      
      
      
An Interview
With
Sheryl Ellis
ER!-Sheryl,
I've been looking forward to this interview all week,
particularly after visiting your website at http://www.geocities.com/wanageshik/Crossroads_Authors_Page.html The Bronze God, Deal Me Out,
Confabulation and Dear Melissa are from Crossroads. I
understand that Deal Me Out is a self help book about
gambling. It's "the book the gambling industry hopes
you'll *never* read." Dear Melissa is also
non-fiction. Of course, I've been to your site (a number
of times:-)), but can you tell readers who haven't been
their yet, what led you to tell this story?
SE-Well
Cassii, you're about to get the exclusive story on
where the ideas for these books came from. I wrote
DEAL ME OUT because a number of casinos moved into my
area and I saw several friends lose fortunes, jobs
and reputation to their compulsion to gamble. As a
psychologist, I decided to explore the reasons behind
why seemingly rational and frugal people would get
caught up in such high-stakes activities where the
house obviously held the advantage. I called upon my
expertise in psychology and hypnosis and combined
that with a thorough study on modern brainwashing
techniques. It was amazing to discover that casinos,
and many other commercial enterprises manipulate
unsuspecting people into practically giving their
money away. The human brain is very complex, yet it
can be easily controlled by various trance-inducing
methods. My book will show you how to break the spell
and regain your mental faculties. The techniques are
also effective for overcoming other compulsive and
irrational impulses. You'd think a book like this
would be rather scholarly and dry, but nothing could
be further from the truth. I used humor and playful
metaphors throughout to illustrate the concepts. It's
actually a very entertaining book dealing with a very
serious topic.
DEAR MELISSA... is more fact than fiction, although I
call it fiction because I had to change parts of the
story in the interest of national security, as well
as the privacy of my family. The book is written
about my daughter, who was abducted at the age of
three by her Middle-Eastern father, and taken to
Jordan. The twist is, several members of the family
were terrorists, now convicted and locked up for
high-profile bombings. I traveled to the Middle East,
while pregnant with my son, to extricate her from
their clutches. It's not a pretty story. The book is
written as a letter to my daughter, who truly had no
idea who her father was until she began to have
nightmares about the abduction. When I finally
started to tell her the whole story, it was so
unbelievable and complex, my answers only led to more
questions; so I decided to write her a series of
letters (she was away at college by then). The
subject and the book are still hard for me to talk
about, that's why it's not yet published. I have to
put it down for weeks at a time. I'm just now adding
the final touches and hopefully it will be released
in the next few months.
ER!-What
about The Bronze God and Confabulation? What are they
about?
SE-Same
thing, Cassii... These things, or at least most of
them, actually happened while I was working as a
psychologist in the prison system for 12 years. THE
BRONZE GOD has a powerful message, but it's also very
witty. If you like delicious sex scandals, you'll
LOVE this book! Instead of 'bashing' the bad-girl, I
presented her side of the story. Most crime novels
are written with the slant that the villain is always
wrong for doing what they did. THE BRONZE GOD is from
the perspective of the woman incriminated. She tells
a fascinating story of love and betrayal that will
leave the reader stunned. It definitely challenges
our assumptions about wanton women. It's a whole new
breed of crime novel in that it wraps romance,
suspense and erotica into the story. I think it will
appeal to a wide audience because of its intrigue,
fast pace and intricate plot. Guess you can tell I
love the book, eh? <G>
When I wrote CONFABULATION, I cried the entire time.
The unspeakable crimes and the people who committed
them haunted my soul. I've temporarily pulled the
book because I want to add more about the infamous
criminals I treated as a psychologist. I can't break
doctor-patient confidentiality, but I can write a
fiction book! <S>
ER!-You
also have an entire line of The Bronze God products, from
mousepads to coffee mugs. I just want to let readers know
that they can find everything they need to know about
these products by visiting your site or by visiting http://www.cafepress.com/sherylellis/
Ok...onto your works:
What are you currently working on?
SE-Thanks
for the plug, Cassii! Actually, the products are a
bit of a spoof. Hopefully people will get a chuckle.
