Good Morning, Booklovers!
It's time for another author Coffee Chat, and this week's guest is Sheri Levy, a writer of contemporary, coming-of-age, and young adult fiction.
Welcome, Sheri. How do you take your coffee?
SL: Black and strong in flavor.
Ally: You're making this so easy for me! While I pour, please tell readers about your background.
It's time for another author Coffee Chat, and this week's guest is Sheri Levy, a writer of contemporary, coming-of-age, and young adult fiction.
Welcome, Sheri. How do you take your coffee?
SL: Black and strong in flavor.
Ally: You're making this so easy for me! While I pour, please tell readers about your background.
BIO:
In 1979, Sheri Levy moved to South Carolina from Southern California with her husband and two young children. As her children entered school, Sheri used her three Special Ed teaching credentials and entered her own classroom. After sixteen years of teaching special needs children (K5-2nd grade) she became involved in a Family Learning Program, promoting reading, preparing young adults for their GED, and teaching parenting skills.
Seeing her students’ eyes light up during writing workshops and author presentations, keeps her writing and focusing on the students. Sheri works an accredited, non-profit service dog training facility, PAALS, and donates her book proceeds, and in turn, PAALS helps promote Sheri’s work.
After loving five past dogs, Sheri now enjoys two Australian Shepherds. One dog, being a very troubled rescue, triggering Sheri to become involved in obedience and agility training.
In 1979, Sheri Levy moved to South Carolina from Southern California with her husband and two young children. As her children entered school, Sheri used her three Special Ed teaching credentials and entered her own classroom. After sixteen years of teaching special needs children (K5-2nd grade) she became involved in a Family Learning Program, promoting reading, preparing young adults for their GED, and teaching parenting skills.
Seeing her students’ eyes light up during writing workshops and author presentations, keeps her writing and focusing on the students. Sheri works an accredited, non-profit service dog training facility, PAALS, and donates her book proceeds, and in turn, PAALS helps promote Sheri’s work.
After loving five past dogs, Sheri now enjoys two Australian Shepherds. One dog, being a very troubled rescue, triggering Sheri to become involved in obedience and agility training.
Sheri's Aussie Shepherds Through the years, the subject of dogs and special children captured her heart, and have added a very personal aspect to her stories. Her first novel, Seven Days to Goodbye, won the Special Interest category in the Dog Writers of America contest, 2015. In September, 2017, it won a gold medal with Readers Favorite. Her sequel, Starting Over, was launched August 1st, 2017. And Sheri is working on her third series book, For Keeps.
Something unusual that isn't in your regular bio: "I twirled a baton, competed all over the U.S., and taught twirling in private lessons and Park & Recreation classes through college."
My author links:
Website: www.sherislevy.com
Facebook: SheriSLevyauthor.com
Twitter: @SheriSLevy
LinkedIn: Sheri Shepherd Levy
Instagram: eightpawswriting
Something unusual that isn't in your regular bio: "I twirled a baton, competed all over the U.S., and taught twirling in private lessons and Park & Recreation classes through college."
My author links:
Website: www.sherislevy.com
Facebook: SheriSLevyauthor.com
Twitter: @SheriSLevy
LinkedIn: Sheri Shepherd Levy
Instagram: eightpawswriting
INTERVIEW:
Ally: Let's begin by talking about the writing process. Describe your typical writing day.
SL: Since I am retired, I have a flexible schedule. I enjoy waking early and reading what I wrote the day before, and then moving forward. My goals change depending on what is scheduled for that day. I usually turn off my computer by 5:00p.m. and enjoy my husband’s company.
Ally: Talk about the main character of the YA/MG books you're featuring today.
SL: My main character, Trina, begins the story at age thirteen and matures to the age of fourteen in the sequel. Trina has chosen to be a Puppy Raiser for Service Dogs. In each story, the reader will pull for her as she learns about responsibility and cares for the puppies and her friends.
Ally: Every writer finds his or her own unique path to publication. What was yours?
