Hey! Hey! Whaddya say?
Let’s take this blog another way!
“Don’t look at me,” says I, Kimber the Magnificent. Mom’s idea. Again. Insert eye roll here.
Anyway, I’m tail-waggingly excited today! And it doesn’t even involve bacon! Nope. I’m excited cuz we’re getting to know one of our new favorites today, Sharon Brubaker. Sharon shares with us about her inspiration for her book, Tides of Blue, her writing process, writing advice for beginners, other work in the pipeline and lots of other good stuff. (See our review of Tides of Blue here.)
I’d listen up ‘fize you! So let’s dive right in. Take it away, Sharon!
Why did you become a writer? Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?
I have been writing as long as I can remember. My first story that I clearly remember writing was about my Troll doll. As a child and teen, I’ve been through numerous writing phases of short stories, poetry, and prose. I always said that I wanted to write a book and woke up to the fact that unless I actually sat down to write a book, it wouldn’t be written! So…I started plugging away at a story about a Green Man that became a mystery. This book will be released in 2023.
What was the inspiration for Tides of Blue?
I am a glasser who wanders beaches in search of glass, mostly to make jewelry creations. Each piece of glass holds history and a story or stories. I was inspired by the glass I pick up and the glass viewed at sea glass festivals about all of the stories behind the shards. Thus, Tides of Blue and the sequel (nearly finished!) Currents of Blue.
How do you go from an idea for a book to its completion? Is the process the same for every book you write?
I take many notes and carry my journal wherever I go. I’m somewhere between a plotter and a pantser, keeping a loose outline and lists of characters, ideas, and plots.
How long did it take you to write your book?
It varies with each book. Some books are less than a year, and others take two years or more with research and writing.
Are you currently working on any new book projects?
Yes, I am currently finishing the sequel to Tides of Blue. I am also working with my publisher and editor on the release of a five-book mystery series – The Green Man series in 2023 and 2024. I’m also working on a cozy mystery series co-authored with my son.
Do you have any advice for beginning writers on how to write a book? Do you have any advice for them regarding promoting that book once published?
The best advice I received was to try to write a page a day, and at the end of the year, you will have a book. I don’t always write a page a day…but I try.
Promoting once published? Marketing is SO difficult. I seek reviewers each week on Bookstagram, and learned to create TikTok videos via an excellent program – BookBrush. I have a wonderful marketing team with grungemuffindesigns.com.
What’s your writing schedule like? When do you find time to write?
My writing time is limited. I wake up between 3 -3:30 to write for an hour or two before I leave the house at 6 am. I also try to squeeze in sometime after 6 pm at night. I’ve been known to write at stoplights, in grocery store parking lots, etc.
How did you find your publisher? What was your journey to publication like?
I self-published at first on advice I had received. Later, I was told by agents and editors that this was the worst thing that I could do. Tivshe Publishing – a micropublisher, picked me up. J.K. Jackola, the publisher, is amazing to work with! I am currently shopping for an agent.
Do you have any writing idiosyncrasies?
I’m sure my family would love to answer this question! They tell me that I am grumpy if I don’t write. I also have a penchant for manic book buying to assist with my research and impromptu research trips to the library, local historical societies, and field trips to book settings.
How have your friends and family received your work? Are they supportive?
I couldn’t write without the support of family and friends. They are my bedrock.
What’s the most challenging aspect of writing for you?
Time. It’s my greatest dream to write full-time. I have hundreds of books in my head. The book biz is challenging as well, as marketing can be a full-time job. And I do have a ‘day’ job too…
Author Bio
Sharon Brubaker, author of “Tides of Blue.”
Sharon is a nationally award-winning librarian and educator and the author of fiction and educational publications. She is also an avid gardener, jewelry artist, and artist. See: www.sharon-brubaker.com
Pages & Paws 
March 22, 2023 at 8:02 pm
Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed the interview as I’m always wondering how authors write these amazing books.
March 24, 2023 at 7:37 am
It was a fun interview with an interesting author. Appreciate your comment!