DEBUT AUTHOR: Sharon Oliver

Sharon Oliver

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, the author is a former Systems Administrator for a federal government agency and a resident of the Atlanta, GA area. Currently working on her third novel, she is also a contributing writer for an online magazine based in South Carolina entitled, Light of the Lowcountry.







KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER is a humorous tale about folk in a fictional southern town who learn who learn how to deal with life’s interruptions and a pastor’s deceptions without falling apart or killing one another.

What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

Aside from whatever God wants to impart, I want the readers to feel less stressful about their own circumstances and know that life's storms are usually indictors of God's divine movement.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned that by the grace of God I could accomplish a feat that I had never dreamed of doing.

What is the hardest part about the writing business?

Sometimes overcoming writer’s block and finding an agent.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

Let’s see, I have two. Writing is time consuming and the time between finishing a work and actually seeing it on the shelf of a bookstore can span years. One can have an idea for a story to the point of typing 12,000 words for it. However, the average editor/publisher asks for anything from 65,000 to 100,000 words for a manuscript. Coming up with words may not be as easy as one might think.

Our theme this month is THE BUSINESS OF WRITING. Most new writers don’t know about the business side of writing, what advice can you offer on this important part of
writing?

Marketing and promoting are basically the writer’s responsibility so save your money. Never stop researching even after that 2nd or 3rd book is completed because this business is ever evolving and something new is constantly being added to the mix.

What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?

1) The importance of seeking God when I was much younger

2) Just because a person is nice doesn’t necessarily mean they have integrity and

3) Recognizing the great impact of journaling and recording dreams/visions

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

Yes, during my search for an agent/publisher.

Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?

Again, never stop researching and network, network, network. I cannot fully express how valuable networking is. And of course, pray for the guidance and flow of creativity.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

Oh gosh, I’m still learning and there are so many lessons. If you can, get sound advice on what promotional/marketing ideas, companies, etc. are worth the money.

SHARON HAS DONATED A COPY OF HER BOOK TO A LUCKY READER. LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN.