Author Q&A: Cheree Alsop

Today we're interviewing Cheree Alsop, an award-winning, best-selling author who has published over forty books.

Alsop is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and giving much appreciated critiques.

Alsop works as a full-time author and mother, which is more play than work! She enjoys reading, traveling to tropical beaches, riding motorcycles, playing the bass for the band Alien Landslide, spending time with her wonderful children, and going on family adventures while planning her next book.

SADYE: Tell us something about your writing process that’s unusual or that you haven’t revealed before.

CHEREE: I don’t fall into the categories very well. I start as a pantser (I don’t outline when I begin a book), but sometimes I add a few guidelines here and there to ensure that my book ends up in the right place.

I don’t stick with one genre — I have published books in epic fantasy, urban fantasy, young adult, dystopian, sci-fi, space opera, litRPG, and another that doesn’t fit into any category.

I write where the whims take me because if I am inspired, I find that my readers are as well.

SADYE: What have been the most surprising, rewarding, and challenging parts of your writing career?

CHEREE: The most surprising would be the impact my books have had. When you are an author, you release your book into the world just hoping that someone will like it.

For me, the hundreds upon hundreds of readers’ letters that I receive has been such a rewarding shock.

To hear about readers who have chosen life instead of suicide because of what they read within the pages, or those who have found the ability to make it through their current challenges because of the obstacles a character has survived has truly given me a new perspective and appreciation for writing.

Marketing is always a challenge because as an indie author, it is quite the task to stay on top of the new marketing trends. 3

SADYE: Which historical figure would you most like to meet, and why?

CHEREE: Jane Austen is one of my heroes.

I would absolutely love to go back and talk to her about what it was like to publish in her day, the obstacles she faced, and what inspired her stories.

Being an author in her day was a not a popular profession for a woman, so I have a great deal of respect for her, not to mention Mr. Darcy’s excellent characterization and the fact that she wrote characters nearly every person could relate to.

SADYE: What has been the most touching or memorable piece of reader feedback you’ve received?

CHEREE: I had a young man write to me on Messenger and let me know that before he found my books, he was going through a dark time and was tempted to take his life.

Instead, he took strength from what my characters went through and used it to fuel his own life. He is now serving in the military.

That really touched me because I think of my own children and how grateful I would be if they went through a trial like that and found something inspiring enough to motivate them to keep on living and to find a focus for their lives.

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?

CHEREE: That good will prevail, to never give up hope, and surrounding one’s self with trustworthy, kind friends and family members is the greatest thing we can do.

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Learn more about Cheree Alsop on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her on Facebook; and follow her on Twitter. 

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