Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Cheryl Wyatt Interview & GIVEAWAY

Soldier Daddy
by Cheryl Wyatt
Steeple Hill Books / 2009 / Paperback
ISBN-13: 9780373875573

I'm so thrilled to welcome Cheryl Wyatt to my blog. She's doing an interview with me and then will be answering any questions you might have for her in the comments. Make sure to leave questions for her so that you can be entered to win an autographed copy of her newest release Soldier Daddy. Contest info will be given at the end of my interview.

Cheryl, what first got you interested in writing? Was it something you've had in your heart since you were little?
I have loved writing since I was old enough to hold a crayon. My mom still has the first book I penned. It was a several page story about a dog named Blue...long before Blue's Clues came along. LOL! It still has the tattered construction paper cover on it. I didn't know she'd kept it until I brought my first book over to show her how excited I was over my first book. She said, "Nope. THIS was your first book. I always knew you could do it." That is such an amazing story!Great mom moment!

What was the first book you had published? What was it like having the very first copy in your hands?
Last year my debut novel released. A Soldier's Promise which is the first book in the Wings of Refuge Series. It was really cool to hold it in my hands. Embarrassingly I attacked the UPS man who dropped them off. Burst out laughing and crying at the same time...like he was somehow responsible for it or something. Poor man had no idea what hit him. LOL. I was just so beyond humanly-happy that I couldn't contain myself. The feeling is indescribable. I wish it on everyone who reads this. I'm surprised the UPS man didn't ask for a different route to avoid the emotionally unstable woman. *grin*

I'd been writing fiction for ten years. When the box of books came, I sat in the floor and hugged the box and cried. Then I got up and ran outside with a handful of books and literally ran down the street yelling and dancing and waving the book around as neighbors stepped outside to see what the racket was. Living in a small town, they rushed over and hugged me. Makes me almost cry to think of their support and how happy everyone was.

Scared the neighbor's dog though. He still skirts a wide berth around me. So does the UPS man. LOL!

Which authors have inspired you in your journey to publication?
Literally too many to name.

Does your family enjoy seeing your books at bookstores?
Yes, they find them before I do. Like they have a special radar for them or something. LOL! Their support means so much. My daughter pointed out my book to a woman once and the woman refused to believe I was the author. LOL! Sounds like when you buy a new car and you start to see that same one everywhere. :)

What kind of books do you like to read?
Action-romance. Romance, historicals and contemporaries. Anything high-octane. Military. Sniper books. Anything action-adventure. Did I mention romance? LOL.

Is there one book of yours that you would love to see be made into a movie? If so who would you choose to be the actors?
I would love any of them to be made into a movie. The whole series! LOL.

Here's who'd play each hero:

A Soldier's Promise: George Eades
A Soldier's Family: Mario Lopez
Ready-Made Family: An Asian Ben Affleck
A Soldier's Reunion: Paul Walker
Soldier Daddy: Kevin Costner (This book is IN STORES NOW! Hope everyone will get a copy.)
A Soldier's Devotion: Keanu Reeves
Steadfast Soldier: Channing Tatum

What got you into writing about military? Was it because you grew up a military daughter?I got into writing about military persons because my dad served as a Marine and I have a great respect for our military and feel they should be held in high esteem. I write to honor them and their families. I so agree with you! They absolutely need to be honored!

What kind of music do you like? Do you sing loudly in the car without caring who sees or do you just hum along? I'm definitely a singing and dancing driver. :)
I like modern rock and alternative. Mostly Christian but not all. I'm fortunate in that my husband has an audio production company and we see concerts all the time, bands like Mercy Me (love 'em), POD, Pillar, Skillet and every major and up and coming band you've heard of or will hear of, he has worked with. Some country artists too that you'd know. I love Lo-Cash Cowboys. Their choreographed dancing and music is awesome. They have probably the best stage presence of any band I've seen. Right now I'm on a Daughtry kick. One of his CDs is in my car and one is in my computer and they play at all times. LOL! Also love 3 Doors Down and modern worship songs/bands. And of course I love LUCID, my husband's groove metal band...even though I can't understand the words. It's Christian screamo music and the lead singer is an attorney who wears a kilt when he plays. That must be a sight to see, but the music? not so much my kind of music. They are very entertaining. I'd imagine! Maybe they even rival Lo-Cash Cowboys. LOL. I'd love to see Jeremy Camp or Casting Crowns. They are my ultimate duo concert!

If you could have dinner with any 5 authors, living or dead, who would you invite?
Dee Henderson (can't wait for more books from her!!)
Fmr First Lady Laura Bush
Catherine Mann
Ted Dekker
Jerry Jenkins
Steven King
Karen Ball
Well, those authors look very interesting! Not as romancey as I expected after seeing what you like to read.

What is on the horizon for fans of your writing?
I have two more books coming out next year in the Wings of Refuge series. Vince's story in January, titled A Soldier's Devotion and Chance's story in June, titled Steadfast Soldier.

