Friday, June 26, 2009

GCC Author interview: Sheila Curran

Today we've got a wonderful interview, and I'm not just saying that because this is a lovely member of the fabulous GCC. No, it's because the amazing Sheila Curran is here, and her latest novel, EVERYONE SHE LOVED came out on Monday, and has already broken the Amazon 100!


Gorgeous cover, isn't it?! EVERYONE SHE LOVED is a wise and triumphant novel about powerful bonds among four women who’ve come of age together only to discover that – when it comes to the essentials – life’s little instruction book will always need revising.

So, without further ado, let's hear from Sheila:

Tell us about your most recent novel in 25 words or less.

Old money in the New South, romantic confusion, legal entanglements, and the unbreakable bonds among four women – and a man. Penelope Cameron May’s last wishes set off a riveting story of secrets, suspicion, motherhood, wifehood and sisterhood.

When did you first begin writing?

I was 26. I didn’t publish my first piece until 41 and my first book until 49.

What are you reading right now?


I just finished Maria Doria Russell’s Dreamers of the Day, which I loved. That woman can write. If you’ve not read THE SPARROW, CHILDREN of GOD, or THREAD of GRACE, do not delay!

How do you fight writer’s block?

I force myself into a routine of staring at an empty screen for two hours each morning. Usually I get bored enough to come up with something. The beginning of each book is always the hardest. And I think it’s John Mcphee who said writer’s block is simply another way of saying you’ve not finished your research.

What is your favorite part of writing?

When I finally realize what’s going to happen and I get into the flow. Least favorite? When I can’t figure out what’s going to happen and I sit there thinking I’ll never, ever in a million years, write another word.

What tips would you offer to aspiring writers?

Write at least one bad page a day or sit in front of your computer for at least one hour a day, trying to write.


SUCH great advice. I really agree with all of that wholeheartedly!

Thanks so much for coming by, Sheila! I don't know about the rest of you, but this sounds like exactly what my beach bag needs! So, what are you waiting for? Run out and grab your copy today!!!


2 comments:

Sheila DeChantal said...

This sounds wonderful. I may run out and buy it!

Sheila DeChantal said...

Ok that is a great review and I loved the author for two main things:

1. She did not publish until she was 49..... thats a relief. I really really want to write and I keep thinking I am running out of time.....

2. her name is Sheila

:)