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Shelly Hickman

Shelly Hickman

October 1, 2013 1 Comment

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About author, Shelly Hickman: I have lived in Las Vegas nearly all my life. I’ve been married for 23 years, and I have three children. My oldest would have been 22 this December, however, I lost my Sydney Bean to leukemia when she was eight years old. I have a son who is 17, and my youngest daughter is 12. I teach computer literacy and media technology to middle school students, and though I have a great love for technology, I believe I love writing more.

INTERVIEW

Welcome back, Shelly! What have you been up to since your first appearance? Thanks for the welcome, Isabella. Basically, I spent most of the summer on my laptop, flattening one of my sofa cushions (as well as my butt) while trying to get as much writing done as possible. I also took a little trip to Utah for a few days with the family, and had a few get-togethers by the pool. Now it’s back to the real world and a new school year. I’m definitely missing my freedom and lazy mornings.

Tell us about your new book, “Vegas to Varanasi”: Since it seems we constantly see movies and TV shows which have average looking men matched up with gorgeous women, I wanted to write a story about just the opposite—an everyday looking woman who attracts the attention of a really hot guy. Anna and Kiran briefly went to high school together, and in those days, Kiran was the overweight, geeky kid. Anna was about the only person who was nice to him, and he never forgot her for that. When they meet up again as adults in their forties, Kiran is jaw-droppingly hot and has quite a crush on Anna. However, Anna is pretty apprehensive, at first, because she doesn’t think she’s cut out for dating someone as perfect-looking as Kiran. As they become more than friends, Anna’s mixed up ex-boyfriend isn’t too thrilled about her moving on, and does everything he can to be a pain in the ass. The book is a romantic comedy that I hope readers will find entertaining.

What was the writing process like for you this time around? My last book had a more complicated plotline, with scenes from past lives that were kind of difficult for me to weave into the present. The plotline of Vegas to Varanasi is much more straight-forward, which made the writing process a little more streamlined for me.

Describe your perfect day: Oh, I have many kinds of perfect days. On the most basic level, that would be a day at work when my students seem to enjoy what they’re learning, they’re treating each other with kindness, and they’re not going out of their way to push Mrs. Hickman’s buttons. I have to say, it’s been a pretty good year so far. 🙂

Where did you get the idea for “Vegas to Varanasi?” As I mentioned, in entertainment I’ve often noticed the pairing of average Joes with very attractive women. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. There’s more to people than their looks, obviously. But the fact that we rarely see the opposite scenario has always kind of annoyed me, and I thought it would be fun to explore that scenario from the plain Jane’s point of view.

What motivates you? I just try to be a kind person. One of my favorite quotes is in my email signature at work: What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?—Jean Jacques Rousseau

Where is your favorite place to write? Honestly, I don’t really have a favorite place to write. I just try to do it when and where it’s convenient.

How was the social media helped your career? It has helped me most by giving me an avenue to connect with and befriend other writers. I have learned so much from fellow indie authors and I really treasure those friendships.

What must every writer have? I think a desire to create and a willingness to put themselves out there. Of course, skill is necessary as well, but that’s an ongoing process anyway.

Do you have any advice for struggling writers? From one struggling writer to a world of struggling writers, I think ultimately, write if it brings you joy. If you sell a few books in the process, that’s just a bonus.

Where do you see yourself in five years? If I’m not still teaching, I see myself doing something in education outside the classroom. If I could also have a nice little following for my writing by then, that would be lovely!

Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects? I haven’t given the next project any thought yet. Still busy trying to get this one off the ground. 😉

Blurb of “Vegas to Varanasi”:

VegastoVaranasiCoverPicAnna has never been the beautiful one; she’s always been the nice one. So when the gorgeous man sitting across the table at a wedding reception remembers her from high school—and quite fondly at that—she’s taken off guard. Formerly overweight and unpopular, Kiran has never forgotten Anna, the one person who was kind to him when no one else could be bothered, and Anna’s a bit flustered as she slowly comes to grips with his intense attraction for her. In what feels like a romantic dream come true, all-grown-up, hunky Kiran invites Anna on a trip to Varanasi. But her troubled, whack-a-do ex-boyfriend starts interfering, creating drama at every turn, which begs the question, “Can nice girls really finish first?”

**Shelly Hickman would also like to offer an advanced reader copy of Vegas to Varanasi to anyone who would be willing to share a review on Amazon during the first week of December when the book is released. If you are interested, please contact her at sydneyhickman91@gmail.com, or you can message her privately on my Facebook author page.

**Contact Shelly:

Email: sydneyhickman91@gmail.com   Website   Facebook   Twitter

Filed Under: Shelly Hickman, Vegas to Varanasi Tagged With: Book Blurb, Books, Chick-Lit, Guest Interview, Shelly Hickman, Vegas to Varanasi

Somewhere Between Black and White

February 27, 2013 Leave a Comment

Book review of “Somewhere Between Black and White”

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“Somewhere Between Black and White” by Shelly Hickman

Book Description:

Romance, humor, family drama, with a touch of Buddhism. Sound interesting?

When approaching life’s problems, Sophie sees in black and white. That is, when they’re someone else’s problems. So when it comes to her sister, Sophie is sure she has all the answers, and offers them without hesitation. If only her sister would listen.

Then, through a series of chance encounters, she meets Sam, who is witty, kind, and downright unflappable. Sophie has the overwhelming sense that she’s known him before, and as a relationship builds between them, odd visions invade her mind. Though she tries to dismiss them, their persistence will not allow it.

As someone who is quick to judge others, she is intrigued by Sam’s ability to accept people as they are. She begins to see him as a role model, but try as she may, his accepting nature is difficult to emulate.

Will Sophie ever be able to put her hasty judgments aside and realize not every problem has a simple solution?

