10 Questions with Cheryl Adnams -

Today my guest author is Cheryl Adnams and she’s here discussing her favourite characters, writing habits and what she’s currently reading. Her new book, The Girl from Eureka is available now to pre-order.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

It can take up to a year or more for me to write a first draft. I work full time so finding time to write and squeezing in a life that isn’t work related is a challenge. Some books flow faster than others and now that I am writing historical stories there is a lot more research involved which adds time.

2. What’s the hardest scene to write?

I often find the first chapter the hardest. It’s just as important as the rest of the book, because it needs to hook readers without giving away the whole story. I don’t think I have ever started writing a book from Chapter 1. I always start with the climactic and turning points and flesh out the lead up chapters around them.

3. Do you have a favourite character you’ve written? If so, who and from what book?

That’s like choosing a favourite child. In my Muller’s of McLaren Vale series, it was the patriarch, Harry, who I came to love the most despite all my sexy heroes. But now with the release of my latest novel, “The Girl from Eureka”, I admit Indy is my favourite heroine. She’s feisty, independent and completely no nonsense. So when she meets her hero, there are many verbal jousts and battles of wit and ideals.

4. Do you have any unique or quirky writing habits?

Some people think it’s odd that I always write first drafts by hand. I handwrite a scene, usually at a coffee shop in the morning before my day job, and then transcribe it to computer and expand on it over the weekend. It works for me because it means I don’t self-edit which allows the ideas and story to flow freely.

5. What are you reading now?

I just finished Tess LeSue’s “Bound for Sin”. After having read multiple non-fiction books about World War 2 as part of research for my next book, Tess’ wild west story was so much fun and an emotional rollercoaster that had me laughing and crying on the same day. I’m now starting to read Hannah Kent’s “Burial Rites”. Iceland is on my bucket list to visit so I’m looking forward to hearing some of the history.

6. Do you prefer ebook or paperback?

I’m happy with either. Although I prefer a larger print these days, so ebooks are great for that and you can’t beat ebooks for travel. I think I took 18 books on my Kobo to Italy with me in 2017 and read all of them.

7. Who are your author auto buys?

I have a lot of favourite authors but I don’t necessarily just buy for the author I know and love or I’d be buried in books that I never get to read. If a story sounds unique and interesting to me and I have never read the author, chances are I will go to the library first. If I do know the author and their latest story sounds like a fascinating read then it goes to the top of my buy list. My “to be read” pile is completely out of control just now.

8. How do you choose your character’s names?

Funny you should ask me that. I am currently struggling with a character name in a new story. She just doesn’t fit her name and I am having trouble typing it. I’m persevering but I wouldn’t be surprised if she ends up with a different name by the end of the manuscript. On the other hand, one of the heroes in the same story got his name due to a very definite plotline in the story (which I can’t give away, of course).

9. Who’s your celebrity crush?

I guess I’d have to say Henry Cavill is my number one just now. He’s so lovely to look at and he makes me laugh on Facebook with his video posts. But I’d take Ryan Reynolds, Scott Eastwood, Hugh Jackman or a Hemsworth sandwich any day of the week too.

10. Is your writing a full-time career? Or would you like it to be?

Writing full time is the dream. Sadly I have a very busy full time day job that is required to pay the mortgage. It’s also a job that takes a lot of creativity which doesn’t help as my creative well gets depleted during the week. I would love to be able to work part time and write the rest of the time. Perhaps the shorter amount of time you have to write, the better use you make of it. I’d like to think I make the most of the time I have to write but I know that’s probably not true. If anyone has the secret to work-life balance I’d love to hear it.

The Girl from Eureka

A wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the lives of the characters. The author weaved a great story and made the historical era of that turbulent time in Australia’s history really stand out.
I would read another book by Cheryl Adnams. I highly recommend. 5 Stars – AnneMarie, Goodreads

On the sun-drenched goldfields of Eureka, a wild colonial girl and an honour-bound soldier will break all the rules to claim a love worth more than gold …

Ballarat, Australia 1854

Gold miner Indy Wallace wants nothing more than to dig up enough gold to give her mother an easier life. Wild and reckless, and in trouble more often than not, Indy finds herself falling for handsome, chivalrous, British Army Lieutenant Will Marsh. But in the eyes of immigrant miners, soldiers are the enemy.

Will has been posted to Ballarat with a large contingent of Her Majesty’s Army to protect the Crown gold and keep the peace. But once he meets rebellious Indy, he doubt’s he’ll ever be at peace again. As Will and Indy’s attraction grows, their loyalties are tested when the unrest between miners and the military reaches breaking point.

On opposite sides of the escalating conflict, can their love survive their battle of ideals? And will any of them survive the battle of the Eureka Stockade?

Cheryl Adnams

Cheryl Adnams lives in Adelaide, South Australia. She has published four Australian rural romance novels and a Christmas novella. Cheryl has a Diploma in Freelance Travel Writing and Photography and has lived and worked in the United States, Canada and spent two years with a tour company in Switzerland and Austria. Her passion for Italy, volcanology and cycling have made their way into her stories and her favourite writing retreats include Positano on the Amalfi Coast and Port Willunga Beach just south of Adelaide. When she’s not writing, Cheryl is still creating in her busy full time job as a trainer and learning designer.