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Beneath the Covers,Past
A Romance Column
By Carol Ann Culbert Johnson


Introducing Cheryl Whittaker



Carol: Tell us something about yourself.

Cheryl: I am a 44 year old case manager for prenatal patients at high risk for bad birthing outcomes. I was born in New Jersey at home and currently reside in Fort Lauderdale with my husband Sewell. I have two children Kevin and Curtis and a Granddaughter that is five named Felicity. I have a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and have worked in Healthcare for 26 years.

 

Carol: What is the name of your current book?

Cheryl: True Cupid May Mate 1 Couple but more American Singles are Looking for Their Dreammates in Cyber Space (2006)

 

Carol: What is your current book about?

Cheryl: It’s a comedy about online dating. And oh what a trip it is. It shows the downside of online dating in a very funny way.

 

Carol: List your other books.

Cheryl: Debt’s of Life a divine book of poetry (2005)

 

Carol: Tell us about your journey to publication.

Cheryl: It was a funny thing that led me to even put my manuscript together of poetry. I had my palm read in February of 2005 and she told me I was very creative in writing and if I did something with it I would be very successful in two to five years. That night I sat down and put all my poetry together and was published in less than three months.

 

Carol: How long have you been writing?

Cheryl: Poetry for many years. Other things just a few years.

 

Carol: Why did you decide to write?

Cheryl: I was going through a rough time in my life and poetry helped me release some of the anxiety I had and then I realized how creative I really was.

 

Carol: Who aspire you to write?

Cheryl: My friends and family who read my writing and really enjoyed it.

 

Carol: Who is your publisher?

Cheryl: Publish America

 

Carol: Are you happy and satisfied with your publisher?

Cheryl: Yes

 

Carol: What do you think about self-publishing?

Cheryl: I don’t think anyone should have to spend money to publish a book. You should always get paid for your work.

 

Carol: Would you self-publish?

Cheryl: I think it’s too expensive and takes more marketing than if you have it published by a publishing company that pays you and puts your book available online with reputable companies.

 

Carol: There are so many new writers publishing books. What do you think of this trend of writers?

Cheryl: I think with anything it too shall pass. There are always trends and right now writing seems to be one of them, but I think that when people write books and have them published and they don’t do well, they get discouraged and want to quit writing, when in fact many authors have written many books before one actually took off.

 

Carol: Who are your favorite authors?

Cheryl: Stephen King and Daniel Steele

 

Carol: What is your favorite book?

Cheryl: The ten people you meet in heaven.

 

Carol: What do you want to accomplish with your books?

Cheryl: I never really wanted to write for the money aspect. It’s just something I enjoy doing. I think if I had to sign a contract and have a deadline for so many books it would then become a job. I just do it because I love writing. If I ever become a famous author then that would be fine also, but I just love what I do.

 

Carol: How long does it take you to write a novel?

Cheryl: About six months.

 

Carol: What successes has your current book done for you?

Cheryl: Radio interviews, helped me with public speaking.

 

Carol: What are some of the tools you use for marketing?

Cheryl: Flyers to all the bookstores when my books come out. I make my own book markers, business cards left any and everywhere, even when I go out to eat I slip one in my check to give to the server.

 

Carol: What is your next book about?

Cheryl: A murder mystery about a woman serial killer.

 

Carol: What is your website so readers can visit you?

Cheryl: http://www.freewebs.com/cherylcelinaw/ http://www.myspace.com/67454666

 

Carol: How can readers get in touch with you through email?

Cheryl: cheryl2586@bellsouth.net

 

Carol: What are some of your favorite websites for writers?

Cheryl: I don’t really visit websites for writers unless they are other author websites.

 

Carol: Did you take any writing classes?

Cheryl: No. But during my online classes using the computer so much helped me to become a great editor.

 

Carol: What motivates you to write?

Cheryl: I just get ideas and then start creating books.

 

Carol: How do you spend your writing time?

Cheryl: I write for a few days straight and then stop for a few days.

 

Carol: What is your favorite genre of writing?

Cheryl: I really have a creative mind but I guess I would have to say mystery, fantasy, horror.

 

Carol: What is your favorite voice to write in?

Cheryl: I guess my favorite voice to write in would be things of controversy like my online dating book. The battle of the sexes per say. I write in so many voices but I would have to say controversial because my next book is about a woman serial killer and that book will be very Controversial.

 

Carol: Where do you see yourself with your writing in five years?

Cheryl: With at least five or six more books published.

 

Carol: What advice would you give for aspiring authors?

Cheryl: Only write if you love to do it. Don’t make it a chore. If you feel you have talent be the best at it and never give up no matter how much any company rejects your writing. Just improve what you have and keep submitting it. And never ever let others read your work when you are in the middle of a manuscript because they can and will steal your work.


2007 Past Columns

Introducing Cheryl Whittaker

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