Interview with Debut Author Cheryl Ann Smith

Today I’m chatting with brand new historical author Cheryl Ann Smith. Cheryl sold her first (and second) historical this summer to Berkley. Please welcome Cheryl…

First off, tell us a little about yourself? Family, hobbies, likes, dislikes?

I am married with three kids who, though they squabble a lot, are awesome. My hobbies are riding snowmobiles, swimming, and watching crime shows. Any crime shows. I’m fascinated by how crimes are solved. I love Mexican food, and nature, and laughing with my family over silly stuff. I dislike rude people and when drivers drive five or more miles under the speed limit during perfect weather. Unless they’re elderly, then they get a pass!

Do you have an agent? If so, how did you acquire them?

I do have an agent. In March, I received a request for a full manuscript from an editor, then a week later, got a very nice rejection from an agent for another project. She asked to see future works so I sent her a partial of the editor requested book. 7 hours later she signed me, and about 4 months after that, I sold to Berkley.

What's your writing day like? Do you follow a set schedule?

I get up at about 4:30 am and work for 3-4 hours Mon-Fri. Or until my brain freezes up and my eyeballs pop out of their sockets!

Any secret vices readers would love to know about?

I can eat an entire tub of Dean’s French Onion Dip in one sitting so I don’t buy it anymore!

What do you read in your spare time? Favorite authors? Favorite book?

Not only do I love crime shows but crime novels also. I adore historical romance, and contemporary novels that make me laugh out loud. Some favorites are Janet Evanovich, Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and the late Kathleen Woodiwiss.

What genre would you love to write in, but haven't attempted?

I sold in historical romance but also write quirky contemporary-light mysteries. I’d like to dust off and sell them some day. Otherwise, I’m happy with the genre I’m in.

Tell us about your current and upcoming releases.

My first contracted book will come out in early 2011. I just finished the second. We hope they will be released in consecutive months.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I see myself writing 2 historical books a year with maybe a contemporary single title thrown in. I’d love to travel to England every couple years, for research purposes of course, and to make a decent living doing what I love. Okay, it would also be cool to have fans show up at my book signings that aren’t related to me or I had to pay!

What's your favorite movie? Music? Drink? Food?

Gosh. I have lots of movies I enjoy. Dirty Dancing, Emma (with G. Paltrow), The Phantom of the Opera (with Gerard Butler). Really, anything romantic that engages my emotions. I drink water almost exclusively and some milk. Not too exciting, I know! I really like all food. That’s why I have to exercise like a crazy person!

Tough question, what's your favorite book you've ever read?

I’d have to say it’s a tie between two. The Flame and the Flower and Shanna, both by Kathleen Woodiwiss. She got me started on a lifelong love of historical romance.

If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only take along one thing, what would it be? Choices are chocolate, a hunky guy, or a book?

Can I choose a hunky guy, covered in chocolate, holding a great book?

Where can readers contact you? Do you have a website? Blog? Email they can use?

My website is www.cherylannsmith.com and my blog and e-mail are built into the site.