I am a mother of four and a grandmother of ten. I have written eleven published rhymed children’s stories and two poetry books which have won 90 awards. Peter and the Whimper-Whineys, The Magic Word, Santa's Birthday Gift, Gimme-Jimmy. Manner-Man, My Fingerpaint Masterpiece, Mice & Spiders & Webs...Oh My!. The Golden Rule, My Little Angel, A Penny for Your Thougts, A Dime is a Sign, David's ADHD and Peter and the Whimper-Whineys Coloring Book which has just been released. I also have written seven published and internationally performed musical plays for elementary school children. I love to write. My friends and family ask me if I think in rhyme and meter, and I have to admit that sometimes this is true! A former teacher, all of my books are in rhyme and all try to teach something like good manners and caring for others. I have had a varied career. I grew up in the Willard Hotel in Washington DC (my Dad was the manager) and lived in the DC area where I was a teacher and coach for ten years; and then became a professional newspaper sports photographer and columnist for several years. Later, I became a Dinner Theatre Company Stage Manager, and finally became a Business Administrator. My husband and celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary in June! We are now retired, and we travel in our RV from the east coast to the west coast each year to spend time with our children and grandchildren... sharing my books along the way!
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a mother of four and a grandmother of nine. I have written three published children’s books, as well as four published musical plays for elementary school children. I will have a fourth children’s book released at the end of this year. A former teacher, I have had varied careers including Varsity Coach, professional Newspaper Sports Photographer and Columnist, Dinner Theatre Company Stage Manager, Talent Manager, and Business Administrator. My husband and I celebrated our 51th wedding anniversary in June! We are now retired, and we travel in our RV from the east coast to the west coast each year to spend time with our children and grandchildren... sharing my books along the way!
Describe your book ‘Peter and the Whimper-Whineys’ in 30 words or less.
Peter and the Whimper-Whineys helps parents cope with whining, disguised as a fun story. Peter is a rabbit who whines all the time, and might have to join the Whimper-Whineys.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The story is one that my mother told to me and my family, as well as to her many students throughout her long career as an elementary school teacher. Since my forte (and joy) seems to be writing in rhyme, I wanted to capture the story but make it into a rhymed version for children to enjoy. It was difficult to write it in meter and rhyme (with quite a few variations on her story), yet stay true to the story she told to her fascinated listeners. She was delighted with my rhymed version, and the book is dedicated to her.
What books have had the greatest influence on you?
All the Dr. Seuss books, especially Horton Hatches the Egg and The Cat in the Hat. I also love poetry, especially Sara Teasdale and Emily Dickinson. I love rhyme and meter.
Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?
Other than the obvious use of BookBuzzr, with its accompanying Freado and free-book giveaways, all of which seem to have increased my sales, I also use many other virtual marketing opportunities: My website and blog, (www.sherrillcannon.com) Facebook Fan Page, (http://tinyurl.com/Author-Sherrill-S-Cannon) Goodreads, Goodreads Ads, GoogleAds, Twitter, Twuffer, Book Hitch, Red Room, January Magazine, Published… I also have entered lots of contests. Peter and the Whimper-Whineys is a Reader’s Favorite Finalist.
How do you spend your time when you are not writing?
Most of it I spend on the computer, marketing or interacting with friends. My husband and I like to go “rving” which is camping with a “house” instead of a tent! With nine grandchildren, I also enjoy spending time with family. I also love to read.
What are you working on next?
My next rhyming children’s book, Gimme Jimmy, will be published in early 2012. It is a story about a greedy little boy who needs to learn his manners. As with most of my books, consideration for others is stressed.
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