Sherene is a recently published author and living proof it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Her debut novel, Autumn in Your Arms, is available now on Amazon!
Tell us a little about yourself and your career
I’ve been writing in some capacity for about 20 years now. I’ve written everything from newsletters and marketing copy to humorous non-fiction articles. I worked in advertising for many years before moving to my current position as a professional business blogger at Rain Retail Software, which I helped take from a brand new blog with no audience to an award winning blog one year later. I also do a lot of editing, and continue to help with marketing pieces as the need arises. I research what successful retailers do and share what I learn through 3 weekly blog articles that focus on helping small business owners address their unique needs.
How does your community of women you surround yourself with support you?
I have six brothers, so I ended up with some great sister-in-laws, and now I’m fortunate enough to associate with their awesome children! We enjoy each other’s company, try to help each other out when we can (we’re all so busy, though). When things go south, I know they have my back and they’re always willing to pray for me, and let me vent, and even fast, if I need it.
As a newly published author, what advice do you have for aspiring authors?
If you want to write a book, don’t talk about it… do it! Writing is the best experience for, well, writing.
I read an article once that said if you write only fifteen minutes a day, you’ll have finished a full length novel in one or one and a half years (don’t remember which). Anyway, you have to get in the habit every single day of writing, even if it’s just a little bit. It wasn’t until I committed to doing that that I was able to move forward and finish my book, Autumn in Your Arms (a clean, contemporary romance).
What do you wish you could go back and tell your younger self re: your career aspirations?
For crying out loud, don’t waste your time! You don’t get any do overs, so you better take advantage of the time you have. There is so much to see, do and accomplish and if you start off fulfilling your goals early in life, just think of all the wonderful things you’ll be able to accomplish! I’m the quintessential late bloomer, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I wish I’d figured the important stuff out sooner!
What is your career-related mantra?
This isn’t necessarily a mantra, but I’d say, don’t be afraid to take on “menial” jobs in the field you want to work in. Every small step you take will give you invaluable experience on your path to your chosen career. I never would have been published in the local paper if I hadn’t been willing to take on any tiny scrap of writing that was offered to me.
Work hard, and reward yourself for doing it! After a long work week, I’ll sometimes buy myself a small makeup item, a bath bomb, or a cute shirt that’s on sale. I don’t go overboard, but buying myself small little gifts is an incentive to continue working hard!