My Review:

I was excited to start “Somewhere Between Black and White” because I wanted to read Sophie and Sam’s story.  Quickly, I began to really enjoy this book and like the characters, especially the relationship Sophie has with her sister, Evie.  When Evie’s situation seems black and white to Sophie, it’s not for her and wishes her sister would see that things aren’t always that way…

And then Sophie meets and gets to know Sam, someone she’s convinced that she’s known from a previous life.

I found Sam’s charm in this book to be adorable.  As a teacher coworker of Sophie’s, he has a way of expressing things, not only to his students, but to her as well.  Through intellectual conversations and passionate kisses, Sam opens her world, showing her that things don’t always have to be black and white, there can be a shade of grey, too.

I seemed confused by the flashbacks.  I didn’t think they were understandable enough for the reader.  But, I did like how Evie’s husband’s picture was what Sophie saw, as I think it brought them closer after what happened, (sorry, NO SPOILERS).  Also, while I loved the sweet ending, I think it came too fast.  I wanted to see them struggle more as a couple, and I want to know they can get through anything and stay together.

If you’re looking for a cute, fun, and fast read, I highly recommend “Somewhere Between Black and White!”

I give this book 4 stars!

Filed Under: Book Review, Somewhere Between Black and White Tagged With: Book review, Books, Chick-Lit, Shelly Hickman, Somewhere Between Black and White

Shelly Hickman

February 14, 2013 Leave a Comment

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About author, Shelly Hickman:  I have been married for twenty-two years to my best buddy and we have three kids. A teenage boy who I adore, but rarely see, a tween girl who is lovably goofy, and a 21-year-old angel daughter who died from leukemia when she was eight. I’m a middle school computer teacher, who recently has been using her summers to write. I have enjoyed writing since high school, but it’s never been a consistent practice for me. It has dropped in and out of my life, and I’m hoping this time it stays for good. (Smiles)

INTERVIEW

Describe yourself in five sentences:  I love to laugh. I value my friends. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, probably even when I shouldn’t. The older I get, the less tolerant I am of people who are mean or rude. I hate to exercise.

Tell us about your book, “Believe” and “Somewhere Between Black and White”:   “Believe” was my first book. I started writing it after my daughter’s first bout with cancer. At the time I was very into the power of thought and positive attitude and all that, because my daughter had overcome this life-threatening disease. The tone of “Believe” reflected that mindset at first, though the story was unfinished. Then my daughter relapsed and ultimately lost her battle. I was confused, hurt, angry, and lost. I went back to the story to work through all that. It was my expression of all the questions and frustrations I had. The story is not meant to provide answers to any of those questions, because I’m not sure we’ll ever have them. Instead it’s meant to convey a message of renewal, and reassurance that happiness can be found again after enduring such a loss.

Throughout the story, I tried to include little hints that explained the book’s ending, this idea that maybe prayers are always answered, but at times in ways we don’t see. However, reading reviews, I realize it may have been too understated for some. It’s difficult to find that perfect balance of getting your message across without beating your reader over the head with it.

“Somewhere Between Black and White” is a little bit harder to explain. Basically, I wanted to take a look at our tendencies to judge others for their choices. The story is a romance, but it’s not meant to be the main gist. It’s more of a backdrop for looking at the character, Sophie, and how she assesses others. She meets Sam, who becomes her grounding point because he’s so collected and non-judgmental. She constantly struggles with her urge to look at things as black or white, instead of acknowledging there are often many shades in between. It’s kind of a mesh of romance, humor, family drama, and even some bits about Buddhism thrown in. See why it’s hard to summarize?

What is your favorite word?  Hmm, I’ve never really thought about a favorite word. I guess it would have to be Starbucks.

Are your characters based off anyone you know?  The minor characters usually are, but not the main characters. Rachel in “Believe” is loosely based on me, just because of her struggle with faith, but she is way more outspoken and blunt than I’ll ever be.

Which other authors would you like to meet?  Unfortunately, two of them are gone: Erma Bombeck and Nora Ephron. I would also like to meet Richard Bach.

How did you celebrate when your first book was published?  I don’t remember. I’m not sure I did. All I remember was when I told my husband someone was going to publish my book, he said I needed to make enough money to buy him a monster truck. Yeah… that hasn’t happened.

What are you reading right now?  “I Feel Bad About My Neck” by Nora Ephron

Hard/paperback or eBooks?  eBooks, of course!

Where is your favorite place to write?  Once or twice I sat in a Borders (before they went out of business) and wrote. That would be my ideal place, in a bookstore sipping on some coffee, but it never happens.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?  This advice wasn’t given to me by anyone specifically, but it’s one that we always hear, and that’s to live for today. None of us know what our future holds, so why spend time stressing about it? And we can’t change our past; we can only learn from it. Be here now. It’s not an easy thing to do, but great advice.

When writing, what is your favorite thing to snack on?  Dark chocolate M&Ms!

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?  I’m not working on anything at the moment, but have a few ideas floating around. You know how on sitcoms we always see the fairly average Joe with the hot wife? (According to Jim, Everybody Loves Raymond, Modern Family). I’ve often wondered why we never see the opposite. How come we never see the average Jane with a hot guy? I thought it might be fun to write something based on that idea. Still mulling it over. Maybe this summer’s project.

**Additional comments:  I want to thank you, Isabella, for hosting me on your blog. I appreciate your kindness and positive attitude you’ve shared with me throughout my communications with you. This has been a great experience.

**Contact Shelly!:

Shelly Hickman

Facebook

Twitter

**Click HERE to watch the trailer of “Somewhere Between Black and White!”

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Filed Under: Shelly Hickman Tagged With: Author Interview, Believe, Books, Chick-Lit, Shelly Hickman, Somewhere Between Black and White, Writing

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