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Posted on January 8, 2019 at 4:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek
Betty Shreffler has always been a writer.
She found expressing herself easier through the written word versus the spoken word during her childhood, and a middle-school assignment to write a children’s book set her on the path to writing fiction.
But back then, she doubted she could actually be published.
So she pursued a variety of other careers, from the outdoors to the office, until finally finding a co-worker who had published a book and encouraged her to do the same.
Today, Shreffler writes full time and can proudly consider herself an author — an Amazon top 100 bestselling romance author, no less.
Here’s what she had to say about the road that led her to achieving her dream.
SADYE: What types of stories were you writing as a kid?
BETTY: As a kid, I was writing poetry and short stories.
I wrote my first YA romance at the age of twelve, but that manuscript is buried under a pile — no human eyes should ever see this.
SADYE: What was your favorite non-writer job?
BETTY: My favorite non-writer job was working for the National Park Service, but that job does not compare to how much I love fulfilling my dream of being a full-time author.
SADYE: With hindsight 20/20, would you have pursued publication earlier?
BETTY: In hindsight, yes, I would have. I wish I knew then what I know now.
I could've been doing what I love a lot sooner and be farther along in my career.
SADYE: What has been the most surprising part of being an author?
BETTY: The most surprising part of being an author is how much of my time is spent doing the business side of things.
Being an author is not just writing; there's so much more involved with running your marketing business.
SADYE: Your book Fire on the Farm has a specific message to readers about trusting yourself and overcoming depression; have you heard from many of them about how it affected them?
BETTY: Yes, that's one of the messages I get the most — how that part sticks with them and they re-read it when they are struggling.
I wrote it from an emotional place of my own, being someone who has struggled with depression, and understand how difficult it can be.
SADYE: What has been your proudest moment as a writer?
BETTY: 2018 was an incredible year that made me feel proud. I hit a few major goals that I had been striving for.
I'm hoping to continue that momentum and dedication into 2019 and bring my readers even more sexy and suspenseful stories.
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Learn more about Betty Shreffler on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her on Facebook and follow her on Instagram.
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Categories: Author Interview