Interview with Author Sherri Hayes

Note: This interview was originally posted on Lori's Book Blog, July 24, 2012 as part of the Need (Finding Anna, Book 2) blog tour.

1)      When did you know that you wanted to become an author?

That’s a good question. It was never something I aspired to be. At 30, I posted my first story online out of pure frustration over a television storyline. By the time I’d finished it, it was the eighth most read story on the site. I had people encouraging me to write something and try to publish it after that, but I didn’t take it all too seriously. English was one of my worst subjects in school. Being an author never occurred to me. It wasn’t until after my publisher read another story of mine I’d posted online, and approached me, that I even considered it.

 

2)      What's your favorite book?          

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

 

3)      I've read a few of your books and I've noticed that your heroines tend to face past challenges, but always come out so strong.  Where do you get your inspiration for these amazing women?

I draw a lot of inspiration for both my hero’s and heroine’s from my own personal experiences.

 

4)      Speaking of amazing characters... I couldn't help but absolutely fall head over heels for Stephan, is there anyone in particular that his character resembles?

As in a real-life person? No. Stephan is defined by his experiences just as all my characters are, just as everyone is.

 

5)      Along with the story, Slave gives off a very important message about Human Trafficking, and how real it really is in today's world... Is there anything specific that inspired you to write about it?

This story idea came to me after hearing the Jaycee Dugard story. I’d been reading some D/s stories at the time, and got the idea to try and mix the two together.

 

6)      What was the hardest, and easiest parts, to write about in Slave and Need?

For the most part, Stephan’s POV is much easier to write than Brianna’s. Every thought, every word, is filled with emotion from her. I find myself in tears when writing her quite often.

 

7)      Can you give us a little hint as to what lies ahead for Brianna and Stephan? 

We are going to find out more about how she ended up with Ian, and more about Ian himself. Also, we are finally going to get to hear John’s side of the story. I know a lot of people are dying for that.

 

8)      Thank you so much for answering my questions today... I just have one more... If you could say anything to your readers, what would it be?"

I hope you enjoy my stories and fall in love with my characters as much as I do.

To read the original blog post in its entirety, click here.