Then right now I'm working on Brock's story which will complete the PJ stories for now. I'm also working on a new proposal that will keep the setting of Refuge but focus on other characters we met or are yet to meet in Wings of Refuge. But this series would probably be titled something else, like The Heart of Refuge or something. It will feature the police officers, first responders, paramedic, and other caregivers in Refuge as well as characters readers haven't met yet that I hope to bring in. I hope Steeple Hill loves the idea and decides to contract it. We'll see!

I have a blog http://www.scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/ and I'm also very active on Facebook and Twitter. I'd love to connect with people there. I also have a newsletter that I send out about 4 times a year. To sign up for that folks can visit my Web site http://www.cherylwyatt.com/ and put their email address in the space provided. I respect people's privacy and don't share their info with any third party. I also participate in a writing-related blog http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/ and we have a ton of fun there. Would love it if people dropped by. I also participate here: http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/ and http://www.loveinspiredauthors.blogspot.com/

Thanks for hosting me today! Much appreciated.

Here's a cover blurb for Soldier Daddy, the book in stores now:

U.S. Air Force commander Aaron Petrowski leads pararescue teams, yet can't find one nanny for his three-year-old twins? The widowed father is returning to duty, but not without the best care for his beloved boys. So when Sarah Graham applies, the young woman surprises everyone by passing inspection. Until Aaron discovers Sarah has a secret tied to a tragedy in his past. He can't keep her in his employ—or in his heart. Until his brave little soldier boys teach him a thing or two about love.

Soldier Daddy-4 Stars-Romantic Times


About the Author

Born on Valentine’s Day on a naval base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin's Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers. www.CherylWyatt.com

How to Enter:

To be entered to win Cheryl's book Soldier Daddy, you need to leave a comment asking her a question, which she will reply to. This will be a super quick giveaway, as it will end tomorrow evening, October 8th at 10pm. You may start leaving questions today. Make sure you check back often or put a check mark in the box "Email follow-up comments to..." on the comment page.
As always leave your email address so you can be contacted if you win. No email = No entry, although we'll be thrilled you dropped by. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited. Contest open to US residents only.



29 comments:

Marybeth Whalen said...

Hi-- I stumbled across your blog and I am glad I found you! Please consider joining She Reads, the new P31 Ministries fiction book club for women! We choose 3 selections for each season. I would love to have someone like you connected to what we are doing over there!

Sincerely,
Marybeth Whalen
She Reads Director

Patty Wysong said...

I loved this interview--especially your story of the poor UPS driver when he delivered your first book. :] Way too funny. :]

Okay, a question...
Do you have any book signings planned locally? (please, please say yes!) And where and when? My girls are hooked on your books, too. We love em!!
Hugs!

patterly at gmail dot com

Donna said...

Oh I love this series of books! I don't read many steeple hill but I alwasys read Cheryls. Okay, for my question: Do you listen to music when you write and if so what kind?

runninmama at sbcglobal dot net

Project Journal said...

Hey Mimi! Hey Cheryl!
Great post! Cheryl...Channing Tatum!!! Nice! Make that movie : )

You don't need to enter me because I already have a copy, but I'll ask a question anyway. Cheryl, what are the release dates of your books?

Oh, I've got to go all of a sudden. Check back later!
Hannah

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Mimi, thanks for having me here.

Hugs!

Cheryl

Mimi N said...

Hi Marybeth! I already receive updates from She Reads! :) I think I'm a Follower if I remember correctly. Found you from P31 Ministries. :) Thanks for the 411.

~Mimi

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Hi Patty, I don't at present but I will let you know the next time I do. Thanks so much for your readership and support and tell your girls I said the same.

Hugs!

Cheryl

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Marybeth, that seems like an awesome program.

Cheryl

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Hey Donna! Thank you so much for your kind words.

I do listen to music depending on what stage of the story I am in. If it takes concentration (such as spitting out the mess draft or proofreading galleys, I can't have ANY noise or I can't concentrate. LOL!

But if I'm just working on layering or research or revising and that sort of stuff, I listen to music. Right now I'm on a Daughtry kick then I flip over to Jennifer Knapp for a day then back to Daughtry. LOL! I also try to listen to worship music at least once a day by having the TV on a modern worship station or a worship CD in. But I mostly do that when I'm walking on the treadmill in the morning.

Cheryl

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Hi Hannah!

The current release dates of upcoming novels are:

Soldier Daddy-IN STORES NOW-released Oct 1 2009

A Soldier's Devotion releases Jan 1, 2010

Steadfast Soldier releases June 1, 2010

Previously this year was:

Ready-Made Family-April 2009
A Soldier's Reunion-June 2009

Thanks for asking!

Cheryl

Valerie Comer said...

I've loved the two books of this series I've already read and would like to read this one, too. So here's my question: Will you please send me a copy of Soldier Daddy?

Lol.

valerie at valeriecomer dot com

Project Journal said...

