Cheryl Peña interview
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
When did your love of books begin?
My mother used to read to me as a child. I’ve always been fascinated with stories, and I wanted to read and write more than anything. Before I could read, my twin sister and I would draw pictures and memorize stories set to them, so I’ve always been writing in one way or another. I don’t really remember a time when I wasn’t in love with books.
When did you start to have the wish to become an author?
When my twin sister passed away, I had a desire to create new memories, apart from those I had with her, as the things I had done with her were very painful to experience afterward. But there was also the thought that I wanted to do something to honor her memory, and I thought she would be proud of me if I turned my hobby into something more. A friend of mine read my first novella and told me I should try to publish it. I never thought of doing it before then. I was always just writing mostly for fun. But when she suggested that, it seemed to make sense as something I could do that I would enjoy that would also be for my sister.
How have you found the process for becoming an author?
It was somewhat difficult, but I had interest early on. The first publisher where I sent my novella, they considered it for publication, although it was outside their genre. It was a longshot. I sent it there because I thought it might fit, but it gave me confidence that someone else might say “yes” eventually. They did, of course, and now I have other books coming out soon.
What would you say to those wanting to become an author?
I would say that there will be ups and downs, but that you can do it if you keep trying. The only way you’ll fail for certain is if you give up. Also, read a lot. It’s important to read in the genre you write so that you will know the conventions and also what tropes to avoid. Plus, you should write what you love. So, it makes sense to read in genre for that reason, as well. But reading widely is helpful, as well, so you shouldn’t completely ignore others.
Tell us about your book/books:
My first novella was a suspense thriller titled The House of Wynne Lift. It was about two explorers who go searching through the wilderness to find a wealthy recluse, missing from society for twenty years. They think they’ve tracked him to a cave in the desert, but what they find is far from what they expect.
My next novel should be out soon, but I don’t have the release date. It’s a sci-fi thriller called Descent of the Vile, and it is about a man who encounters a deadly foe when leaving a job, and he rescues a woman along the way who barely speaks to him. They flee, but soon wonder if running for the rest of their lives is enough, or if they will need to end the threat forever.
I also signed two more books a couple of weeks ago. One is the sequel to Descent of the Vile, titled The Blood Hotel. And then there is another novella, but this one is sci-fi. It’s called The Chimera Gambit, about a man who is at a crossroads in his life, where he is successful but for a price. He takes a risk to investigate the disappearance of an Earth ship near Pluto, but soon wonders if Earth faces a far more ominous threat.
I suppose a lot of my works concern the theme of perception versus reality. I don’t exactly know why this comes up often, however. It was something I tackled in my photography, as well. Perhaps it’s because it was prominent in my youth, that someone important to me wasn’t who I thought they were.
What do you love about the writing/reading community?
They are so supportive, and I’ve made some great friends. I think it’s great that we can share successes and setbacks, and everyone seems interested in what happens to each other. I’m happy when my friends reach goals they’ve set for themselves, and I hope for many more wins for all of them.
If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?
I would say that there is no way I could do this without people reading my books and enjoying them. It’s wonderful when something you work on and spend hours and hours creating receives positive feedback. It means everything.
Where can people connect with you?
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