Sharon Srock Archives - Sandra Orchard

Debut author Sharon Srock is visiting today to tell us a bit about the heroine in her book The Women of Valleyview: Callie.

But first let me tell you about Sharon.

Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s writing credits include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.

Take it away, Sharon:

When I first started to write Callie’s story, I had no clue that the characters would become so real to me. I guess that happens to all writers. I think it’s impossible to eat, sleep, and work with people and have it any other way. I’ll admit that I initially fashioned Callie after me in a lot of ways because it seemed like the easy way out.

She’s in her mid fifties, she teaches a Sunday school class. I even gave her a job in an OB/GYN clinic, one of my fondest working experiences. I could identify with this person, I knew who she was (me), I could hear her voice in my head, and I was comfortable in her skin.

Who knew things could get so out of hand? Callie turned out to be a completely contrary individual. She had a story to tell that had nothing to do with me and I wouldn’t get any rest until it was told. She has a depth and strength to her character that I will never see in myself. Her walk with God is closer than my own. I’m an introvert, she’s an extrovert. There are several scenes where she stands toe to toe with one of the other characters in a fashion so bold that it makes me cringe. I hate confrontation. I still don’t know where some of the advice she doles out came from. I’ll never understand how this character, mined from my heart and soul could be so opposite from me.

So, is Callie Stillman Sharon Srock? Only in minor ways. I’ve decided that Callie is who Sharon wants to be when she grows up.

Sandra again. Are you intrigued?

Here’s back cover blurb:
Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers. One miracle to save them all.

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.

Your Turn: Do you have any questions for Sharon? Every reader who comments gets an entry into a drawing for the prize package pictured below. If you wish to be included, please include contact info. On Monday November 19th, Sharon will draw a winner from all names collected during her book blog tour.