I met Author Shelley Pierce at Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference several years ago. She’s helped me and other writers navigate through questions regarding the publishing industry, the how to’s, and the what if’s. She is the author of two award winning middle grade fiction books that you’re sure to enjoy.
Tell readers a few things about yourself.
I love Jesus, my best friend-husband, and my kids and grandkids. Oh…and my dog. I adore my dog. She “gets” me. i kill houseplants as a hobby. I enjoy cooking and baking and eating.
Did you always want to write?
My interest in writing began in elementary school when I fell in love with reading. Charlotte’s Web fascinated me. The characters. The story. The tension. The fear. The laughter. I couldn’t just read it and move on. I read it and read it again. I wanted to figure out how E.B. White held me captive! Let’s agree, the book is terrific, terrific, terrific!
What book or article are you currently working on or just released?
My first non-fiction work, Sweet Moments, Insights and Encouragement for the Pastor’s Wife, released in February, 2019. My first picture book, I Know What Grandma Does While I’m Napping, is set to release the end of July! YAY! I’m working on volume three of my middle grade fiction series, The Crumberry Chronicles.
What advice do you have for young writers?
The best advice I can give to young writers is to study and strive to learn everything you can about the craft and never give up. Oh, and thank God for rejection notices, it’s proof that you are not going to quit.
Do you write in silence or with background noise/music?
I usually write in silence. Definitely no talking…background talk feels like it scrambles my brain while I’m trying to put together a sentence of substance.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books/writing?
I want my readers to complete my books wishing there was more. It’s also important to have a sense of hope that comes from knowing God is real and He loves us. It would be a bonus if all readers would feel compelled to write an amazon review and tell all their friends!
Writing is a gift. That my words would be read is an honor.
Did you dream of being a writer/author when you were young?
My parents gave me a typewriter for Christmas when I was very young. I sat at the table late into the night typing out a story. I have carried the dream o f being an author for many years.
Where do you get your inspiration to write?
My inspiration for writing comes from my relationship with God and the children in my life. I find when I am faithful in Bible reading and study, I am far more creative than when I allow the busyness of life to take over. I pay attention to conversations between children, their expressions, and what makes them laugh.
Shelley is a Director of Preschool and Children’s Ministries and a grandma. She is the author of “The Crumberry Chronicles” middle grade speculative fiction series which includes The Wish I Wished Last Night and Battle Buddies. Shelley’s first nonfiction, Sweet Moments, Insight and Encouragement for the Pastor’s Wife, released February, 2019. These titles, plus her work in progress, book three in The Crumberry Chronicles, are published through Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. Shelley enjoyed years as a contracted writer for LifeWay Childhood Ministries and is published in numerous devotions, magazines, and books.
You can find Shelley online at her website, instagram, and facebook.
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