Interview with Sherry A. Burton

Author of Shameless

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Originally from Kentucky and now live in Michigan’s Thumb.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

Much to my parent’s chagrin, I eloped with a Navy man just after turning eighteen. Since that time, we’ve lived in nine different states and moved over twenty-six times. Michigan was our lengthiest stay since getting married and pretty much where we raised our children who have all settled here. So, when it came time for my husband to retire from the Navy, we came home.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I had a friend who was going through a really tough time. For some reason, I still don’t understand; I told her I was going to write her a happy ending. I started writing; the story took over and ended up being nothing about my friend or her life. That “story” ended up being my first book, Tears of Betrayal.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I’d like to speak to my Orphan Train Saga, which is my heart series. Between 1855 and 1929, there were over 250k children sent west from New York and Boston to find new homes. Children most people haven’t heard about. My books are historical fiction. The children in my books are fictional, and I use history to tell their tales. I introduce seventeen of the eighteen children in Discovery-book one- and each book after that will tell one of the children’s tale. The reader will follow them from their earliest memory, find out what caused them to be on the streets. They will journey with the children on the train and follow them as they grow. This series is void of swearwords and graphic content; however, it is not YA, the children grow up, and there are real-life situations. With that said, I have received e-mails from children as young as nine, letting me know they are enjoying reading this saga.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone who has a love of history. As I write this, I recall an e-mail I received from a nurse I met at a recent signing. She began it with I’m the nurse who told you I didn’t like historical fiction, and you convinced me to buy one of your books. I have to admit; I loved it! So I’d like to change that to say anyone who enjoys a good read.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I know many grow up knowing they want to be an author; I did not. To be honest, I never knew it was an option. So, when writing chose me, I was genuinely amazed that I could not only write; I can tell a story.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Do not hire editors off of Craigs List. Yes, there is a story there and yes, I learned that lesson the hard way.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

What kind of author would I be if I didn’t say I wish to reach the masses. Seriously, this Saga is based on a part of America’s history, which has been mostly forgotten. Over 250k children that most have never heard of. It is my goal to keep their memories alive.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

As with most authors, I think just getting the word out about my books.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A, Storytelling.
B, It was tough at first, but I’ve built a team who help me do it right.
C, Being tenacious, enjoying what I do and telling everyone I meet about my books.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A, Commas (Thankfully I have a good editor.)
B, I don’t know how to format and upload my books, but that is where my team comes in.
C, The market is always changing, so having time to figure out what is outdated and what’s new. It takes a lot of time out of the writing chair.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I finished Treachery two days ago. It is the third in The Orphan Train Saga and will be released in December. I plan on working on a couple of short novellas (for my Jerry McNeal series) this month and beginning book four of The Orphan Train Saga December first. The goal is a new orphan train book every six months.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I was with a small press with my first two books. I am now Indie published.