How Sharee Stover Finds Time to Write
Award-winning author Sharee Stover recently stopped by my newsletter and blog to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away one copy of her most recent romantic suspense, Seeking Justice, exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details.
When do you find time to write?
I love routines, schedules and planners. Maintaining a consistent work schedule is important for me. Writing is my fulltime job, so I write Monday through Friday with an occasional Saturday. I’ve learned it’s really hard to get back into the groove of my story if I take any extended time off. Mornings are my most productive times too.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress?
Strangely, it happens when I’m not trying to make it happen. I travel a lot between Iowa and Nebraska, so being on the road in the middle of nowhere tends to help me ponder scenes and situations. This is especially true when it comes to plot holes or areas where I know the story needs adjusting. Sometimes it’s a 3 a.m. wake-me-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night AHA moment. I must admit, I don’t love those.
How do you connect with your characters?
The biggest way for me to connect with my characters is to write their dark moment backstory. It’s the way they come alive for me, and it helps me understand their needs and motives best. I use the tools in OneStopForWriters to create a full character worksheet.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing?
My favorite way is to read or listen (I love audiobooks) outside the genre that I write in. Typically, it’s historical or literary fiction that releases those creative juices. When I get lost in a story, it frees my mind to brainstorm ideas.
What’s the weirdest way someone has died or been killed in your novels?
I once buried the heroine alive, which made for an intense opening. I enjoy taking a common fear most people have so they can relate with the character’s emotional state.
How do you research ways to kill someone for your books?
I use all sorts of resources. The internet of course, movies, books, true crime shows, and real life cases.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
I love when readers contact me because they’ve connected with one of my characters. It is so much fun to share the joy of my imaginary friends. When they come alive as much to the reader as they did to me, it’s a huge thrill.
How do you ensure your books are accurate?
My husband is a recently retired state trooper with over 30 years of experience. I also have incredible friends in the law enforcement community, as well as experts in fields I have written about or have interest in. Those relationships are priceless because they help me to write accurately and keep the stories as true to life as possible.
What is absolutely essential for you to write? (i.e., a quiet space, classical music, cup of coffee)
Quiet and cinnamon gum are essential writing tools for me. I’ve tried writing in coffee shops and other public spaces, and it just doesn’t work. I also need my large computer monitor to prevent headaches while I’m straining to see the screen.
Who’s your favorite romantic suspense writer and why?
Irene Hannon is my favorite romantic suspense author because she balances the romance and suspense in such a phenomenal way. Her books are always a must-read for me.
Which of your books is your favorite and why?
Cold Case Trail is the favorite of all my books (so far) because of K9 Magnum. He’s my hero dream dog. Smart, sweet, and brave. The perfect canine companion. Shhh don’t tell my German shepherd. LOL.
About Sharee
Sharee Stover is an award winning, Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author, transplanted from Colorado to the Midwest, where she lives her happily ever after with her real-life-hero, children, and a ridiculously spoiled German shepherd. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense, and the delight of falling in love all in one.
Connect w/Sharee
Website: www.shareestover.com.
Seeking Justice
An agent and her K-9 partner risk their lives in the ultimate mission.
With her partner gravely injured in the line of duty, FBI agent Tiandra Daugherty has one shot to complete her mission. She’ll have to convince her partner’s twin brother, Officer Elijah Kenyon, to take his place undercover in a deadly drug ring. Together they must find justice for his brother and dismantle the gang. But the target is now on them, and the mission could prove fatal.
