Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Sherry Shindelar

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Sherry Shindelar

I’m pleased to welcome Sherry Shindelar back to my blog today where she shares about her writing journey, latest release, the inspiration behind her stories, and more.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? I’ve written seven books. Four of the books have been published, and two will be published in 2027. I’m currently writing my eighth book. My first book, a Civil War novel, which I rewrote three times, is set to be published in 2028. My two favorites are Texas Forsaken, the first book in my Lone Star Redemption series, and my Civil War story coming out in 2028.

Can you share a real life event that inspired your writing? The story of Cynthia Anne Parker captured my heart a couple decades ago, and she still haunts my imagination. Her story inspired my

novel, Texas Forsaken, and my newly released prequel, Wichita Path Sacrifice, which is part of the Freed by the Frontier novella collection.

Cynthia was taken captive by the Comanche at age nine during an attack on her family’s fort on the Texas frontier in 1836. She became Comanche and an integral part of the tribe for over twenty-four years, married an influential war chief, and had three children. In December 1860, Texas Rangers attacked her village and captured her and her baby girl, Prairie Flower. Eventually, one of Cynthia’s settler relatives claimed her and took her to live with his family, but she refused to accept this new life that was being forced upon her. Several times, she tried to run away to the open plains, desperate to find her husband and her sons to no avail.

Tell us about your road to publication. A visit to a historic home in the Shenandoah Valley, when my husband and I were newly married, spurred my love for history and planted the seed for a story. A few years later, I wrote the novel, then buried it in a box in my closet when it didn’t get published right away. I returned to college to earn a degree in creative writing and eventually a PhD in literature, wondering if I’d ever reconnect with the stories in my head, the ones buried deep in my heart.

Then, in the summer of 2019, the Lord opened my heart to fall in love with writing all over again. And it has been my daily passion ever since. I pulled out the box and unburied the past. My new writing life was born.

I rewrote my first novel from scratch, then I wrote another novel, Texas Forsaken, as I waited for a YES from an agent or editor/publisher. After no’s from several of the biggest publishers (no’s because it wasn’t the right timing for a Civil War story or an Indian captive story), I felt like I was moving toward my goals at turtle speed.

 
But God had a plan. In His perfect timing, He threw open the doors for me to receive my first book contract in June 2023, four years from the time I fell in love with writing all over again. And when it finally happened, the Lord answered my prayers beyond my expectations!

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series? My novella Wichita Path Sacrifice, which is included in Freed by the Frontier, is part of my Lone Star Redemption series. Even though it is the fourth book that I’ve published in the series, it is actually the prequel to Book One, Texas Forsaken. (It’s fine to read it out of order though.) My publisher asked me to write a series, and I’m thankful that they did. I love being able to write stories with interconnected characters and being able to show bits of my characters’ lives years down the road after they initially fell in love.

How do you come up with story lines? I love to draw my stories from real historical events and situations. Wichita Path Sacrifice (part of Freed by the Frontier) and Texas Forsaken are both inspired by real life captive stories.

Why do you write in your particular genre? I cherish history, and I love romance. And I desire to share my faith in my writing, so Christian historical romance is the perfect genre for me.

How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript? My husband and I usually go out for a nice dinner, and I usually take a couple day off from writing before I begin editing.

What is your advice to fledgling writers? Don’t give up. Writing is a marathon. Sometimes you have

no clue how far away the finish line is. You have to pace yourself and keep running. You may trip, you may fall to your knees, but get up and keep going. Turn your race over to the Lord, and trust Him to see you through to the finish. Rejection is part of the career. Rejection is a chance to learn, and grow, and build your perseverance. Write, write, write, and join organizations like ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers, etc.). They offer loads of support. Writing can be a lonely business. I’ve been part of a ACFW critique group for the last five years, and they played a significant role in helping me to eventually get published. Finally, attend conferences and study the craft.

What writers or books have influenced you? Laura Frantz: Her books inspired me to fall in love with writing again and to start writing Christian historical romance. Lori Benton: Her Mountain Laurel and Shiloh books inspired me to write a story of redemption, second chances, and great love. In regards to craft, Susan May Warren’s The Story Equation is my go-to source.

What books are on your nightstand right now? Jamie Ogle’s Daughter of the Rebellion and Gabrielle Meyer’s The Lady of the Red River Valley.

What is your next project? This summer, I finished writing Texas Redeemed, the next story in my Lone Stare Redemption series. This book tells the story of Abigail McKenzie, a newspaper reporter, who writes a news story that gets a man killed. When the man’s brother, Indian agent Jake Cooper, shows up in her office to tell her that her story was based upon lies, she is determined to investigate and make amends. The last thing Jake needs is a city girl following him into Indian Country, putting herself and him in danger. Meanwhile, I’ve started writing the final book in the series, the love story of Little Star and Charlie.

About Freed by the Frontier:

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.

From quaint civilized towns to treacherous mountain passes and wilderness villages, three couples navigate cultural divisions, overcome past wounds, and face deadly dangers to discover that love knows no boundaries. But as war clouds gather and ancient tribal alliances shift, will their newfound relationships survive the coming storm? Or will the clash of worlds tear them apart?

Three unforgettable romances prove that God's greatest blessings often come disguised as our greatest challenges, and that true love can bridge any divide.

Social Media Links: 
Website: https://sherryshindelar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherryshindelarauthor/
FB Author: https://www.facebook.com/historylitgirl/
Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/134972322-sherry-shindelar
Bookbub author page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/527022753

Author Bio:

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry Shindelar loves to take her readers into the past. She is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of over forty years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren. Connect with Sherry at http://www.sherryshindelar.com.

Photo credits:

Author photo and book images: Courtesy Sherry Shindelar

Writing: Pixabay/Pexels

Woman Running: Pixabay/Pexels