In addition to polishing the titles that will be
released shortly, I contribute articles to
Themestream. Two of my most popular articles were,
MANIFESTING FOR DUMMIES and AM I YOU, GOD? http://www.themestream.com/gspd_browse/author/view_author_info.gsp?auth_id=53180
I'm also now writing the second installment for a
character I developed named DR. BART. He's a feline
hypnotherapist for sexually dysfunctional cats. That
has now led to another series I'm writing, MS. THANG,
who is a New Age liberal psychologist who takes on
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Radio Talk Show Psychologist
and personality. I'm also writing a serial novella,
TALES OF A TOPLESS MAID, which I offer as a free gift
to people who visit my website. Of course you already
know about BAD-ASSED GIRLS IN HISTORY, which is also
available for free at my site. I had to take some of
the erotica off my pages a few weeks ago because my
web-host has restrictions. Apparently I went a bit
too far! <G> I just wrote another article and
submitted it, SECRETS OF A SHAMELESS HUCKSTER, which
discusses my tips on marketing your e-book. It's not
the typical advice, it's focused more on matching
your attitudes, beliefs, thoughts, actions and
vibrations to what you want to attract. I hope it's
accepted.
I'm also the informal psychologist at
CROSSROADSPUB.COM (my publisher) and have come up
with some ways for us to de-stress and keep our
positivity flowing. In addition to playing The
Gratitude/Appreciation Game, I put together a helpful
webpage where people can go to meditate, chill out,
and reaffirm their self-worth. http://www.geocities.com/wanageshik/AffirmationsWebpage.html
As you
know, THE SEEDLING PROJECT, which I founded a few
years ago, keeps me very busy. I put together the
monthly newsletter that goes out to prisoners in 27
states. I teach a mental technique, which has been
one of the few approaches found effective for
changing thinking patterns. But I try to balance out
all that serious-stuff by writing. SECRETS OF A
MODERN DAY WIZARD will be finished in the next six
months.
ER!-Is
there a book out there that you're just dying to write
but for some reason haven't?
SE-Actually,
yes! I wrote the first chapter of THINKING STRAIGHT
IN A CROOKED WORLD almost two years ago and never
seem to get around to finishing it. It's a self-help
book. I guess writing it feels too much like work!
ER!-What
would you say as been your biggest writing challenge?
SE-All
of it! LOL! Actually, my biggest writing challenge
has been sentence structure, grammar and finding the
exact words to describe what I'm trying to say. I've
spent the past 10 months working closely with the
Author Development Specialist at Crossroads, Steve
Lazarowitz, who is a well-known science
fiction/fantasy writer on the Internet. He calls me
his star pupil because I worked tremendously hard to
improve every aspect of my writing. I read, studied
style and technique, and he now says I have kick-ass
dialogue! Even though I had tons of determination and
ambition, I still needed to learn the rules. I'm a
great story-teller and my books are very lively and
entertaining, but they were an editor's nightmare!
Now I would say I'm getting right up there with the
pros... er, maybe semi-pros is more accurate.
<G>
Crossroads is a great e-publisher, not only because
we work cooperatively as a team, but because their
acquisitions editors can sniff out a good story. They
have very exacting standards for submissions, but if
they think you've got a unique book and enough raw
talent and determination to put six months to a year
getting it into publishable shape--they'll turn you
into a best-selling author. Having such a wonderful
team behind you is like having a whole room full of
personal trainers at the gym. Before a Crossroads
book ever hits the cyber-shelves, it's been edited,
re-edited, reworked and read by almost a dozen people
for their feedback. Hitting their site is like
walking into a show on Broadway. The cover art is
original work done by a gifted group of artists, and
they use midis to complete the whole atmosphere that
showcases a book. Personally, I haven't seen anything
like it elsewhere on the net. In the next month or
two Crossroads will be offering their selections in
POD, and audio is promised to follow. It's an
exciting time to be an author.
I try to read as many of Crossroads books as I can
and still get some of my own writing done. Every
single one I've read has far surpassed the quality
I've seen at the brick and mortar bookstores lately.
I'm not just blowing smoke because they're my
publisher, go to the site yourself and read some of
the sample chapters the authors have made available.
It still astounds me that one e-publisher could
attract so much talent. They must be doing something
right because they've managed to keep their prices
low and their standards exceptionally high. http://crossroadspub.com/list.htm
ER!-Many
writers have written since they were young. They were
daydreamers.
Avid readers. What about you? Has your passion to write
always been there?
SE-I
actually have a theory about the creative types in
our world. Daydreaming is a critical function in the
evolvement of our species. We are more, much more
than we imagine ourselves to be. And the world has
many facets and dimensions, things that are only out
of our reach when we're using left brain functions.
In dreamer-types, the right brain is highly developed
and these people are the visionaries. They are
constantly reshaping this dimension with their ideas.
