AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
After my phase of competing in horse shows and deciding I’d like to become a vet, upon further reflection that this might not be the best career choice (knowing I was allergic to animals), I decided to become a physical education teacher (since I loved sports and was a member of three varsity teams). This was reviewed in dismay by my high school principal, since I turned down the offer of a scholarship to Wellesley (because they didn’t offer a degree in P.E.) – but it was very rewarding when ten years after graduation I became the Head of the P.E. Department at that very same school!
WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
I have always written rhyming poetry, even at age 4 when my mother wrote down my poems for me. So I’ve always been a “writer”, but only became a published author in 2009 at age 69!
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
All of my books are about consideration for others and being kind, usually disguised as fun stories - so the idea of a book about the Golden Rule was a decision to be a little more specific and to show children the ways they could follow the Golden Rule in their own young lives. (I really wish I could send copies to Congress!)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
“It’s a rule that you live by, to give and to share,
A way to treat others to show that you care.”
The book’s main message is “Treat others the way you’d like them to treat you” and is filled with suggestions on ways children can do this!
WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?
I would like to think Robert, the main character, is hopefully most like me. He does bring out the teacher in me!
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated!
TELL US SOMETHING FUN ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
Reading to children is the most rewarding and fun part of being an author, and can also provide many entertaining moments. I remember one event during the question and answer session where, after multiple questions, one child raised her hand, stood up, and announced, “I have a pillow pet!” Immediately, about 30 other hands shot up into the air. Sensing a pattern, I asked, “How many others of you have a pillow pet!” Almost all hands shot up into the air!!! Then we went on to more serious issues!!
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
Dr. Seuss. I love his ability to think in rhyme and meter, although he had a tendency to make up words to fit his rhymes!
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
The Bible, of course, but I am a prolific reader so it’s difficult to select just one! To simplify, perhaps Horton Hatches the Egg. I love that message…
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
My first published book, Santa’s Birthday Gift, is my favorite and apparently my fans’ favorite too since it’s sold over 6,000 copies now (which is an accomplishment for a soft-cover independent-press holiday book).
HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?
I sent out a few inquiries when I first wrote the stories, but after receiving the message that publishers weren’t accepting unsolicited manuscripts and the agents weren’t accepting unpublished manuscripts, I decided to not go there! Later, when I retired and was not getting any younger, I sent my manuscript to SBPRA (which was at that time, Eloquent Books)…and the rest is history!
WHAT DID YOU DO TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION/PUBLISH DATE/OR OTHER OF YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
My husband took a photo of me holding Santa’s Birthday Gift when it arrived, which has become a tradition for each successive book.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
My publisher has been awesome throughout each of the steps to publication, with my only concerns happening in the edit phase (since my books have rhyme and meter, and cannot be subject to many suggested revisions. “Said”, “replied” and “responded” are not interchangeable, as far as meter is concerned!) However the most important advice I can give is to have your book edited!!! Any book with poor punctuation, misspellings, misused words, etc. will never make it in this world of abundant authors, so please don’t skimp on this valuable part of the process!
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
Social media is imperative! Facebook, including a Facebook Fan Page, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram are all basic necessities, as well as having a Blog of some sort (I use wordpress – sherrillcannon.com ) where you can communicate with your readers. I also enter lots of contests, since winning an award provides instant credibility in the ever-growing world of authors. I have been very fortunate, since in addition to my Silver Medal in the 2016 CLC Awards, my books have won a total of 42 awards!
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
Please continue to submit your books to the Literary Classics. Their Seal of Approval is awesome, whether or not you actually win a medal. Parents look for books with CLC approval!!
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
Yes, I have one last book I’d like to have published. (Since I am already 76 years old, I probably won’t be writing any more new ones.)
If my publisher agrees, it will be available in 2017. (I can only manage to release one per year!)
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews
International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval
http://www.clcawards.org
