
From an article in Associated Content from Yahoo
by Karen Wokke, Yahoo Contributor
Sherry A. Burton, author of Tears of Betrayal, married a Navy man in her teens and has lived all over the United States. She is a living example of young love that stands the test of time, as she is still with her sweetheart after thirty years of marriage. Born in Louisville Kentucky, Sherry A. Burton currently resides in Chesapeake Virginia. Tears of Betrayal is her first novel. She is a prolific writer and has several other manuscripts in the works. Her second novel is due to be released in early 2012. Like many authors, Sherry thinks of her characters as friends, and enjoys spending time with them. Sherry also maintains a website readers can visit. I was fortunate that Sherry graciously took time from her busy schedule to grant me the interview that follows:
Can you identify a moment when you knew you wanted to be a writer? What was that moment like?
I have written poetry for as long as I can remember but my real passion for writing came after I decided to write a happy ending for a friend, who has had many challenges in her life. I started out with the intention of finding her the man of her dreams and letting her live happily ever after, if only in print. Early on the story took on a life of its own and the characters insisted “their” story be told.
It was almost a relief, as I felt like I finally found out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I just didn’t know at that moment that it would take eleven years for that dream to come to fruition.
Did anyone encourage you in your writing? Did that encouragement make a difference?
My husband has always been my biggest supporter and my strongest critic. I would bounce ideas and plot twist off him and he would play the devils advocate. Never in all my years on this journey did he once lose faith in me. His continued encouragement gave me the strength to continue even when others rejected me.
Do you have a “day job” in addition to your career as an author?
I have had numerous jobs over the course of my “writing career” the latest of which is certified dog trainer and private nanny.
Describe the self-discipline required to write a book. Do you have any writing rituals?
Even when I am not writing I am writing. I may not be applying pencil to paper or tapping on the keyboard but I am writing all the same. I write when I am walking, driving, doing yard work or even exercising. I carry a small tape recorder so as not to miss anything. Also I find that when an idea takes hold there is no stopping it. I have spent many sleepless nights wondering how my hands were able to keep up with the happenings in my mind.
Tears of Betrayal, was written by hand using a sharp pencil and a red clip board as I did not own a computer. Thankfully I have since acquired a laptop but I have plenty of sharp pencils at the ready for jotting notes along the way.
How would you describe your writing style?
I like to think that my books don’t make you think. You can pick it up and be carried away. In each chapter you get to spend time with a person that could be your neighbor or best friend. Sometimes that person is totally crazy and other times they just need a hug. My quest began and always will be for a happy ending.
Give a short summary of Tears of Betrayal. And how did you come up with the idea for the story?
AMBER’S WORLD IS SHATTERED when her husband Jeff dies suddenly in an accident. On the day of his funeral, in the midst of her grief, she is blind-sided with divorce papers, served only hours before the service. Forced to face how flawed her marriage truly was, Amber finally begins to deal with the lies and deceit that were at the very foundation of her relationship.
When the ruggedly handsome Kentucky horse breeder Dalton loses his beloved wife shortly after the birth of their child, he thinks he will never find love again. Four years later, he knows something is missing from his life, but just can’t seem to place it. Until he meets the raven-haired beauty – the woman of his dreams.
Will Amber overcome the fear of being hurt again and find true love?
Will she be able to see clearly through her tears of betrayal?
Again the inspiration was to ease the pain of a friend…
What considerations went into your decision to become an indie author?
I would say it was because I was desperate to let my voice be heard. I had sent in query letters and had gotten numerous rejections. After yet another military move I used the search engines to see what was available locally, and stumbled across Koehler Books publishing. I had no false illusions and knew I needed an editor. John Koehler not only had a publishing plan that fit what I was looking for he paired me up with the most amazing editor. The process was amazing from start to finish.
Are there any authors whose work has influenced you or whose style you particularly admire?
I love Nicholas Sparks for his ability to tell a story and Janet Evanovich for her infectious characters and endless humor.
Do you have any encouragement or advice for aspiring writers?
I would just tell them to follow their dreams and know the process takes time. I have had many people tell me they have always wanted to write a book, I just look at them and ask…”So what are you waiting for?”

Sherry A. Burton signs new Romance Novel with Koehler Books Published August 17, 2011 John Koehler, Publisher, and the amazing and incredible new author, Sherry A. Burton
Koehler Books is pleased to announce the signing of Sherry A. Burton and her first novel, Tears of Betrayal. This is the first of what we hope will be many romance novels for KB. Burton has also written but not yet published Somewhere in My Dreams. She is a prolific and devoted writer, currently working on six other manuscripts.
Sherry has also written six children’s picture books and one first grade reader. These include THE TREE WHO LOVED CHILDREN, NOT ANOTHER BEANSTALK, THERE’S A CARROT IN THE CORNER, MADDIE AND THE MUD MONSTER, LITTLE SALLY SNIPPY SNOT and THE LEGEND OF THE SOCK GOBLIN.
This book will be edited by Michelle Johnson and is expected to be available in print and ebook in late October.
Tears of Betrayal Synopsis:
Amber’s world is shattered when her husband Jeff dies suddenly in an accident. On the day of his funeral, in the midst of her grief, she is blindsided with divorce papers, served only hours before the service. Forced to face how flawed her marriage truly was, Amber finally begins to deal with the lies and deceit that were at the very foundation of her relationship.
When the ruggedly handsome Kentucky horse breeder, Dalton, loses his beloved wife shortly after the birth of their child, he thinks he will never find love again. Four years later, he knows something is missing from his life, but just can’t seem to place it. Until he meets the raven-haired beauty – the woman of his dreams.
Will Amber overcome the fear of being hurt again and find true love? Will she be able to see clearly through her tears of betrayal?
Find out in October!
Posted in Koehler Books
Koehler Books is pleased to announce the signing of Sherry A. Burton and her first novel, Tears of Betrayal. This is the first of what we hope will be many romance novels for KB. Burton has also written but not yet published Somewhere in My Dreams. She is a prolific and devoted writer, currently working on six other manuscripts.
Sherry has also written six children’s picture books and one first grade reader. These include THE TREE WHO LOVED CHILDREN, NOT ANOTHER BEANSTALK, THERE’S A CARROT IN THE CORNER, MADDIE AND THE MUD MONSTER, LITTLE SALLY SNIPPY SNOT and THE LEGEND OF THE SOCK GOBLIN.
This book will be edited by Michelle Johnson and is expected to be available in print and ebook in late October.
Tears of Betrayal Synopsis:
Amber’s world is shattered when her husband Jeff dies suddenly in an accident. On the day of his funeral, in the midst of her grief, she is blindsided with divorce papers, served only hours before the service. Forced to face how flawed her marriage truly was, Amber finally begins to deal with the lies and deceit that were at the very foundation of her relationship.
When the ruggedly handsome Kentucky horse breeder, Dalton, loses his beloved wife shortly after the birth of their child, he thinks he will never find love again. Four years later, he knows something is missing from his life, but just can’t seem to place it. Until he meets the raven-haired beauty – the woman of his dreams.
Will Amber overcome the fear of being hurt again and find true love? Will she be able to see clearly through her tears of betrayal?
Find out in October!
Posted in Koehler Books