SL: After seven years of learning how to put a novel together, I put my first manuscript into a dark drawer and started writing Seven Days to Goodbye. My full manuscript was being read by agents, but I was getting, ‘Thanks, but no thanks.” No one wanted a story about service dogs.
One afternoon, I read a note on Facebook about Barking Rain Press was accepting manuscripts until midnight. I decided to fill out the lengthy application and submitted to my first publishing house, one minute before midnight.
One month later, I received a request for the full manuscript. I had done this a number of times, but I still became enthusiastic. Three months later, while watching the morning show, I scrolled through my phone, reading emails. I saw a note from BRP, and read they wanted to offer me a contract for Seven Days to Goodbye.
I lost my breath and handed the phone to my husband. He grinned and verified the email. “Yep. That’s what it says.”
Since I had writer friends who had signed with non-respectable publishing houses, I had a lawyer friend read the contract, and I researched the publishing house. They seemed to be legit, and I looked at their novels. They showed in every way to be a respected corporation. I have been more than pleased with my experience. I am thrilled to be a part of their organization, and I will complete my series with them.
Ally: Not many writers I know truly enjoy the editing process, but it's a vital part of writing. How do you go about this task?
SL: The first people to read my manuscript are my critique group. They see all of the changes and reread the drafts a thousand times. When I feel the story is ready, I send it to the publisher. She will read it, and ask for changes. Then I redo, and resend. Once I have the story to her liking, it goes to my editor. We go through the story three times, and when it has been polished, the publisher rereads and maybe the assistant publisher.
Once it has been approved, I get a date about its launch.
I was thrilled when my sequel, Starting Over went to print, my publisher announced she planned to print it in hardback. After it came out in three forms, EBook, paperback and hardback, the publisher decided to do a hardback for Seven Days to Goodbye.
Ally: How do you choose names for your characters?
SL: I call my first novel, my heart book. I used special names that meant a lot to me, and only those people know who they are. This is my way of thanking special people for being in my life.
Ally: There are all kinds of avenues open to writers. What made you select fiction?
SL: When I started writing, I knew I wanted to share my experiences and my dogs. As a fictional novel, I could add fun elements and create new conflicts without embarrassing anyone. I love telling my friends and acquaintances, “Be careful of what you say or do in front of an author. You may be put in the story.”
Ally: A writer is always writing. What's next on your agenda?
SL: I am busy writing the third sequel to the Trina Ryan novel series, For Keeps. I am working quickly on my first draft. When I feel it is ready, I’ll send the story to the publisher. Then we’ll start all over again with revisions.
Ally: Try a few of these short answers questions...
Ally: You've been a terrific guest, Sheri. Good luck with your books. Before you go, tell us more about Trina's adventures.
Ally: Let's begin by talking about the writing process. Describe your typical writing day.
SL: Since I am retired, I have a flexible schedule. I enjoy waking early and reading what I wrote the day before, and then moving forward. My goals change depending on what is scheduled for that day. I usually turn off my computer by 5:00p.m. and enjoy my husband’s company.
Ally: Talk about the main character of the YA/MG books you're featuring today.
SL: My main character, Trina, begins the story at age thirteen and matures to the age of fourteen in the sequel. Trina has chosen to be a Puppy Raiser for Service Dogs. In each story, the reader will pull for her as she learns about responsibility and cares for the puppies and her friends.
Ally: Every writer finds his or her own unique path to publication. What was yours?
SL: After seven years of learning how to put a novel together, I put my first manuscript into a dark drawer and started writing Seven Days to Goodbye. My full manuscript was being read by agents, but I was getting, ‘Thanks, but no thanks.” No one wanted a story about service dogs.
One afternoon, I read a note on Facebook about Barking Rain Press was accepting manuscripts until midnight. I decided to fill out the lengthy application and submitted to my first publishing house, one minute before midnight.
