Today, we sit down with author Cheryl Campbell and learn a little more about her writing.

How long did it take to write your first book?

My first novel took me about three years to write.  Five years if you could the first two of it rumbling around in my head and scribbled notes before I actually started putting something with substance down on paper.  I pantsed my way through that first novel, so it ended up with loads of revisions and taking a while to pull together.  I have since tweaked my writing style, so I’m much more organized and can complete a novel in right around a year’s time.  

What do you love most about your current novel?

I love the evolution of the protagonist, Dani Ireland.  She’s a survivor and fiercely independent (to the point of pushing others away to her own detriment) with a foul mouth and a hot temper.  Her life circumstances change change and though she is a non-human, she exhibits a level of humanity and kindness that some of the actual humans in the story don’t possess.  Dani is an expert at surviving as a scavenger on a war-ravaged Earth, but she begins to learn how to live.

What is your quirkiest hobby?

I recently decided to teach myself how to paint with oils using paint knives, no brushes. I was struck by the beauty of it, and I’ve played around with learning how to do it myself.  I end up with more paint on me than the canvas, but that is okay.  I have a blast making a mess.

What are some of your favorite authors/books?

N.K. Jemisin has world building like I’ve never seen done before.  The Broken Earth trilogy ranks up there with some of the best books I’ve ever read.  I’m also a huge Martha Wells fan.  Tolkien was my first trip into ready fantasy novels, so there’s a soft spot in my heart for anything Tolkien.