Monday, July 14, 2014

Interview with Christian Author Sharon Srock


Sharon Srock went from science fiction to Christian fiction at slightly less than warp speed. Twenty five years ago, she cut her writer's teeth on Star Trek fiction. Today, she writes inspirational stories that focus on ordinary women using their faith to accomplish extraordinary things. Sharon lives in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma with her husband and three very large dogs. Her books include: The Women of Valley View: Callie, The Women of Valley View: Terri, and The Women of Valley View: Pam.

Welcome back to my blog, Sharon. Where did you get your inspiration for this series?

Thanks for having me Linda. Where did I get my inspiration? That’s still a bit of a mystery. If you look at the first book, CALLIE, The interaction between Callie and her three friends is very reminiscent of the church I attended for more than 40 years. I don’t think I meant it to be, but my daughters and my friends are constantly finding themselves in my books.

That’s funny. I think that might be something a lot of authors do. Please tell us about book one.

THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: CALLIE

Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who’s befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her. Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities.

Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing.  And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family. For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.

I read book two and loved it. Please tell my readers what book two is about.

THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: TERRI

Despite a bustling day care center and a new foster child, Terri Hayes hungers for a family of her own. Then a plumbing mishap leaves her homeless and questioning God’s plan. Steve Evans’s gracious offer of his basement apartment as a temporary solution is an answered prayer.

Steve is a successful writer and a good father, but Terri is horrified when Steve’s book research leads him to a harsh confrontation with the parents of her foster child.  She needs to distance herself from Steve, but her efforts fall short as his two scheming daughters plot to make Terri their new stepmother. Will harsh words and sneaky plans drive Kelsey’s family further apart and put a wedge between Terri and Steve? Or does God have another plan in store?


Now tell us what the third book is about.

THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: PAM

Pam’s divorce broke her heart. The cruelty of her ex-husband broke her spirit. A bottle of sleeping pills almost took her life. Four years later the scars of Alan Archer’s emotional abuse are beginning to fade under the love of her new husband. When Alan returns to Garfield, Pam must learn that buried secrets and carefully cultivated indifference do not equal forgiveness.

Alan Archer has returned to Garfield with a new wife and a terminal heart condition. His mission? To leave a Christian legacy for his children and to gain Pam’s forgiveness for the sins of his past.
Two hearts hang in the balance waiting for the delicate touch of God’s healing hands.

Are there more books coming out in this series?

Book four, THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: SAMANTHA was just contracted. I am about 20,000 words away from putting “THE END” to book five, THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: KATE. In six months I’ll begin the final story, THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: KARLA. I’ve lived with this community of women in my head for six years now. I’m not sure what happens when I try to shift gears to new stories and new people.

Who is one of your favorite characters in this series and what do you love about her?

I have to say Callie. She was me when I started out, but she outgrew me pretty quickly. She is wiser and more dedicated than I am. Callie is who I want to be when I grow up.

Hahaha. I understand how you feel.  Thanks for this wonderful interview. I hope my readers will check out your books and tell the librarians to order them for the library.

To get a FREE novella, FOR MERCIE’S SAKE by Sharon Srock, click here.

Connect with Sharon at www.sharonsrock.com.

Please visit her AMAZON page to find current info on her books.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have never read any of Sharon Srock's books and would like to start, by winning one.

patucker54 at aol dot com

Laurean Brooks said...

Wonderful interview, and the books sound awesome. They deal with difficult topics, hard for some writers to write.

Sharon, thank you for your courage. It takes people like you to bring these issues out in the open.

Sonja said...

I have one of Sharon's books and would love to read another!

Sharon said...

Linda, thanks so much for allowing me to visit yiur blog again. Ladies, i wish you could all win, but i hope you'll take the time to get acquainted with my wonem even if yiu don't.

Remember, you could always get a taste of my writing un the free novella, FOR MERCIE'S SAKE. Linda posted the link for you.

Anonymous said...

I read For Mercie's Sake and loved r it would like to read more of your books

bebbiesue45@hotmail.com

Terri said...

Sharon, the Women of Valley View series is fantastic! But then so is For Mercie's Sake. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books. As someone else posted, you tackle tough issues. And you do it so we'll. no need to enter me in the drawing, I already have the books.

Sharon said...

bebbiesue, so glad you enjoyed FOR MERCIE'S SAKE. Terri, you always make me smile!

Susan Johnson said...

These look like great books. I have For Mercie's Sake on Kindle but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. I guess I better get busy.
susanmsj at msn dot com

Sharon said...

Susan...read...read...read!!! :)

J "Joy" Dawn King said...

I love a good clean story. What I appreciate about your premise for your books is that you do not write clean fluff. It irks me when some authors relate moral values with no substance. I deeply appreciate that about Linda's books as well. Thank you for the giveaway, the novella, and the opportunity to get to know you better.

Sharon said...

J Dawn, thanks for your comment. I try to make my women as real as possible. I hope you enjoy the novella, and that you'll take time to get to know the Valley View women as well.

Cheryl R said...

I really think this is a great series from the description, I like that the characters have to face so many trials and they come out of them with the Lord by their side. Thanks for these!

Unknown said...

I have not read any of Sharon Srock books, but they definitely sound like something I should check out!

Sharon said...

Cheryl and Jasmine. Good luck in the drawing. I hope you check out THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW even if you don't win.

Shirley said...

Thanks for offering the free books.
I have read Sharon's book and posted a review of it on several sights. I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful read that greatly encouraged me to live closer to what God calls us to.
Shirley
straitfromthehive(at)gmail(dot)com

Sharon said...

Shirley, thats for the read and review. I appreciate you.

Anonymous said...

I have read and loved each one of the books in this series. They each show God's mercy, love and grace in difficult situations. I do have For Mercie's Sake and be reading it the next day or two. Since I have read the books, you don't have to include in the drawing.

Ann Ellison
abilene_nana@yahoo.com

Robin in NC said...

Each book blurb sounds great! Thanks for sharing the interview with us Linda! Sharon, thank you for sharing FOR MERCIE'S SAKE & the chance to win your 3 Women of the Valley View books!!

RW620(at)aol(dot)com

Sharon said...

Ann, I hope you enjoy FOR MERCIE'S SAKE.

RW, I hope you get a chance to enjoy all of the books. Good luck in the drawing.

Unknown said...

Way to go. You are putting it all together with your books
God bless u
Chris
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

Sharon said...

Chris, I am so glad you are enjoying them! Thanks for dropping by.

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations to Robin Weiss! She is the winner these wonderful books. Happy reading!