One month later, I received a request for the full manuscript. I had done this a number of times, but I still became enthusiastic. Three months later, while watching the morning show, I scrolled through my phone, reading emails. I saw a note from BRP, and read they wanted to offer me a contract for Seven Days to Goodbye.
I lost my breath and handed the phone to my husband. He grinned and verified the email. “Yep. That’s what it says.”
Since I had writer friends who had signed with non-respectable publishing houses, I had a lawyer friend read the contract, and I researched the publishing house. They seemed to be legit, and I looked at their novels. They showed in every way to be a respected corporation. I have been more than pleased with my experience. I am thrilled to be a part of their organization, and I will complete my series with them.
Ally: Not many writers I know truly enjoy the editing process, but it's a vital part of writing. How do you go about this task?
SL: The first people to read my manuscript are my critique group. They see all of the changes and reread the drafts a thousand times. When I feel the story is ready, I send it to the publisher. She will read it, and ask for changes. Then I redo, and resend. Once I have the story to her liking, it goes to my editor. We go through the story three times, and when it has been polished, the publisher rereads and maybe the assistant publisher.
Once it has been approved, I get a date about its launch.
I was thrilled when my sequel, Starting Over went to print, my publisher announced she planned to print it in hardback. After it came out in three forms, EBook, paperback and hardback, the publisher decided to do a hardback for Seven Days to Goodbye.
Ally: How do you choose names for your characters?
SL: I call my first novel, my heart book. I used special names that meant a lot to me, and only those people know who they are. This is my way of thanking special people for being in my life.
Ally: There are all kinds of avenues open to writers. What made you select fiction?
SL: When I started writing, I knew I wanted to share my experiences and my dogs. As a fictional novel, I could add fun elements and create new conflicts without embarrassing anyone. I love telling my friends and acquaintances, “Be careful of what you say or do in front of an author. You may be put in the story.”
Ally: A writer is always writing. What's next on your agenda?
SL: I am busy writing the third sequel to the Trina Ryan novel series, For Keeps. I am working quickly on my first draft. When I feel it is ready, I’ll send the story to the publisher. Then we’ll start all over again with revisions.
Ally: Try a few of these short answers questions...
- a.) An author you’d love to take to lunch: I have read every novel Mary Alice Monroe has written. She writes about the beach, sea life, and friendships. My kind of things.
- b.) manicure or pedicure: When I take time for pampering, it is for a pedicure. I love the leg massage, sitting in the vibrating chair, and unwinding.
- c.) Do you believe in love at first sight? I do. I met my husband when I was fifteen and he was eighteen. We dated for two years and broke up. Then three years later, we bumped into each other while walking down the street. And we were married six months later and have been together since.
- d.) The last book I read that made you laugh: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.
- e.) A favorite song: Adele – Make You Feel My Love
- f.) A guilty pleasure: Dark chocolate
Ally: You've been a terrific guest, Sheri. Good luck with your books. Before you go, tell us more about Trina's adventures.
 |  |
SYNOPSIS of Book #1:
Seven Days to Goodbye is about loving a special service pup and knowing one day you must part.
After Trina’s beloved dog dies, she swears that she’ll never get another dog. Then she hears about service dogs, and learns that if she becomes a puppy raiser, she could train puppy after puppy and never worry about them dying.
But there is one catch: Eventually you do have to say goodbye. Her first service puppy, Sydney, must be returned to his kennel at the end of their week-long summer vacation. Saying goodbye to this special puppy is much tougher than she ever imagined.
Trina’s last week with Sydney is made even harder because of her newly strained relationship with her best friend, Sarah. Her friend has become so over-the-top boy crazy that she seems like a stranger. Sarah is determined that she and Trina must hang out with every boy at the beach. When a boy named Chase takes an interest in Trina and Sydney instead of Sarah, it puts an even bigger strain on their friendship.
It’s hard enough to deal with losing Sydney, but now Trina could also lose her best friend.
Seven Days to Goodbye is about loving a special service pup and knowing one day you must part.
