Writer’s Coffee Shop with Sherry Kyle

One thing I enjoy most about being a writer is hanging around with other creative individuals–people who understand talking to imaginary friends and who stop to jot down plot ideas in the middle of a conversation. I intend to make “Writer’s Coffee Shop” a regular feature on my blog, and I hope you’ll enjoy meeting some of my writer friends as we chat about the creative life.

So, grab a cup of coffee and join me as I sit down today with Sherry Kyle. She’s a multi-talented author, writing both contemporary and historical novels as well as nonfiction for tween-age girls. I recently read Sherry’s newest novel, Watercolor Dreams, set in 1910 Carmel, California. I fell head-over-heels for her characters, Anna and Charles. Recently, Sherry and I got together to talk a little about the book. Sherry’s also offering a copy of Watercolor Dreams to one lucky reader, so don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.

Welcome, Sherry! First off, what are you drinking today? 

Hmm. Since it’s fall, I’ll have a pumpkin spice latte.

Popular choice! I think I’ll have a caramel latte. I’ve never been crazy about pumpkin drinks, unless it’s a shake. Yum! Now, I have to say, I fell in love with your beautiful setting of Carmel, California. Why did you choose this location for Watercolor Dreams?

Carmel is a very special place for my husband and I because we went there on our honeymoon twenty-six years ago and have gone back to celebrate every few years since. I thought it would be such a quaint and beautiful setting for a novel. One year, my husband and I went inside the Harrison Memorial Library and discovered the history behind the small town. Artists and novelists flocked to Carmel in 1910, consisting of 60% of the community. I thought how fun it would be to have an artist and novelist fall in love. One fun fact is that July 9th (my anniversary) in the year 1910 was the first Forest Theatre production. Of course I had to include that history tidbit in the book!

I enjoyed the fact that your main characters were both creative types—an artist and an author. I’ve often wondered how two artistic people would fare in a romantic relationship. Tell us a little about you and your husband. Are you both creative?

I met my husband at Biola University. In fact, our first date was September 9th, my freshman year. We dated all through college and married once I graduated. Yes, we’re both creative! My husband is artistic. You should see the wave he draws on his church bulletin every week after his morning surf. ☺ Seriously, though, he has drawn his whole life, paints houses in the summer, knows how to do calligraphy, and has very neat handwriting. And I’ve always been wired to be creative. It has come out in different ways, from making a papier-mâché doll in the 5th grade for a school project to recently remodeling our home. (One of my favorite websites is www.houzz.com. It gives me so many ideas!)

Watercolor Dreams is set in 1910, one of my favorite time periods. What drew you to this era?

I love the Edwardian era—the clothing, hairstyles, the new inventions, art and literature. It was a time of peace and plenty. Besides all those things, the history of Carmel confirmed that this story should take place in 1910. Take a peek at my Pinterest page for Watercolor Dreams here.

It sounds like Carmel had a vibrant community of artists and writers. As an author, how do you connect with others who share your passion for writing?

Writing is a solitary job, so connecting with other writers is a must. I go to the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference every year, and meet with local authors for lunch once a month. I also mentor a writing friend through phone conversations, and connect with fellow authors via Facebook and e-mail. Last week I went to a retreat hosted by my literary agency. (Karen, it was fun to see you there! ☺)

I always love seeing you at conferences and retreats, Sherry! It takes great courage for your character Anna to follow her dream, especially knowing she’s going against her father’s wishes. I’d love to hear more about how you achieved your writing dream. Was it as frightening?

Unlike Anna, my family encouraged me to pursue my publishing dreams. I started out taking classes through The Institute of Children’s Literature. It was hard to put myself out there and hope that someone believed in my writing, and yet I loved crafting stories. Getting that first contract was so exciting! I remember the phone conversation so clearly. There’s nothing like having an editor say, “We’d like to publish your book!” Yes, writing is scary, but I can’t imagine my life without it.

I know writing isn’t your only creative outlet. Tell us a little about your other interests.

I enjoy decorating my home. My husband and I purchased a beach house in 2012 and have remodeled the kitchen, the master bath, as well as added a half bath. I am a visual person and can picture how a space could look. I also enjoy mixing old and new pieces together. Here are two examples. One problem to adding a half bath was that we needed to use our existing pantry space. The solution I came up with was to purchase an antique cabinet and have it built into the wall. I love my new “pantry.” Better yet, I like having a guest bathroom. After a LOT of searching, I discovered an antique sideboard that was the perfect size to use as a vanity. We used our leftover granite from our kitchen remodel and added a vessel sink and wall-mounted faucet. Now people don’t have to go into my master bath and I don’t have to put away my toothbrush!

How do you feed your creative soul? Do you ever get discouraged while writing, and if so—how do you push through those tough spots?

Yes, I get discouraged. Writing takes a lot of patience! Sometimes I don’t know if I have it in me. The only way I can push through is by feeding my soul with God’s word and having a relationship with Jesus. When I start out my day with Him, my outlook changes. I focus on why I write and for whom my words are for. If I relied on my own strength, I’d never complete a manuscript. But when I pray for God’s help, the words come!

In addition to your novels, I know you write non-fiction for girls. My daughter loved your books, The Christian Girl’s Guide to Style and The Girl’s Guide to Your Dream Room. What inspired you to write non-fiction for girls?

Thank you. I love writing for tween girls! I remember what it was like to be that age and have a heart to share God’s truth with them in fun and creative ways. I’m inspired to write for girls because it’s such a pivotal time in their walk with God.

You have four kids, right? Any artists or writers among them?

Yes, I have four kids. My twenty-one year old son lives at home and commutes to CSUMB. He is a Communications major. My nineteen-year-old daughter is at Biola University studying to be a teacher, like her dad. (She and I wrote a book together when she was in 1st grade titled My Special Someone about the adoption of her baby sister.) Next in line is my seventeen-year old son. He’s a senior in high school and is very mechanically inclined. He is also a good cook, which works out great for those times I’m on a deadline. Our youngest is a sophomore in high school. She enjoys photography and has quite an artistic eye.

What can we expect to see from Sherry Kyle next? Are you working on more novels? More nonfiction?

I’m polishing up stories in all three genres—middle grade, contemporary, and historical—but next to release in 2015 is The Girls Guide to Life, another nonfiction book for girls aged 9-13 from Legacy Press. You can see my first two books in this multi-author series, along with my novels, on the ‘Books’ page of my website. 

Here are a few other ways readers can connect with Sherry:

Website: www.sherrykyle.com
Sherry’s Blog:
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Pinterest

Thank you so much for having me on your blog!

It was very fun having you here, Sherry. Thanks for joining me for Writer’s Coffee Shop!

To enter the giveaway for Watercolor Dreams, enter via the Rafflecopter app attached to this page. Since Sherry talked about home decorating, I’m curious–what’s YOUR favorite creative activity? Other than writing, one of my favorites is cake decorating!

Blessings!

a Rafflecopter giveaway