Q&A Thursday - Interview with Cherie Reich

Today's Q&A is the Wild Child Publishing Author Cherie Reich!

Enjoy and Comment!!

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?

I started writing seriously in January 2009 when I started my first novel. I roleplayed since October 1999, and I had written some fan fiction and two original short stories (2005 and 2006). In 2009, I sent my friend and fellow author Christine Rains a short story I wrote. She suggested that I submit it. The story was accepted, and there was no looking back from there.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

Yes, I write more than one genre. I tend to write horror, fantasy, and mystery, but I've branched out to science fiction, romance, and general fiction. I sometimes have historical or mythological elements in my writing as well. It'd be near impossible to determine which genre I like the best. I do like adding fantastical elements with a dash of suspense in forms of mystery and horror when I write. My fiction also ranges from children's to adult.

Do you read other authors' books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre or something different?

Yes, I do read while writing, not technically simultaneously, though. I am a book blogger and reviewer at my blog Surrounded by Books Reviews (http://surroundedbybooksreviews.blogspot.com). Authors send me books to review in all different types of genres. Sometimes I read in the genre I'm currently writing in, such as Young Adult. Other times, I don't. I find it very important to read as a writer. You learn about the craft by reading others. Sometimes I find I have to be a bit careful reading some authors' works. If they have such a strong voice, it can be difficult to get back into your own writing. Yet, sometimes it helps when you're stuck to read something else.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

Writing isn't easy, especially writing well. I have more ideas than time to write. As an editor, I feel more comfortable editing my own work, although I always have my critique partners look for things I might miss, particularly story-wise. I think the hardest thing is querying and pitching. You figure out your book, write it, work hard to edit and polish it. Then you have to craft something interesting that tells what your book is about in a wow factor with the hope an agent or publisher feels the same about your book as you do. It's intimidating. I haven't had a work ready quite yet to query, but soon, very soon. I'll find out if I can pass that difficult part.

Bio:  Cherie Reich is a writer, freelance editor, and library assistant living in Virginia. Her works have appeared in various magazines and anthologies, and her horror ebook Once Upon a December Nightmare is published by Wild Child Publishing. She is a member of Valley Writers and the Virginia Writers Club and placed third in Roanoke Valley's Big Read writing contest.

Once Upon a December Nightmare

They were only going out to dinner and a movie.

But when their plans go astray, friends Cassie, Mary, Denise, and James decide to take a detour down a lonely mountain road. A felled tree blocks their passage and forces them to turn around in a clearing containing a disturbing arrangement of four deer carcasses.

Their truck breaks down, their cell phones don't work, and they must brave the cold December air, nightfall, and a long hike. Yet this is the least of their troubles. Tension runs high between the four young friends…and they are not alone. Each step brings them closer to safety, but will they make it to the main road alive?

Social media & Web links:

Website: http://cheriereich.webs.com

Blog: http://cheriereich.blogspot.com

Facebook Author Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/authorcheriereich

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/bookworm0753