Genre ~ Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Publication date ~ January 13, 2025
Page Count ~ 187
Amazon link ~ https://amzn.to/4i67UUy
On writing:
Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?
In Goddess Game, Fiona was the hardest character to write. I had to maintain a balance of her not violating Bethanyās freewill. She was there for guidance but not in a way that doesnāt allow Bethany to gain the knowledge she needs.
In your book you make a reference to a series of dreams. How did you come up with this idea?
In my book Goddess Game, there are a series of dreams that Bethany has that indicate her progress. These were based loosely on recurring dreams that I have had in my life. I have had times when I was lucid in those dreams and tried to control it and things just got worse later on. I also had an experience similar to the last major dream that she had. I just hope I captured it in a way that is as impactful for the reader as it was for me.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
My ideas come from a variety of places. Sometimes they are inspired by dreams. Life is so random and varied that often an experience or observation will begin germinating the beginnings of a story. I know Iām onto something when my brain goes, āOh, thatās fun!ā That doesnāt mean that the idea has to be light or silly. For me, it means the exploration of that idea is stretching my creativity in some way.
What advice would you give budding writers?
Make sure you take the time to learn the business around writing so you can make the best choices and save yourself a lot of time and headaches. Just know it takes time.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
I occasionally do freelance work to include bookkeeping, virtual assistant, editing, and graphic design.
How long have you been writing?
Iāve been writing since junior high. I won an English award in high school and a fiction award in college. Then, life happened, and I only wrote in spurts, publishing a few short stories. I tried to get serious about writing around 2009, again in 2018, and finally began making headway in 2023.
Do you ever get writerās block? What helps you overcome it?
I had a āWrite on Purposeā coach for about a year. We didnāt talk about the craft of writing. It was more of an exploration of why I wanted to write and getting so clear about it that I will push
through anything to continue. For me, writerās block usually means I donāt know something or have the tools for the current challenge Iām facing. So, I find the tools or research or read or free write ā whatever seems to be the best fit, but taking action is key.
What is your next project?
I have sequels to two previous books that I wrote that I would like to complete before summer 2025. The more books I complete, though, the more I am learning about my process, and I donāt want to rush anything. Iāll take it one book at a time. The first one in the pipeline is a continuation of a sci-fi story for teens.
What is the last great book youāve read?
I really enjoyed Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. It surprised me and delighted me. It was fun and thought-provoking.
How are you similar to or different from your lead character?
I have a lot of similarities to my lead character in Goddess Game. Bethany and I both struggle with taking risks for fear of failure. However, it is in the failing that we often learn the most. So, Iām here for it, whatever may come.
What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing your book?
Honestly, I forced myself into a deadline that may have been a little too constricting. I wish I had maybe given myself one more month to expand more on characters and the situation.
In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like?
I love learning, so I found the process fun. Some parts are tedious, but there is a Zen to just getting to work and checking things off the to-do list.
On rituals:
Where do you write?
Iāve finally reached the pinnacle of existence ā I have my own office/room in my house. There, I have my desk, a reading nook, my electric piano, and a closet full of crafting supplies and equipment. It is glorious.
Do you write every day?
I write in spurts and not necessarily every day. I know logically consistency and habits are the means to accomplishing great things. I also find allowing myself to flow almost spontaneously on some days feeds something in my soul and helps me come back to routine refreshed and energized.
What is your writing schedule?
During the times when I have done all my preliminary work and am ready to just write, I like to do so in the morning. I will typically write as much as I can with short 10-15 minute breaks every hour to stretch my legs, get water, and check on my dog. If I really feel inspired, I will continue writing through the afternoon. I do my best to stop around 5 PM-ish so I can spend time with my family in the evening.
Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?
I do like to begin with a 5-minute free write to clear my mind. I then do a 10-minute free write to get my thoughts organized around what Iām about to work on. Then, I get to work.
In todayās tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?
Iām a doodler. I donāt write out parts of my stories on paper, but I love a good brainstorming session with pen and paper. It can become a lovely collage of written ideas scribbled with arrows criss-crossing here and there as well as weird cartoons.
