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Sherry Levesque – Author Interview

Interview with Sherry Levesque author of Demented

Name: Sherry Leveck dba Sherry Levesque
Tell us a little bit about yourself: : sherryI am the author of Demented by Sherry Levesque. When I was in law school I was researching some psych lawsuits from 1991 and some of these were quite interesting. I read more than 100 depositions and thought that they would make a great book if put under one antagonist/doctor who was totally insane, and one protagonist/victim. Even though it’s hard to believe, there isn’t anything in the book that I did not find in a lawsuit from that era. From a prior life I have a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. I became disabled due to a spinal cord injury in 1999. I have been disabled every since. I have three crushed vertebrates, and had a broken neck. Numerous bone fragments are embedded in my spinal cord, causing a partial sever of the cord. I am not in a wheelchair, but only barely. I have most of the symptoms that people have with that sort of an injury, shaking legs at times and other things. The muscle spasms can be horrendous at times.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?: When I was a child of about 6 or 7
How long does it take you to write a book?: about a year, I guess. This one took a bit longer than the next one, I hope. But, when I wrote the first one I did not know what to expect.
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why? : I have only tried to publish one and that is Demented.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?: I prefer to write when it is quiet in the evening. Most of the neighbors have gone out or are in bed early because they have to work early in the morning, so the building is quiet as a tomb.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?: Well, it’s not really mine. My cat thinks she has to sit on my lap so that she can watch the type scrolling across the screen. As long as she keeps her paws off the keys, this is not a problem. However, there have been times when a person sees some odd stuff take off across the monitor.
How do books get published?: How do books get published? Well, after you are finished with a manuscript that you feel is satisfactory, get a copy of “Writer’s Market” and copy the names, addresses and phone numbers of the houses in your genre. Start making phone calls to ensure that they are still in business, and request to send a query letter and short synopsis of your story. I heard from the first three houses within two weeks; however, it may be three months. Most houses say to allow at least three months. Some may say as long as 6 months. But, like I said, I had three offers in two weeks. It just depends.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?: Crocheting, Qi Gong, which is good therapy for me. Or anyone, for that matter. I also love gardening in the early morning before it gets hot.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?: Even though I did not try to publish it, I wrote my first book when I was about 27 or 28.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?: By asking what if questions. If this happened, what if that happened? When I was in law school, I got this idea from some psych lawsuit depositions that I read for a case I was working on. A story is all around you. It is called “life.” Of course, by taking something that actually happened and say, “Yeah, but what would have happened if…” That Q and A format makes for a pretty decent book.
What does your family think of your writing?: My brother likes Edgar Rice Burroughs, the John Carter of Mars series. Asimov is another favorite of his. Mine are not out there far enough for him. I am not a Burroughs and I know that.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?: How much work the author has to put in during the editing phase with the publisher.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?: I have written three books, but have only published one. That was my choice. I have only had one that I thought might sell or be worth marketing. Of course, my favorite is Demented
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?: Don’t give up. Find a job that you can live on as most writers don’t get rich and live well below the poverty level if they try to live on their writing. To become a better writer, just live life to its fullest. Watch people. People are your best assets. Listen in on their conversations and watch the various personalities and how they act in a given situation. You don’t have to become a junkie to write about a drug addict. All you need to do is watch a neighbor and the trouble they get into because of their habits.Keep a small notebook and a pencil with you at all times. You never know when you will hear something that you should note. If you don’t note it, chances are you will forget it.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?: I sure do. Most think I am some sort of a celebrity. I find this hilarious. I am anything, but a celebrity. I am disabled and live way below the poverty level. I find most of the comments funny, in that respect.
Do you like to create books for kids or adults? and Why?: I create books for adults. My bad guys use a lot of foul language, and there are a couple of rape scenes in Demented. The story line is not for children.
What do you think makes a good story?: Something that doesn’t necessarily follow a formula. The unexpected happening when you are expecting something else. Suspense.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?: A writer by night and a teacher by day.
Facebook: Demented by Sherry Levesque
About your book: 12439311_659678104175432_82994450139501561_nAbigail “Abby” Van Der Veer is living a life of torture, trauma and fear.After the questionable death of her father, Abby finally returns home. As she begins to question her his death, her ex-boyfriend, who is now one of the town killers, is threatening her. The town she once lived in has changed and everyone is now fearful. Facing numerous difficulties, Abby finds herself in a psych ward where she undergoes reality testing involving the use of drugs, hypnosis, and shock and trauma treatment, for the purpose of making her appear insane. Despite all of the confusion and distress, Abby remains hopeful.

What happens when Abby finds out that she is being used as a plant for a terrorist operation? How will she escape from all this evil? Will Abby finally live the life that she is being deprived of? Will she be able to finally resurrect from the tortures of her living hell? Read through this suspense drama and find out!

Purchase your copy of Demented via Amazon

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with? : The feelings of fear that Abby goes through. The humanity that is in the woman that keeps her grounded even through the worst of the worst happening to her. I guess the one thing I hope they walk away with is that no matter how bad things get, things will someday be better. For as bad as they are, things will be as good, if not better, than they were bad. All one has to do is stay grounded in something.

Learn more about Demented on Amazon
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Religion, death and dolor - funeral and cemetery; funeral with coffin
Religion, death and dolor – funeral and cemetery; funeral with coffin

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