Busy bestselling author Sheri Whitefeather kicked off her writing career with the Silhouette Desire romance WARRIOR’S BABY in 1999, and she has been steadily adding to her list of published novels ever since. This month she debuts her 34th title, MASQUERADE, which is the third erotic romance she has published with Berkley Heat (the previous two were published under her pen name, Cherie Feather). This summer she will add another two, PRIVATE DANCER, and the novella WEDDING FAVORS.
In addition to erotic romance, the former makeup artist and leather artisan writes historical and contemporary romances, and many of her stories incorporate her vast knowledge of Native American culture.
For this interview, Whitefeather shares her thoughts on her upcoming release, MASQUERADE.
What was the inspiration for this novel? Luke and Amber, the hero and heroine, are secondary characters that appeared in other books. They evolved from a ménage, which created a romantic challenge for me. I had to delve into Amber’s mind and help her figure out why she favored ménages and wasn’t able to commit to one man in the past. As for Luke, I had to help him figure out why he was currently involved in a threesome when he was more of a traditional guy.
Although MASQUERADE is a contemporary romance and Luke and Amber’s relationship is the focal point of the story, there is also a historical subplot. When I first started writing, I didn’t think I had a historical voice. But I do! So far, all of my Berkley Heats have been plotted and written this way. I’m happy to say that I’ve received praise for it, too. Readers love the historical twists.
What was your writing process?
I usually create a brief outline and let details develop as I write. I like seeing the story unfold, especially when the characters take over and start changing the rules. Their spontaneity is what keeps my job fresh and fun.
How much time do you spend writing each week?When I’m deep in the throes of a story, I work six to seven day a week. It’s hard to walk away from the computer or focus on other things. I’m compulsive, I suppose. But I think most prolific writers are.
How do you get yourself in a writing frame of mind?I just sit down and write. If the pages suck, I rewrite them until they work. I actually do better in the polishing stages. That’s the part I enjoy the most.
What was the best advice you’ve received about writing?Many years ago at OCC, a multi-published author gave a workshop about the financial aspect of writing and how many books a year most authors have to sell to survive. It opened my eyes to the business side of writing and prepared me for the road ahead. Up until that point, every workshop I attended was based on the mechanics and/or creative sides of writing. I’ve come to realize how important it is to discuss the ups and downs of actually making a living from our craft, too.
What is something you know now about writing that you wish you had known when you started?When I was new, I thought every word I wrote would remain imbedded in my mind. But after almost 40 books, I get forgetful. I’ll marvel over a clever passage from my current work, then realize it’s not all that clever because I’ve used the same phrase before. Sometimes I have to go back and check. The amazing thing is that our readers remember everything.
How do you overcome writers block, or any rough patch as you’re working on a story?I’ve never had writer’s block, but I do hit rough patches in a story. Sometimes I discuss it with my critique partners, and sometimes I sit quietly and wait for the characters to speak to me. Of course sometimes I don’t even know it’s a rough patch and an editor will point it out and request a revision.
Could you elaborate on your critique group?
Judy Duarte and Chris Marie Green are my critique partners, and they read everything I write. We’ve been working together for over 10 years and are the best of friends. In the beginning, we mailed our pages back and forth. Then we started faxing. Now, of course, we email. Their feedback is essential. I couldn’t imagine my career without them.
What are 5 of your favorite novels?
My all-time favorite book is RIDE THE WIND, by Lucia St. Clair Robson. It’s based on the life of Cynthia Ann Parker, who was captured by the Comanche and married one of their chiefs. It’s beautiful and tragic and powerfully written. Cynthia was a remarkable woman and her son, Quanah Parker, became the last free war chief of the Comanche.
Next up is Kathleen Eagle’s FIRE AND RAIN. I love every book she’s ever written, but this one inspired me to try my hand at contemporary novels with historical subplots. Kathleen’s execution of the dual time frames blew me away.
My favorite erotic romance is MENAGE, by Emma Holly. This is the first threesome book I ever read, and it still tops the charts. The characters are deep and emotional and the plot is wonderfully daring.
My favorite adventure is TARZAN OF THE APES. I read it when I was a teenager and couldn’t put it down. In my opinion, Tarzan has been poorly depicted in movies and on TV. I think the closest and truest movie rendition is “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.” Christopher Lambert captured the essence of the character.
Lastly, my favorite classic is GONE WITH THE WIND. I’ve always loved the movie, and when a reader sent me a copy of the book, I was thrilled to read it.
For more about Sheri Whitefeather and her books, visit
http://www.sheriwhitefeather.com/.
Yeah, I know, I haven't had much to say lately. But I haven't been idle, honest. Just writing. And writing. And writing some more. Today there's a workman in the house -- a bathroom is getting a little sprucing up, thanks to this year's tax refund (yay!) -- and the munchkin is being her adorable, if somewhat high-maintenance self, but otherwise it is expected to be another clear day of steady writing ahead.
