Q&A

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Cheryl Bradshaw

Question: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Answer: The first time I thought about writing a book was in college and I had it in my mind that I wanted to write non-fiction. This probably stemmed from my love of history. In time, that blossomed into a desire to write mysteries. Writing has always been an outlet for me, and in many ways I communicate better through the written word than I do verbally. It's true! Writing gives me a certain kind of satisfaction that I can't get anywhere else and is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. I can't think of anything I would rather do.

Question: Are you are reader yourself? Who inspires your writing?

Answer: I always have a book or two or three lingering around and I read as much as possible. I'm a picky reader though. I won't read anything that fails to captivate me early on. I try to get through at least two books a week. My greatest inspiriations are Agatha Christie, Robert B. Parker, Charlotte Bronte, and Jane Austen to name a few.

Question: How did you come up with the idea for the Sloane Monroe series?

Answer: One night I was sitting in a truck waiting for my husband. It worked out well because I had some quiet time all to myself. And it was dark outside, so there wasn't much else to do. I knew I wanted the setting to be in my beloved Park City, but I didn't have all the details worked out. After sitting for almost an hour, it all came together. I turned on the interior light, grabbed my pen and pad and started writing. I'm always rushing for my pen and pad when an idea strikes me, but I don't like to outline. I get the general idea down - the characters, the parts of the novel and the basics but beyond that, I let the characters reveal themselves to me.

Question: Where do you get your ideas?

Answer: Everywhere. I am constantly coming up with new ideas. I could be anywhere doing anything - like sitting in a bookstore having a cup of hot chocolate and overhear a conversation or witness something, and that's all it takes to get me thinking - what if this or what if that...I do this all the time. At any given moment I have several different novel ideas going on in my head. Right now I know the setting and overview of my next four novels.

Question: Do you share similarities with Sloane Monroe?

Answer: Sloane looks a lot different than me - she's taller, has long hair, and owns a detective agency. She also has a fear of commitment. In those ways, we are different. In other ways, we are similar - some of her mannerisms are an extension of my own and we're both confident. My characters are a blend of people but never tied to one specific person.

Question: How do you spend your time when you are not writing?

Answer: What I like to do most is travel; I particularly enjoy visiting places with historical interest such as Lincoln's birthplace and childhood home. I also enjoy going anywhere I can relax and enjoy peace and quiet! On any given day I spend my time chasing after my little ones - and that takes up most of my free time!

Question: Do you research much for a book?

Answer: I do a lot of research - especially at the beginning. I believe every good writer has to. Some things come naturally like the setting of the Sloane Monroe series which takes place in Park City. It was easy to pull from that because I lived there myself for a few years. Researching different facets of a book I'm working on is actually fun, believe it or not. I enjoy learning anything new. It's important for me to ensure what I write comes across accurately.

Question: What's next?

Answer: Right now I'm writing a follow up to Black Diamond Death. It's the second book in the series titled Sinnerman. It will be finished in late 2011.

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