Just To Be With You, Sheryl Lister‘s debut Kimani, isn’t out until August, but we’re already thrilled with the enthusiasm, energy and sheer excitement she brings to the line! It’s been a long journey to publication, but we’re delighted to have her
A Daughter’s Journey…
Many people ask if I just woke up one morning and decide to write? The answer is no. I’ve always loved reading and writing. As a child, rather than watching TV, I’d be curled up somewhere with a book or a notebook and pencil. The first real story I wrote was for an English assignment in seventh grade (a romance, of course). I was SO proud. I turned in my paper and waited with glee for my teacher to grade it. When she returned it two days later, there it was…a big, fat F staring me in the face, along with the threat of expulsion for plagiarism. She couldn’t believe a twelve-year-old could create such a story, but my mom was more than happy to straighten her out. Once the teacher realized she was wrong, she apologized, and actually praised the writing, which gave me confidence that I could create a good story.
As an adult, I continued to write stories, sharing them only with my mother, who kept encouraging me to write. When Arabesque books were released in the 1990’s (which was later sold to Harlequin), I thought, “Gold mine!!” I was excited to see romances featuring people of color, although I can’t say the same for my wallet. The desire to write grew stronger, but so did my life responsibilities—marriage, job, children. So I pushed writing to the background again.
I never stopped reading, but I didn’t begin writing again until 2009, when my mother passed away. Her death made me realize that life is too short for regrets. On a much-needed vacation a month after her passing, I grabbed a spiral bound notebook and pen and started writing the story that had been in my head for years. But once the vacation ended, I shoved the notebook in my backpack and went back to real life. It wasn’t until a year later, when I had to go in for back surgery, that I found the notebook again. I had forgotten about the story. While recovering, that notebook taunted me every time I got out of bed. Once the pain decreased, my sleep was interrupted for three nights straight with scenes from the story. Needless to say, I started writing again and finished the first draft in three weeks! It still needs more editing, but writing ‘the end’ unlocked all the stories that I’d pushed aside. From that moment, I became serious about writing and started learning everything I could about the craft. I joined RWA, bought books, read blogs and articles, and took a couple of online workshops. I also entered writing contests, and the feedback I received help strengthen my writing.
I found out about the opportunity to pitch during Camp Gonnabe last year two days before the deadline to sign up. I toyed with entering for another day and my husband said, “Quit stalling and sign up!” I pitched to Harlequin Kimani editor Rachel Burkot, and she requested the full manuscript. I thought nothing could top that until, one month later, I heard a message on my answering machine from Rachel asking me to call back. I took a deep breath and returned the call. She wanted to make an offer. I stopped breathing for a minute then babbled something incoherently that sounded like “thankyouI’msoexcitedIcan’tbelieveitbreathebreathethankyou.” She was very patient and asked if I had questions. I told her yes, but I couldn’t think of one at that moment. She sent me a detailed email the next day and answered my many questions. The last few months have been nothing short of amazing, especially working with Rachel. Whenever I email her, the response is quick, and she always makes time to talk to me on the phone to walk me through this new, and sometimes scary, process.
The best thing for me is I feel like I’ve come full circle. Harlequin Romances were the first romance novels I snuck—oops, I mean borrowed—from my mother. She loved these books. Now I’m a Harlequin author. How cool is that? I only wish my mom were still here. She listened to my stories, always encouraged me and kept saying, “You need to write that book.” I can now say, “Mom, I wrote that book!”
So, my advice for aspiring writers:
- If you wait for the perfect time to start writing, you’ll never do it. Don’t wait!
- Read extensively in the line you want to write for.
- Learn everything about the craft of writing…and KEEP learning.
- Don’t think about writing, don’t dream about writing and don’t talk about writing… write.
- When you’re ready to submit, carefully read the guidelines and make sure your manuscript is the right fit for whichever line you’re targeting.
I think this quote from Larry Lovan sums it up best: “If you want to be a writer, write. If you want to be a good writer, learn the craft and the art of writing. If you want to be a published writer, don’t give up.”
Thanks again, Rachel and the Harlequin Kimani Team!
Thank you, Sheryl, for sharing that emotional journey. Although you’ll have to wait until August 2014 for JUST TO BE WITH YOU, in the meantime you can find more from Sheryl at her website, on Twitter @1Slynne, or on Facebook. And check out Harlequin Kimani’s guidelines or follow @Rachel_Burkot and #HarlequinKimani
15 replies on “Sheryl Lister Talks About her Writing Journey to Harlequin Kimani!”
OMG! Sis….this brought tears to my eyes. Mom made sure we had library cards….LOL. I am so very proud of you. I can not WAIT till August! Is it hot??? Is it steamy…..don’t tell me……yeah tell me….ok ok I’ll wait…..(((((sigh))))
Yep, Mona Caine, there’s a little steam….. Mom did make sure we had those library card. Figueroa branch every two weeks!!
I know Grandma is smiling down on you Mommy.. super excited for the rest of your journey!
Thank you, baby girl! Love you more than you’ll ever know!
YGG! So very proud of you. Can’t wait for the release.
Thank you, Ms. Bev. Love you beyond words!
This is wonderful – congratulations!
Thank you Niambi!!
I have read a few of your pieces, and I can’t wait to buy an entire book! Signed by the author of course! Reading while under the dryer won’t be the same. Excited! Congrats!
Thanks, Sandra. You know you’ll definitely get an autographed copy. We’ll have to party at the shop :).
Congratulations Sheryl! Can’t wait to see your debut on the shelves!
Thank, Jennifer!
What a beautiful journey you’ve had, Sheryl! Congratulations on your August debut. Can’t wait to read it.
Amy
Thank you, Amy!
I’m so super proud and excited for you my sister!! You’ve always inspired me and you becoming an award winning author will inspire me to write as well! Can’t wait til August.
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!