Oh Cheryl...you know it's no problem! : )

I thought one was coming out in January...yay!! Not too long to wait!

By the way, let me reiterate...Channing Tatum : )
Can't wait to read THAT book and just imagine it! Lol...by the way I can totally see MArio Lopez playing Joel's friend. That really makes sense to me.
Talk to you soon!
Hannah

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Val, LOL! My answer: "If you win."

Thanks so much for your readership.

Warmly,
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

My birthday is also on Valentine's Day! Did you always have valentine or heart themed parties for your birthday growing up???? I've always wondered if I'm the only one!
Val - westernaz@msn.com

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Hi Val,

I didn't have heart-themed birthdays that I remember but I guess maybe so because Mom always baked me a heart-shaped cake.

I just remember once being devastated because my 4th grade teacher informed me that, "Nooooo...the entire school DOES NOT host card and Sweetheart candy parties in honor of your birthday."

A distant relative told me from the time I was in K5 that Valentines Day happened because of my birthday. LOL! Talk about early delusions of grandeur...

More than you ever wanted to know, huh?

LOL.

Thanks for stopping by,

Cheryl

Merie said...

Hey, I just found out about your series and am looking forward to reading it. I am a Coast Guard wife. I served as an ombudsman for three of my husbands commands. I am full of information if you ever want to add a Coastie story line.
ByTheDeepBlueSea at aol

apple blossom said...

I'd love to win this book. I've read some of Cheryl's other books in this series. Loved getting to know the different paradiver men and their families. Please include me in this giveaway. Thanks.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Hi Merie,

I actually DO have a Coast Guard series planned. I'll be contacting you for sure!

Thanks...wow, what a treasure trove this blog is.

Thank you for offering to assist.

God bless your loved one (and you!) for serving.

Cheryl

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Abi,

Hey! Thanks for dropping by. I'm glad you enjoyed some of the other books.

Always great to *see* you!

Warmly,

Cheryl

Deborah M said...

Hi Mimi,
Thank you for supporting our troops!
I would like to know how you came up with the title, "Soldier Daddy".
Please enter me in the contest.
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com

Cherie J said...

I love your books and would love to read this one Cheryl. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. My question is do you ever munch while you are writing and is so what are your favorite writing munchies? I guess since it is my birthday today I have my mind on the chocolate cake I have in the refrigerator waiting for my twin sister and me to devour later tonight so I had to come up with a food related question. :-)

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading the comments. My question is Doyou read aloud the cgharacters dialogue to see if it sounds plausible anf flows? Do you read to someone?
Joy
JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Hi Deborah,

I actually didn't come up with the title. LOL! My publisher's marketing department did.

My original title was Nanny-Made Family but they felt Soldier Daddy would sell better and I agree.

Thanks for coming by!

Cheryl

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Cherie,

Hey there! Good to catch up with you. I love to munch on veggies when I eat. The crunchy kind. Really, I'm a texture person so anything crunchy.

Today while working on revisions I munched on pistachio nuts, pine nuts and pomegranate seeds. I craved almonds but am out or I would have probably been popping those in my mouth every other page too. LOL!

Baby carrots and nuts are a fav. Or celery with peanut butter slathered all over it.

You're making me hungry! LOL.

Thanks for coming by.

Cheryl

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Hi Joy! Glad you came by.

I actually do not read to myself. I tried but it doesn't work for me. My imagination is so visual and auditory in nature that I can imagine to the point of hearing their voice inflection, tone, pitch, etc.

I have gotten feedback that my dialogue is very realistic which I hope means my method is working for me. LOL!

Appreciate you for commenting! Fun question.

Cheryl

Cheryl Wyatt said...

Cherie...by the way:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy that cake okay?

Cheryl

Mimi N said...

Valerie, love your first question! hahaha

Deborah, I'm so thankful for Cheryl's writing about our heroes! I think you're right that she's supporting our troops by her writing!

Cheryl, my 18 yr old loves Jennifer Knapp. You're such a healthy snacker! I like pomegranate in a drink, but don't really care for the seeds.

Merie, you play such a huge role in being the wife of a hero! How awesome of you to offer your experience to Cheryl!

Cherie, happy birthday to you & your twin! Enjoy that cake of yours.

Val, how awesome that you & Cheryl share the same bday. I'm sure it's not that often that you run into someone with the same holiday birthday.

Thank you to everyone who's come by to ask Cheryl a questoin. Thanks Cheryl for staying on top of all the questions!

~Mimi

Mimi N said...

The winner of Soldier Daddy is...Donna! Congrats and Cheryl will be in touch with you!

Thanks to everyone who visited and asked Cheryl questions. Don't forget to check out her newest release, her older titles and the ones that'll be hitting the shelves soon!

Blessings,
Mimi

Anonymous said...

I would love to win your book. Are any of your boks read on cd's or tapes. Thanks Ro agreatdayin2003@yahoo.com

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