Let's Talk with Cheryl Hollon

Today, I’m thinking about fresh starts and how every career has its particular winding path.

Every now and then, I believe it’s good for all of us to take a little pause, look around, and check in on where we’re going—and where we’ve been!

For those who don’t know me, I’m the author of the Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries and the Paint & Shine Mysteries, both published by Kensington. The Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries are set in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida—where my husband and I have lived (and loved living!) since 1975. Meanwhile, the Paint & Shine Mysteries take place in the beautiful hills of Eastern Kentucky, where my family’s roots run deep. If there’s one thing these two series share, it’s that I know and adore the places where my characters live, breathe, and solve mysteries.

Now, writing wasn’t my first career. In fact, it took me a while to find my way here—but I have a feeling it will be my best adventure yet. I wasn’t one of those kids who dreamed of being a writer, although I was lucky enough to have a magical sixth-grade English teacher who sparked my love of words. Instead of essays, she encouraged me to write poetry—tiny worlds of feeling on a page. I was hooked! I even thought I’d grow up to be a poet… until I fell head over heels for calligraphy and fountain pens. (Still can’t resist a beautiful pen!)

After high school, life took me to a big factory job, and somewhere along the way, I realized I wanted to be an engineer. It wasn’t a straight or easy road—there were plenty of missteps and detours—but eventually, I made that dream come true. Looking back, I see now that all those challenges were the perfect training ground for writing life. Getting a book into the world requires just as much perseverance and heart!

Of course, reading has always been my first love. As a kid, I could devour a book—or two!—every single day. These days, life is a little busier, but I still treasure every chance I get to curl up with a good story, even if it’s just one book a week.

You might wonder what first nudged me toward writing novels. Well, it all started high above the Pacific Ocean! On a long-haul flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, I packed a thick, juicy bestseller to pass the time… only to find it was absolutely awful. Unreadable, really. In frustration, I thought, How hard could it be to write one myself? (Oh, how naïve I was!) It didn’t take long to realize just how hard it is—but that’s when the dream was born. Seven years later, I held my first published book in my hands.

Now I’m curious: when you started something brand new—whether it was a career, a hobby, or just a new chapter in life—what were the first steps for you? I’d love to hear your stories! Stop by and leave a comment to win a paperback copy of Down in Flames (US only).

Don’t forget to enter our Booklover’s Bench contest. We’re collecting entries for TWO free books to one lucky winner. It runs from May 1-22. Here’s the link: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/

Want to know more about our author Cheryl Hollon? Visit her WEBSITE.

The Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries are set in the bustling city of St. Petersburg, FL. The characters spend considerable time sampling the culinary delights of the growing, foody landscape of the downtown waterfront. Please consider buying locally. Independent bookstores need your help.