Fun stuff:
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
Well, there are folks that say Atlantis existed here on Earth and that they had technology that surpassed what we currently have. That would be interesting to see. Where do I sign up, please?
Favorite travel spot?
I love the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina. The area is beautiful and calming.
Favorite dessert?
Peanut butter mixed with a little maple syrup and cacao powder topped with coco-whip and sprinkled with chocolate chips. Delicious.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, which 3 books would you want with you?
I think I would have to go with How to Survive on a Desert Island, Ask and it is Given, and my old college textbook, Anthology of American Literature.
Any hobbies? or Name a quirky thing you like to do.
I enjoy making things. Currently, I make soap, my own deodorant, notebooks, sublimated items, bowl cozies, backpacks, etc.
If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?
I want everyone to experience the joy of who they are.
What is something you’ve learned about yourself during the pandemic?
In January 2020, just before everything went really off the rails, I started my training at the police academy (I had been hired as a Park Ranger in 2019 and becoming a sworn peace officer was required). I learned that I could survive just about anything in any circumstance once I decide to do it.
What is your theme song?
āThey Stood Up for Loveā by Live
What song is currently playing on a loop in your head?
āThey Stood Up for Loveā by Live. At any given moment, I might even start singing it out loud. It always makes me smile and feel joyful. My dog and husband may feel otherwise.
What is your go-to breakfast item?
Currently, a chocolate-peanut butter protein bar.
What is the oldest item of clothing you own?
My paternal grandfather died when I was in high school. It may sound odd, but he was a small man and had lots of clothes that he hadnāt even worn. My grandmother let me take whatever I wanted ā a bunch of wildly patterned pajamas, some blue corduroy pants, a thin gray pullover sweater with thin stripes, and the coolest brown jacket I have ever owned. I wore the pajamas to pieces, but I still have the pants, the sweater and the jacket. I think of my grandfather every time I see them in my closet. And, occasionally, I still wear the sweater because itās cool. These items are well over 30 years old. I also have a thin, black sweater that belonged to my great grandmother. Itās possibly over 50 years old. Itās possible I may need to shop for new clothes.
What is the strangest way you’ve become friends with someone?
I was attending a chainsaw certification class (I was a Park Ranger at the time) and I met a woman that worked in maintenance at another park. We hit it off right away ā joking around and talking excitedly about making things. We were in another training together (Wilderness Search and Rescue) and the trainer thought we must have known each other since we were children, but it was only the second time we had met.
Who was your childhood celebrity crush?
Joey Lawrence when he was on Blossom. āWhoa!ā I canāt believe I just answered that.
Book blurb:
What if you always knew the safest pathāuntil suddenly, you didnāt?
Bethany Hart has spent her life using a secret superpower: the ability to see possible futures and choose the least risky path through any social situation. For decades, sheās avoided conflict, surprises, and heartbreak, crafting a quiet, predictable life.
But when a chance encounter with a charming stranger at the grocery store causes her ability to glitchāoffering her a glimpse of a perfect future before vanishing entirelyāBethany is left navigating life without her supernatural safety net. As awkward mishaps mount and long-buried emotions resurface, she begins to wonder: has her gift been protecting her, or holding her back?
With the support of her best friend Jenna, her unexpectedly wise ex-husband Caleb, and a mysterious spiritual guide named Fiona, Bethany embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She soon realizes that true strength isnāt found in controlling every outcomeāitās in having the courage to embrace uncertainty.
A heartwarming contemporary fantasy about taking risks, facing fears, and opening your heart to life’s infinite possibilitiesāeven when you have no idea what comes next.
Author bio:
Sheila Lee Brown is a writer, artist, and generally very curious person. She spent her childhood playing outdoors in the woods surrounding her home and making up stories with her three siblings. She has tried several careers including teaching high school and becoming a Park Ranger. Sheila currently lives with her husband and their dog and enjoys writing, reading, drawing silly cartoons, and always learning and growing.
Website: http://www.tz-books.com.
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