Sherry Shearhart and S.L. Shearhart is a horror and children’s literature author. She is in the process of re-branding herself with a change of name, to pen names. Sherry Shearhart is changing to S.L. Anne by the fall of 2023, and the horror pen name will be Searrach. She is also a talk show host, mother, illustrator and makeup artist. She has a history as an Early Childhood Educator and loves to grow and connect with the author community while bringing kindness, magic and adventure through her children’s books. And terrifying, disturbing and suspenseful stories.
She has released 2 children’s books (I Am Going Camping With Mom and I Am Going Camping With Dad.) Both of these stories are in the process of being digitally remastered and will be released in multiple languages. Her next children’s book set to be released before the end of 2023 is called Margle Fargle. Sherry’s first horror publication is found in the anthology HorrorScope, Volume 1. Her next horror project is an anthology of her own works of poems, artistry and short stories woven together into a spine-tingling tale titled “In All This Madness.”
Follow Sherry Shearhart!
Instagram: Sherry Shearhart and S.L. Shearhart
Children’s Website: www.slanneauthor.com
Horror Website: https://slshearhart.wixsite.com
Amazon: Sherry Shearhart
Questions:
1. Tell our readers a little about yourself and your writing (including publications)
I wanted to write and publish books when I was in elementary school. I had a passion for writing my own stories and drawing pictures. Throughout middle school and high school, I would spend my time writing chapter books, none of which were worthy of pursuing publication. A year before the pandemic I began writing a manuscript, eventually, it became a story called Mystery On Flower Pot Island. I knew this story was something special and the start of my journey as a children’s author. Over the last two years, I have grown as an independent author. I have written many manuscripts and illustrated 3 children’s stories. Upon returning from a vacation to Vancouver Island ideas for horror stories had to be told as much as the children’s literature stories. Both genres were ways for me to manage my mental health and day-to-day stress.
2. What writing projects are you currently working on?
Currently, I am writing a book proposal for a chapter book for ages 6-9 called Winnipeg the Witch and the Trick or Treat Uprising. I am digitally remastering the illustrations for the I am Going Camping stories. I have Margle Fargle in the hands of my brilliant book designer James from Son Of A Bisch designs and I am writing the short stories for the In All This Madness anthology.
3. Are you a daytime writer, a mid-day writer, a nighttime writer, or just someone who writes when the mood hits you?
I prefer to write at night. I need quiet to be able to focus. I am a busy mom, so after my children are in bed for the night, I write best. On the days I happen to be kid free I can write all day and all night with breaks every two hours. The main thing is to have uninterrupted quiet.
4. Do you have a writing “Bucket List” (goals you want to accomplish as a writer)?
Yes. I want to have writing become my full-time career. I want to write stories that bring voices to children that are underrepresented in children’s stories. I want to write stories that are relatable and give the readers an emotional connection. I want to write as many books as I can in the time I have. Alzheimer’s runs in my family so I believe I am on a race against the clock to put as many stories from me into the world as possible.
5. Who is your favorite author and why?
My favorite author is C.M Allen. His stories have me hooked from the first sentence. I am drawn in by the tone and style of his writing. He sets the bar for me to want to be a better writer all the time. He is also an author that I can trust with my works in progress and gives me the raw honest truth on how to improve them. I am not only a fan of his work, but he is a friend.
For children’s literature my favorite author is Danielle Marietta. Her books are simply stunning and the stories are so good and relatable.
Traditional authors- my favorite authors are Robert Munsch, Pheobe Gillman, Anne Rice, Stephen King and C.S. Lewis
6. How many books do you read in a month? What are your favorite genres?
Some months I read a book a week. Others I don’t read at all. I often find when I am in the heat of getting a book to launch I spend every spare second on my stories. I have recently put the last half an hour of my day into reading. Being an author it helps to be friends with other authors because you never run out of books you want to read. I read a lot of C.M Allen, Dan Barnes, Sonja F. Blanco, Lanie Mores, Melissa Roberts. I like to read dark fantasy and horror books.
7. HORROR AUTHORS (pick 1-3): What was the first horror movie you ever saw? What is your favorite horror movie? What is the worst horror movie you have ever seen?
The first horror movie I ever watched was Poltergeist. I was at a babysitter and she had it on. It scared the crap out of me. My favorite horror movie is Beetlejuice, followed by Misery and Silence of the Lambs. The worst horror movie I ever watched was Army of Darkness. It was just a bunch of nonsense. I don’t really have any rules about writing. I don’t really like to write about rape, that just doesn’t sit well with me. I also don’t write any religious leaders as a savior, I don’t think that is authentic and also boring to read as a reader.
8. Do you have any pets?
I have two fish that belong to my kids. A blue Beta named Forty and a red Beta named Knuckles.
9. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer?
If you want to be a writer then do it. Don’t feel pressure to write something you aren’t enjoying writing. It takes a long time to grow. Have your book professionally edited and use your resources. If you have a friend that can help you learn how to build a website, get them to teach you. If you have a family member with a useful skill and they offer help for free, see what they can do. This is a costly endeavor and free learning and knowledge is the way to go. And NEVER pay for a book review. It’s a scam. Also, start talking to other authors and build your tribe. You will fit in with someone. They can give you the best advice. Lastly, get outside of your comfort zone. Challenge what you think you can’t do. Believe me, I learned I could do a lot more once I got out of my own way.
Eric Woods, Author 