After Trina’s beloved dog dies, she swears that she’ll never get another dog. Then she hears about service dogs, and learns that if she becomes a puppy raiser, she could train puppy after puppy and never worry about them dying.
But there is one catch: Eventually you do have to say goodbye. Her first service puppy, Sydney, must be returned to his kennel at the end of their week-long summer vacation. Saying goodbye to this special puppy is much tougher than she ever imagined.
Trina’s last week with Sydney is made even harder because of her newly strained relationship with her best friend, Sarah. Her friend has become so over-the-top boy crazy that she seems like a stranger. Sarah is determined that she and Trina must hang out with every boy at the beach. When a boy named Chase takes an interest in Trina and Sydney instead of Sarah, it puts an even bigger strain on their friendship.
It’s hard enough to deal with losing Sydney, but now Trina could also lose her best friend.
SYNOPSIS of Book #2:
Trina, a puppy raiser for service dogs, exchanges her first trained dog for an eight-week-old Labrador and learns the meaning of sacrifice. She struggles to care for her puppy, perfect her riding skills, and work at the barn next door.
Adding to her weariness, a new troublesome girl, Morgan, boards her gorgeous thoroughbred, and expects everyone to cater to her needs, explodes into temper tantrums, and mistreats her willing horse. The barn’s cheerful environment slips away.
Tired of Morgan’s insults, Trina dares herself to uncover Morgan’s problem. What if she used her knowledge of changing a dog’s behavior on Morgan? Is she brave enough to try? Little by little, Trina gains Morgan’s trust. But will it last?
Trina, and her best friend, Sarah, wrestle on how to close the distance with their first-time boyfriends, Chase, and Peyton before the summer ends. After their final reunion, the girls fear the inevitable. And as expected when school begins, phone calls diminish, jealousy erupts, and Trina attempts to ward off a new persistent admirer.
Guys!! How can they cause so much disruption in a girl’s life?
As Trina and Morgan’s explosive relationship shifts to friendship, the girls discover they are more alike than different. Trina gets pulled into Morgan’s family problems, and keeps secrets from her parents and Sarah. But her decisions cause Trina to suffer the consequences.
Morgan confronts her family problems and discovers her true desires. Morgan’s new goals influence Trina’s ambitions. As painful as it is, Trina sets out to change her direction and tackle her own new dream.
Trina, a puppy raiser for service dogs, exchanges her first trained dog for an eight-week-old Labrador and learns the meaning of sacrifice. She struggles to care for her puppy, perfect her riding skills, and work at the barn next door.
Adding to her weariness, a new troublesome girl, Morgan, boards her gorgeous thoroughbred, and expects everyone to cater to her needs, explodes into temper tantrums, and mistreats her willing horse. The barn’s cheerful environment slips away.
Tired of Morgan’s insults, Trina dares herself to uncover Morgan’s problem. What if she used her knowledge of changing a dog’s behavior on Morgan? Is she brave enough to try? Little by little, Trina gains Morgan’s trust. But will it last?
Trina, and her best friend, Sarah, wrestle on how to close the distance with their first-time boyfriends, Chase, and Peyton before the summer ends. After their final reunion, the girls fear the inevitable. And as expected when school begins, phone calls diminish, jealousy erupts, and Trina attempts to ward off a new persistent admirer.
Guys!! How can they cause so much disruption in a girl’s life?
As Trina and Morgan’s explosive relationship shifts to friendship, the girls discover they are more alike than different. Trina gets pulled into Morgan’s family problems, and keeps secrets from her parents and Sarah. But her decisions cause Trina to suffer the consequences.
Morgan confronts her family problems and discovers her true desires. Morgan’s new goals influence Trina’s ambitions. As painful as it is, Trina sets out to change her direction and tackle her own new dream.
Book Trailers: https://www.sherislevy.com/bibliography
Buy Links: BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD
Publisher
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
Buy Links: BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD
Publisher
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
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