ll be asking up front the next time around is: what are the plans
for marketing and promotion? The answer will inform me as to whether or not to
participate in future anthologies.
WV: Why do you
think it is important for people to read anthologies? How do you feel people can benefit from
reading anthologies?
SMC: Anthologies provide readers with samples of
work by a number of writers at a reasonable price. In some cases, the anthology
may have a theme, in others, the writers may share a common bond or goal.
Contemporary anthologies are aided by digital publishing, social media and
networking to bring diverse voices together. The editor’s style unifies the
project to present a satisfying and coherent read.
WV: What’s next
for you?
SMC: I am working
on the third installment in The Gift Counselor series. I’m working on two screenplays.
MORE INFO ON SHEILA M. CRONIN
WV: Where can readers find you if they would like to connect with you more?
SMC:
Visit website: http://www.giftcounselorbook.com
Email me at:
sheila.giftcounselorbook@gmail.com
WV: Where can readers find more of your work?
SMC:
- The Gift Counselor, novel in paperback or digital: https://amzn.to/2FSWraj
- Best of All Gifts is the sequel: https://www.amazon.com/Best-All-Gifts-Gift-Counselor/dp/0996046054
- Heart Shaped II, ebook collection of 20 short stories: https://amzn.to/2tlhlwb
Please request
your public library to order these books.
THANK YOU for your time and thank you so much for your writing, Sheila. We also want to thank everyone for reading.
This is Behind the Volume a look at Write Volumes in the making. Please continue to check out www.writevolumes.com for our latest book info and links to our video series.
You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, & Instagram.
And remember together we can write volumes!
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