The imagination is much more than we think it is.
Many authors will tell you they travel 'outside
themselves' when they're writing, and some later look
at what they've written and wonder who wrote it.
Creative types have paranormal experiences. If they
weren't hesitant to bring it up, they'd tell you
about 'out of body' experiences and astral travel.
Much of this is explored in my upcoming book, SECRETS
OF A MODERN DAY WIZARD. Everyone has the ability to
do this and much more. Personally, I'm very psychic
and have 'strange' experiences all the time. I'm like
right out of one of Stephen King's novels; a real
Carrie! <G> I don't use my 'powers' for evil
though.
As far as always wanting to write, yes, it's been a
life-long passion of mine. I worked for my
high-school newspaper and was always starting novels,
writing poetry and short stories or letters to the
editor of the local newspaper. My psychological
reports were considered legendary. I've always had a
bookwormish side to me and spent hours reading and
writing.
ER!-Is
there anything out there that you'd like to do, but
haven't yet been given the opportunity?
SE-Yes,
as a matter of fact I've always wanted to be a
stripper! Something about performing on the stage has
always excited me. Maybe I was Gypsy Rose Lee in one
of my past incarnations, eh? <G> Actually, I'm
getting a bit too old and out of shape for that now
but I do hope to do some stand-up comedy someday.
There's actually very little, if anything, we can't
do if we put our mind to it. It's the difference
between waiting for opportunity and making
opportunity.
ER!-Is
there a book that you've written, but we'll never see?
Why?
SE-Yes,
it's called, I LOVED AN ALCOHOLIC. I wrote it right
after I found my boyfriend of 12 years dead on our
kitchen floor. He hemorrhaged to death, so it was
quite a ghastly sight. I intended the book to be
useful to women who happened to love someone in spite
of their problems, but it got so personal that I
never dared publish it. It was cathartic to write,
though.
ER!-If you
weren't a writer, what would you be doing?
SE-Not
to be glib, but whatever else I felt like doing. I
try to realize ALL of my dreams.
ER!-Of all
the character's you've written about, who would you say
is most like you? And why?
SE-There's
always a little bit of me in every one of my lead
female characters. I'm mostly a mixture of Sasha in
THE BRONZE GOD and Ellie in CONFABULATION; both
naughty while still being quite innocent and
vulnerable.
ER!-What's
the non-writing world like for you? Is there a husband, a
boyfriend, a couple of each? Children?
SE-I
have two children. My daughter is grown and attends
college and my son is 16. Uh... oh jeez, a boyfriend,
uh, uh, uh... Let's just say I have a few 'close'
male friends. JUST KIDDING, HONEY!!! ~wipes
perspiration from brow~ All kidding aside, he's my
greatest supporter. He's my dream-weaver; anything I
ask for, he makes sure it happens. I don't tell many
people this, but he REALLY is an angel. I mean, a
REAL ANGEL. I was going through a hard time and asked
for him to come. I hope he doesn't mind me bringing
up his celestial origins, but he really deserves a
lot of credit.
ER!-The
Bedroom Snoop is wav. files on your site...sounds from
the bedroom. I
just have to ask, where do you get these
recordings?<g>
SE-THE
BEDROOM SNOOP cannot give up trade snoop secrets,
Cassii!!! Yes, they're 'real' audioclips of
passionate couples. SPANK THE MONKEY gets at least a
dozen plays a day! I've got a whole new crop coming
out in October. I'm trying to get them on streaming
audio but can't figure out how to do it. I'm
consulting technical experts. <G>
ER!-You
have another website called "New Perspectives".
This is a great site. I took the Self-Assessment Quiz
while I was there, too:-) Please tell us a little about
this site, about the mentoring program, workshops, and
the New Perspectives mission.
SE-How
long do we have for this interview? <GGL> NEW
PERSPECTIVES is my Empowerment Coaching service I
offer through ICQ and phone consultation. The
emphasis is on releasing your hidden mental powers,
releasing yourself from the past, reclaiming your
authentic power as a mighty creator in this universe,
and achieving your highest goals. I offer a free
advice column where anyone can submit their
questions, take an on-line quiz to determine whether
or not you can benefit from my services, a free
introductory phone consultation, and on-line
interactive courses to help you soar to new heights
of accomplishment and fulfillment. I developed this
service because I felt traditional psychology focused
too much on the past and problems. The techniques I
use at NEW PERSPECTIVES move you forward to actually
reaching your greatest potential and dreams. Much of
it I learned from studying ancient spiritual secrets
from lost civilizations. Oh, in case you're
wondering, they're NOT lost! It's all covered in
SECRETS OF A MODERN DAY WIZARD.
