Sheena Binkley first discovered her love for storytelling when writing her first story for a class project at the tender age of nine. Since then, she has composed several short stories and numerous tales that are not only engaging, but simply entertaining. She is also a freelance writer, penning articles on various topics including education and entertainment.

To date, her best-selling novels include In Love With My Best Friend, Love Unbroken, Something Just Ain’t Right, and The Love Chronicles.

In April of 2016, Sheena launched her own publishing company which focus strictly on romance books. Besides writing, she loves reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Houston (where the weather is always unpredictable) with her husband and son.

Email: sheenabinkley@live.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authorSheenaBinkley
Blog: http://sheenabinkley.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sheenabinkleyauthor (Like Page)
Twitter: @ChevonBink
Google +: https://plus.google.com/+sheenabinkley
Pinterest: Sheena Binkley
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/577100099053119/?fref=ts
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bY22E9

 

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me!  When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

You’re welcome! Thank you as well! I’m truly honored and excited to do this interview. 

I knew that writing was my calling when I was nine years old. I remembered then that I had to do a writing project for class, which I wrote about my friends and I being trapped inside of the mall. To me, that was the funniest story ever, but I realized how much fun I had writing that story and that I wanted to continue to write. That class project turned into a hobby that I later turned into a career, which I truly love. 

What I love about writing is that I’m able to express my thoughts and feelings through storytelling from various perspectives. I loved being able to tell stories that readers could relate to and feel great about reading. To me, that’s one of the things that I’m most proud of and grateful to do every day. 

The part that frustrates me the most is not being able to write. Sometimes, I may have writer’s block and I’m not able to tell a story. I always believe if my “characters” are not talking to me, then I can’t tell my story, so it can be a bit disappointing when that occurs. 

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? 

I’m a romance author, writing books from new adult to interracial, so with all my books, I want to be able to create a journey for each character, but be able to find their happy ending. Sometimes, the road to romance can be a bit bumpy, but all romance stories aren’t perfect; instead, it’s realistic and beautiful because it does lead to a happily ever after. 

Readers can find my books on several online outlets (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo) and can learn about updates on new books on my social media outlets, as well as my blog and newsletter. 

3) What projects are you currently working on?

I’m getting ready to work on my new book, Only You, which is a spin-off to my Love, Life, & Happiness series. I’m really excited to start writing on this story, because the characters from this series is so special to me, so it’s great to revisit them and to write about their growth and their happiness, individually, as well as professionally. 

4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

My most significant achievement as a writer would have to be connecting with my readers. I love hearing from readers and seeing how happy they are to have read any of my books. It’s truly an honor for anyone to even read my books, but for someone to say they were able to connect with the story and the characters, or even say they could relate to what a character was going through make me feel proud, because that’s something that I want readers to take away from my stories. I always try to put a personal spin to all  of my books, so it’s wonderful to be able to connect to readers. 

In the next five years, I would love to quit my day job and write full-time. I hope to have one of my books make the New York Times or USA Today best sellers list as well as develop a movie deal with one of my series. 

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

When I first started writing, I had a difficult time dealing with rejection. There were times when I cried after reading negative reviews or when publishing companies didn’t like my work. But now that I look back on those times, it made me develop thick skin for myself because I had to realize that not everyone is going to like my work. Instead, it just made me become stronger as a person and to work harder at my craft. So, I appreciate those times because it was a stepping stone for me to become a better writer. 

6) Do you have a schedule for when you write?  Do you outline your novels?  How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

Not only do I write full-time, but I also have a full-time job, so it can become extremely difficult for me to balance the two; that’s why I must have a schedule to write. When I do want to write a new book, I usually will plan out how long I would want to write and the time I must set out to write that book. On my off days, I will set some time out to write. I would do this routine for two months, or until the book is completed. 

7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry?  Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

I don’t believe It’s never too late for aspiring writers to become successful. I think everyone have their moment to shine, so it could happen to anyone at any time. Just keep believing in yourself and it’ll come true. 

8) Are you an avid reader and have you always been? What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you?  Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

I have been an avid reader since I was five years old. I used to love reading The Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High. Those books did pave the way for me to write my own young adult series when I was younger and were the inspiration to some of my new adult books that I have published. 

Since I’ve been extremely busy, I haven’t been reading as much as I would like to, but when I do try, I would read books from Carl Weber, Alexandra Warren, Delaney Diamond, and Stacy-Deanne, and many more.

9) How has the current state of the world affected your writing? Because writing is an isolated practice, do you find it easier to deal with quarantine? Has it stifled your creativity or has it made you even more driven to get things done?

During quarantine, it has made me want to write more and create more content for readers. When the city of Houston was experiencing a winter storm in February and we were out of power for two days, I decided to read some of my older stories to give me ideas on what I wanted to write. And it worked! I had so many ideas going through my head that I immediately grabbed a pen and paper and started writing. Not only did I decide to do another spin-off from my Love, Life, & Happiness series, but I also have some ideas going for another story from another series, Into You; so I’m very excited to develop new stories that I hope to have published by the end of this year. 

10) What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry as it is being represented today? Do you lean more towards traditional publishing or self-publishing as a preference? Does being a hybrid author interest you? 

During quarantine, it has made me want to write more and create more content for readers. When the city of Houston was experiencing a winter storm in February and we were out of power for two days, I decided to read some of my older stories to give me ideas on what I wanted to write. And it worked! I had so many ideas going through my head that I immediately grabbed a pen and paper and started writing. Not only did I decide to do another spin-off from my Love, Life, & Happiness series, but I also have some ideas going for another story from another series, Into You; so I’m very excited to develop new stories that I hope to have published by the end of this year. 

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally.  I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?  How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

Writing has helped me so much throughout the years because it was a way for me to tell my thoughts and feelings. I’m an introvert, so there were times when I couldn’t find the ways to tell people how I felt, so writing has helped me become more expressive and gave me a voice on when I really needed it. As I previously mentioned, I love to put my personal thoughts and experiences into my writing, so in each of my books, there is a thought or experience that I have personally been through, so being a writer has not only helped me write great stories, but it has also helped me to become a better person.  

Blog link: sheenabinkley.com

Social media: 

Twitter: ChevonBink

Instagram: @Chevon30

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheenabinkleyauthor