By Sheri Fink
A few years ago, a reporter asked me what I’m working on next and I revealed for the first time that I was writing a draft of a romance novel. Seeing that was known only as a children’s author, she followed up with, “Have you ever seen anyone successfully transition beyond the children’s box into women’s fiction?” I paused for a moment and then responded that I didn’t understand the question because I didn’t believe in her “box.” I guess I’ve never believed in the “box.”
Instead, I’m something of a free spirit when it comes to writing. I believe in writing from the heart. That means being willing to join your characters on wild and unpredictable adventures. I’m a “pantser” when it comes to writing and I’m often amazed at where they take me, especially when my latest characters took me into the world of romance.
I guess readers might have been wondering, “What does a children’s author know about romance?” What does anyone know about romance? I definitely don’t have all the answers, but I’m a hopeful romantic with a vivid imagination for writing a fictional romance. It would be easier to choose the comfort of writing another charming children’s book (which I love to do!). But instead I chose the growth that came with writing something completely different.
Before releasing my debut novel, Cake in Bed, I’d written five children’s books that inspire and empower kids to love and believe in themselves. As I courageously followed my inspiration to write something new, I discovered that my sexy novel inspires and empowers women to love and believe in themselves. It turns out that the inspirational magazine articles I write share the same intention and theme. At the end of the day, all of my books, music, and live experiences are about self-love … regardless of the age of my audience.
Publishing a romance novel was way beyond my comfort zone, but I did it anyway because writing it brought me joy and I felt destined to empower others not to settle in life or love. For me, that’s the beauty of being a writer, getting to co-create an experience with the universe and to share it with the world in hopes that it’ll touch hearts and make a difference.
For the past six years, I’ve been on an entrepreneurial author adventure filled with unpredictable twists and turns, sometimes arduous climbs, breathtaking vistas, and an occasional off-path redirect. It’s an exciting journey that’s led me to become things I never knew I could be: an award-winning children’s author, an international speaker, a playwright, a non-profit spokeswoman, an author mentor, a romance writer, and much more.
It’s not always easy being a pioneer and blazing new trails in new genres. Many times I feel the fear and don’t know what to do, but I’ve found that the journey is richer, fuller, and more magical when I boldly follow my heart, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. Doing so has given me the gift of growth in so many areas of my life and business.
I’m overjoyed when people tell me that my passion for living a life full of magic, creativity, and fulfillment inspires them. Along my journey, I’ve discovered that we are all perfect just the way we are. It’s okay to be different. It’s not about conforming to someone else’s idea of what our lives should be or what we should write. It’s about deciding what really matters and making decisions that align with our visions for our lives, even in the presence of fear. Taking those leaps and writing what pours from our soul, regardless of genre, is what makes us strong, builds our character, and ultimately determines our destiny.
About Sheri Fink
Sheri Fink is an inspirational speaker, a #1 best-selling author, an award-winning entrepreneur, and the creator of “The Whimsical World of Sheri Fink” brand. Sheri writes books that inspire and delight kids of all ages while planting seeds of self-esteem. All five of her children’s books have become #1 best-sellers, including The Little Rose which was a #1 Amazon Best-seller for over 60 weeks.
CBS Los Angeles selected her as one of the top three authors in the local area, a distinction she shares with Dean Koontz. Sheri’s brand is the recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award for the best in family friendly entertainment. She was recently named an inspirational beauty by supermodel Cindy Crawford’s “Beauties Give Back” campaign.
Sheri’s newest adventure is a contemporary romance. She was inspired to write Cake in Bed, her debut novel, to empower women to be their authentic selves and to not settle for less than they deserve in life or in love, because everyone deserves to have their cake and eat it too … preferably in bed! Discover more about Sheri and her books here.
Connect with Sheri
Twitter: @Sheri_Fink
Instagram: @Sheri_Fink
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