ER!-Many
readers wonder what's going on in an author's head, and
here's the part where we find out<g>.
Describe yourself in one line:
SE-I
was a High Priestess in my last incarnation.
ER!-(Finish
this sentence) On a Saturday night you'll find me...
SE-Making
love and/or popcorn, whichever pops up first.
ER!-If I
were a cartoon character I'd be...
SE-Definitely,
Jessica Rabbit.
ER!-If I
could have one wish, I would wish...
SE-That
everyone on this planet know the secrets to
abundance, health and happiness.
ER!-What
kind of car do you drive?
SE-An
old beat-up Saturn.
ER!-What
kind of car do you *want* to drive?
SE-I
want THE BRONZE GOD to drive me around in a limo,
except he refuses to play Driving Miss Daisy!
<G>
ER!-Answer
the following questions as quickly as possible, but feel
free to expand on any of your answers (Hey, it's not a
test).:
What's your favorite movie?
SE-Ghost
ER!-Favorite
song?
SE-It
hasn't been written yet, it's a piece I heard while
time-traveling.
ER!-Favorite
snack?
SE-Tuna
fish on rye crackers.
Favorite
book?
SE-The
Bible. It certainly has enjoyed longevity and stirs
up controversy. Once you hold the key to unlock its
secrets, there's some VERY interesting things in
there!
ER!-Typewriter
or computer?
SE-Computer
ER!-Soup or
salad?
SE-Soup,
lettuce is for rabbits.
ER!-Pre-planner
or blind leap?
SE-Blind
leap. Intuition is ALWAYS your best guide.
ER!-Turkey
burger or steak?
SE-Steak,
steak and MORE steak!
ER!-Slacks
or jeans?
SE-Jeans,
unless premenstrual bloat has me pumped up like an
estrogen-queen, then I'll take stretchy tights or
leggings.
ER!-Boxers
or briefs?
SE-None,
I don't generally wear underwear and my bra has
gotten tiresome lately.
ER!-Are
blondes really more fun?
SE-And
even better when they have some gray streaking
through it! <G>
ER!-Have
you ever held anyone hostage?
SE-Yes,
but I was only the driver.
ER!-Do you
believe in love at first sight? Yes, definitely. How else
will you recognize your
soul-mate?
SE-Are
aliens real? I'm not going to tell my people you even
asked this question, Cassii! They have a strange
sense of humor sometimes; especially when it comes to
the skeptical.
ER!-If you
could vote members off of Gilligan's Island, who would
get the boot first?
SE-Mrs.
Howell. She could take her hubby too.
ER!-If
Godzilla and Superman got into a street fight (no weapons
allowed), who would win?
SE-Superman
for sure! Didn't you ever wonder what he keeps in his
shorts besides Kryptonite?
ER!-What is
one thing about you that very few know?
SE-That
I'm a Modern Day Wizard.
ER!-And
finally (and you can take your time on this one:-)),
what's next for you? Your next book? Writing venture?
Goal?
SE-I
want to go on Oprah, but probably the only talk show
host that will tolerate me is Jerry Springer. I also
plan on leading the ascension into the Age of
Aquarius by expanding my consciousness to the point
of bursting and showering the universe with particles
of cellulite. I'm also planning to infiltrate the
ranks of the Michigan Militia so I can get a look at
their ideology up close and personal for an upcoming
book. Oops! I probably shouldn't have mentioned that,
hope my cover isn't blown! I also hope to revisit the
realm where no words are spoken and communication is
by telepathy alone. I was fortunate enough to travel
there a few months ago and was quite taken with their
culture; much more advanced than our own! I'd also
like to experience the sensation of a pierced tongue
on my privates, just to see what all the rave is
about. I'm hoping the Mother-ship doesn't encounter
any problems as it tries to enter Earth's atmosphere
in the next few months. They've asked for my help in
opening the portal at the appointed time, so I'm
taking my pager with me on book signing tours. I
donated my body to serve as an alien stand-in, but
there were no takers. I've been trying to get a
refund on my Wonder Bra but the company says there
were 'limits' to their guarantee. This week I'm going
to renew the warranty on my all-body girdle. At this
rate, instead of doing angels in the snow I'll be
commissioned to do crop circles across the
countryside. As far as next week...
Remember
to visit Sheryl's Website!
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