Sherry Thomas
Author Interview - Sherry Thomas
Author I draw inspiration from: So many. From Laura Kinsale I learned to write scenes in which nothing much seems to happen yet are fraught and tense. My love of using photographs to evoke emotions in my books probably comes from having read THE BLIND ASSASSIN by Margaret Atwood. And since I’m writing Sherlock Holmes pastiche, obviously I’m drawing on Arthur Conan Doyle and all the terrific writers who have interpreted Sherlock Holmes in their own manner, most notably Laurie R. King, who made me want to write my own Sherlock Holmes take in the first place.
Author Interview - Sherry Thomas
Favorite place to read a book: Easily achievable: My comfortable couch; Not yet achieved: On a balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter books. She would have both the tools and the know-how to get us out.
Author Interview - Sherry Thomas
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: It happened over a single afternoon when I was 23-ish, a young, largely overwhelmed stay-at-home mom. I read a new-to-me book by an old favorite author. That book so didn’t work for me that when my husband returned home that evening I went up to him and said, “Hey, I read a book that really disagreed with me and if that book is on the NYT bestseller list, I could probably make some money writing books too.” Little did I know how easy that was to say and how difficult to do! It would take me eight years of apprenticeship before a publisher wanted to buy my book.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: I always first check if there is an audiobook available. It makes me happy to cook, clean, exercise, and run errands to a great audiobook.
The last book I read: A CIVIL CAMPAIGN by Lois McMaster Bujold, on audio.
Author Interview - Sherry Thomas
Pen & paper or computer: Pen & paper for journaling and laptop for all work-related writing.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: I’ve never had the desire to be friends with book characters. I just love reading about them and rejoicing in the great relationship they form with one another.
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: I think I’d be good at advertising copywriting.
Favorite decade in fashion history: Any time that doesn’t require corsets, stays, girdles, etc.
Place I’d most like to travel: I would love to walk the full length of the South West Coastal Path in England. Have already done 50 spectacular miles. About 600 left to go!
My signature drink: I don’t process alcohol very well but I love a chocolate peanut butter milkshake!
Number one on my bucket list: The Viking Ultimate World Cruise, 245 days of buffet and sightseeing without having to pack and unpack! (Alas, it departed beginning of September 2019 and I was not ready to be away from home for that long yet. But I hope there will be another one.)
Anything else you'd like to add:THE ART OF THEFT is the first time I’ve used a character from my historical romances. Before this book, in the Lady Sherlock series, I’ve referred to characters from my romances, which take place in the same late Victorian time period, but have never had one play a part. But in this book, Leighton Atwood from the Heart of Blade duology (THE HIDDEN BLADE and MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY), has an important role. (I actually wanted to use him in the 3rd Lady Sherlock book, THE HOLLOW OF FEAR, but that didn’t work out.)
Author Interview - Sherry Thomas
