Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for us at FAR- Fallen Angel Reviews. We know a few things about you such as your web site: http://www.cherylnwarner.com but we are all curious to know more. Autumn Crossroad was the number two best seller for May and June but still on the top ten bestseller list for Whiskey Creek Press also a 5 Angel recommended read. So by answering these questions you can help us get to know you.

What is the one thing that you would want us, the readers to know about you?

Only one thing? Hmm. I guess the main thing I'd like readers to know is that even though I write inspirational novels, I haven't excluded humor or humanness from my stories. I love to laugh, and love to make others laugh. I hope readers walk away from my books chuckling, as well as feeling uplifted and inspired.

Each of my characters are flawed human beings, just like the rest of us. They aren't perfect little angels who do no wrong, and my hope is that we learn from their mistakes right along with them. And just because they're people of faith, it doesn't mean they've had their sexuality surgically removed. I don't include graphic love scenes, but I refuse to pretend that the God-given gift of sexual attraction doesn't exist. Including touches of sensuality in a responsible and decent way is my favorite writing challenge.

Do you have a yahoo group or send out a letter letting your fans know what is going on with you?

Yes, I have a monthly newsletter that I send out to subscribers. It includes information about my books, about appearances or interviews, contests, etc. I also write a blog-like piece for each newsletter called "Thought of the Month", where I share ideas and, hopefully a little inspiration with readers. To subscribe to this free newsletter, all I require is an email request sent to cherylnwarner@comcast.net.

 
On your web site you say you write inspirational romances, who besides God is your inspiration to write such great books?

I draw inspiration from many sources. From family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers whose life experiences touch me to the point that I want to include them in my stories. Or when these same individuals tell me that they enjoyed my first novel and can't wait for the next one, I'm motivated to keep at it. I'm also inspired by great authors, such as Shakespeare, Dickens, and Hemmingway. I love the classics. For inspiration in the romance department, I watch any movie staring Mel Gibson. Just kidding. I'm inspired romantically by my husband, of course!

What do you do in your spare time, if you have any?

I do have very little spare time these days, but when I allow myself a few minutes of freedom, I enjoy reading. I also enjoy playing with my two Papillons or curling up on the sofa with them and my husband to watch a good movie. I like gardening, too, but only in the spring and fall when the humidity and mosquitoes aren't sapping me of my energy and my blood.

Most writers have a day job, do you and what is it? 

Yes, I do have a day job. I'm a Sales Specialist for the magazine division of a major media company. I've just begun a six-month sabbatical leave, which is a great benefit my company offers after fifteen years of service. I'm hoping to squeeze a lot of writing into the next six months, if only I can complete the long overdue task of clearing the junk from my closets and drawers! In between bouts of frenzied organizing, I have begun my fifth novel, so I'm off to a good start.

Of all your books, which one would you say holds the most meaning for you and why?

I'd have to say that Christian Ways holds the most meaning for me. It was the very first book I wrote, and writing it was a journey of discovery: learning just how much I love to write, learning that I could indeed write a novel, and finally finding the one thing that I felt I was born to do. And having traveled this journey with Christian and Zack, the heroine and hero of the story, I feel a closeness to these two characters unlike any others. They are, without a doubt, my most reformed characters, and creating them was an awesome experience. I consider all of my characters my children, but there is something truly special about your firstborn.

Congratulations on Autumn Crossroad being the best seller for the month of May and June. Can you tell us a little about the book?
 

Thank you! (Actually, Autumn Crossroad was the number two best seller for May and June but still on the top ten bestseller list for Whiskey Creek Press.)
 
Since readers can learn about the general premise of Autumn Crossroad on both my website and my publisher's, why don't I share another aspect of the story? Autumn Crossroad not only explores the relationship that builds between Casey and Shawn, but it also explores the various relationships in each of their lives. When FAR's own Amanda reviewed Autumn Crossroad, she said, "This is one romance that treats readers to not only a fabulous, touching romance, but also to a dynamic group of characters that will have readers fully involved in the story."

Creating these characters was a real treat!  The love/hate relationship between Shawn and his mother, while unfortunate, verges on comedic at times. Shawn inherited his father's free-spirit, the one trait that drives his mother crazy and caused her to divorce his father. You can see how she and Shawn would also have problems.

