BIO: PJ Sharon is author of several independently published, contemporary young adult novels, including HEAVEN IS FOR HEROES. Her stories have garnered several contest finals, including two awards for ON THIN ICE, and a place in the prestigious Valley Forge Romance Writers and the Florida Romance Writers Golden Palm contest for SAVAGE CINDERELLA.
Writing romantic fiction for the past six years, and following her destiny to write Extraordinary stories of an average teenage life, PJ is a member of RWA, CTRWA, and YARWA. She is mother to two grown sons and lives with her husband and her dog in the Berkshire Hills of Western MA.
Q. What inspires your writing?
A. I love stories of hope. The twists and turns that take people through bad times and bring them through to the other side, better than they were before. A lot of my inspiration comes from my own challenges and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I want the opportunity to share with teens, whatever valuable pearls of wisdom I’ve gained so they know that they are not alone in their struggles and that they can have a hopefully ever after.
Q. What is your favorite thing about being an author?
A. I love the creative process. It’s an amazing experience coming up with the kernel of a story and then letting it grow organically into something complete and beautiful. I enjoy sharing that process with other writers and it’s very rewarding to have readers who love what I’ve written. It’s nice to know that I’ve both entertained and perhaps even educated them in some way.
Q. What is the toughest part of being an author?
A. The business of being an author is far more work than I ever imagined. Promoting and marketing, keeping track of sales, participating in social media, and meeting deadlines are all part of my daily routine, which leaves very little time to actually write. It’s not what I signed on for, but it is part of the job.
Q. If you could not be an author, what would you do/be?
A. I’ve already had such a wonderful variety of experiences in life. I worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant for many years and then became a Massage Therapist, personal trainer and yoga instructor—all things I love to do. Running my private practice, ABSolute Fitness and Therapeutic Bodywork, is currently my day job. If I wasn’t writing, I’m sure I would be dedicating my time to adding to my holistic healing tool box. If I had it to do over, I would have become a Naturopathic Doctor or an acupuncturist when I was younger.
Q. What would the story of your life be entitled?
A. The Long and Winding Road: Book One—Twists of Fate
Q. What is your favorite book of all time?
A. Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon
Q. Which character from ANY book are you most like?
A. Pollyanna comes to mind. I have had that same sunny disposition through most of my life and I’m a firm believer in having an attitude of gratitude. Like Pollyanna, I’m very good at making lemonade when I’m handed lemons. Ironically, my birth name is Paula, and I was often called Polly as a child.
Q. What character from all of your book(s) are you most like?
A. I think I’m a bit like each of my characters. If I had to pinpoint the similarities, I would say that I have a determination and resolute never-give-up attitude like Jordie in HEAVEN IS FOR HEROES, a deep rooted faith that has pulled me through some very difficult times like Penny in ON THIN ICE, and a fighting spirit like Brinn in SAVAGE CINDERELLA. I am also stubborn, perfectionistic, and perhaps a bit too trusting—also like each of my charactersJ
Q. What is your favorite season?
A. I love something about each of the seasons. I’m sure that’s because I grew up in New England. I don’t think I could ever live in a place that had the same weather all the time. If I have to narrow it down, it’s a toss-up between Spring and Fall.
Q. Are you working on something new?
A. My current work in progress is the first book in a YA Dystopian trilogy. The series will be called THE CHRONICLES OF LILY CARMICHAEL. I’m closing in on a title for Book I and I’m about a third of the way into it. The first book should be released in July.
My advice to teens:
1) Find something you love to do, get really good at it, and find a way to have it serve the greater good, and you will be happy.
2) Follow your dream and don’t let anything stand in your way.
Book Description for Savage Cinderella
Eighteen year-old Brinn Hathaway has survived on her own in the Northwest High Country of Georgia since she was left for dead in a shallow grave by the man who kidnapped her as a child. When a young nature photographer, Justin Spencer, catches the wild girl on film and the two form a tentative friendship, Brinn must decide if coming out of hiding is worth the hope—and the danger—that may await her.
On her Website: http://www.pjsharon.com
Follow PJ on Twitter: @pjsharon
Follow PJ on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pjsharonbooks
Follow PJ’s Promotional blog @ http://pjsharonyawriter.blogspot.com
Follow PJ’s Tuesday blog @ http://secretsof7scribes.wordpress.com
Follow PJ’s Friday Healthy Teen Tips blog @ http://yabeyond.com
Yet another fascinating interview!
ReplyDeleteI would never have guessed Pollyanna. As such a hard working optimist,I would have guessed... maybe Scarlett O'Hara, but Pollyanna's ever-positive, hopeful attitude is certainly a must for writers!
I think that the inspiration we get from hope and faith is very important, too. Even though I write fairly dark stories, I can't help but always leave at least a seed of hope that something better is on the way. I find that to be true most of the time, anyway, and I love to see it in what I read.
Thanks for sharing, PJ, and thanks to Mrs Mommy Booknerd for hosting!
Thank you, Greg! So nice of you to stop by. Now you know almost EVERYTHING about me, LOL. I still have one or two family members who call me Polly. It's almost as embarrassing as when they introduce me as "the baby" when we are at social functions. As the youngest of seven, I don't think I'll ever lose that title.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments Greg and for stopping by! Also, PJ, thanks for being a guest today!
ReplyDeleteSuch great questions and Answers! I enjoy very much learning more about Paula. Had the privilege of reading all her novels, amazing how wonderfully she writes. Looking forward to her new books! So happy to meet you Mrs. Mommy Booknerd, will stop by again ;D
ReplyDeleteLorelei...thanks for the nice comments and for stopping by...looking forward to you visiting again soon!
ReplyDeleteI am involved in a young women's group and I often give out books as rewards. Looking forward to reading ..and giving..your book. Always nice to know local authors.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being such a great supporter, Lorelei. You always give me such a boost!
ReplyDeleteMiss dapuz55, I wor with a teen writing group at the public library and what a hoot those young ladies are. I am constantly amazed by their brilliance and talent. I think I learn much more from them than they do from me.