Casey's overbearing Marine Colonel father is so surly and cantankerous that you wonder why Casey still likes men at all. When she goes to work for a female version of her father, you decide that she must have a tyrant magnet located somewhere on her body! Her new job is with a Hollywood Public Relation firm, so needless to say, we go on to meet even more interesting characters in her new clients: an ultra-conservative, yet promiscuous, talk show host. A charming, but suspicious, politician. An actor who practices sexual harassment with witnesses present. Ironically, Casey is able to calmly deal with all of these individuals because of her past experience with her father. She never dreamed that her severe upbringing would one-day become a true blessing in her life.

Are you under contract for any new books, or have any in the works? Can you tell us a little bit about them? Just a little, please?

My third novel, entitled The Speerings, will be published in January of 2007. The first thing everyone asks is what the title means. Speerings is another word for news. In the story, "The Speerings" is the name of a college newspaper that is headed up by Carly Wright. Carly has always adored and respected her father. She's been careful not to do anything to hurt his political career as Mayor, but when she becomes convinced that something is rotten in the sheriff's department, mainly the sheriff himself, she is determined to prove that she is right and the rest of the town is wrong. She tosses aside all loyalty to her father, and rebels in creative and dangerous ways. She begins dating a Sheriff's deputy named Robby, who is a renowned player and has been chasing after her for years. Their friendship has always been a game of cat and mouse, and their courtship is no different. You can imagine the trouble that ensues when she refuses to stop printing smearing commentaries about his boss in "The Speerings".
 
The working title of my fourth novel is "A Prayer for Distraction", and a publishing date is pending. "PFD", as I call it for short, is about a woman named C.D. Waddell who is so desperate to take her mind off of her ex-husband that she prays for God to send her a distraction that will turn her thoughts to other matters while her heart heals. She soon becomes convinced that the answer is begin a search for her biological parents, who abandoned her at the age of three. She doesn't know where or when she was born. She doesn't know what nationality is responsible for her dark complexion and black hair. She doesn't even know what C.D. stands for. When she has no luck searching on her own, she turns to a private investigator, who offers up his own brand of distraction. This novel is the most spiritual of my works. It is also the most sensual. Sounds like a daring mix, I know, but I think it really works. We'll see if a publisher agrees. Stay tuned on this one, folks.
 
The book I just began last week is leaning heavily toward the chick-lit category. Right now, I'm calling it "The PMS Diaries". This diary will take us on the roller coaster ride of the monthly moods of a young woman and how these moods affect both her relationships and her writing. For the moment, her name is Chay (which could change any minute now), and she is determined to write a book, in spite of her moods and all other outside forces. Anyone who is reading this interview and knows me personally is probably asking if this book is an autobiography. The answer is no, however I do consider myself an expert on this particular subject.

My mother has a saying that “God never gives you any more than you can bear”. Do you believe in a saying like that, which will test you and make your belief in God stronger?

My mother used to say that, too. She also had some hilarious southern sayings that I won't get into here.
 
A saying that my husband and I use constantly is "If it's meant to be, it will be". I truly believe that, and saying it helps take a ton of stress off during uncertain times.

In November of this year, Christian Ways comes out. Can you tell us about how the name came about for the book and a little about it?

I like titles that have dual or even multiple meanings. Since my main character in this story is named Christian, it was an easy decision to use her name in the title. I won't give away the dual meaning of the title here, but it is interesting that you asked this question. Names play a big part in the story of Christian Ways. The main character is fascinated with names and enjoys looking up the meaning of the name of every person she meets. When I wrote this story, I gave each character a name that had a meaning appropriate for their personality, even secondary characters. I don't reveal the meaning of every single character's name, but it was a fun learning experience to choose their names based on their meanings. It was like giving birth to many children but without the pain, and picking out their names without scarring them for life.

What is your greatest accomplishment in your life?

Well, writing four books is definitely very high on the list. But I'd have to say that staying married to the same man for twenty-four years has to be my greatest accomplishment, as well as a tremendous blessing.

             
Would you like to share any other insight into the creation of your stories? 

Certainly. Readers might find it interesting to know that three common elements are woven throughout each of my novels. First of all, each of my stories contain spiritual elements, but in varying degrees depending on the story. Secondly, my heroines are always southerners, like me. And lastly, my heroines each have names that are composed of the initials C.W., also like me. Even though I do pour myself into my writing, I have to say that I feel a real closeness to God when I'm creating at my keyboard. I'm very thankful that He bestowed this gift upon me.

 
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions. We wish you all the best and hope to hear more about your great books and upcoming books.

Thank you, Wendi. I enjoyed answering your questions. Blessings to you and all the staff at FAR.

Interviewed by: Wendi