Interview with Sharon Ihle
AY Talks Back
We were thrilled to have some time to chat with Sharon Ihle, who is involved in the 2012 Author Yearbook.
Author Yearbook: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Author Yearbook: Out of all your books, which one is your favorite and why?
Sharon Ihle: Boy, that’s like asking which is my favorite child. I’d like to say my first, Dakota Dream, because I was in the clouds when it got published. To be honest, though, I have to say The Bride Wore Spurs. To me that book has everything…a heroine with my 1/2 Irish heritage, an unexpected romance, and the harsh realities of prejudice against American Indians during the 19th Century. A lot of writers, and I’m one of them, will admit that putting your words to paper is hard work, very hard work. With The Bride, I loved every minute I spent writing.
Author Yearbook: Do you have any special things you do when writing? For example, some authors listen to a certain type of music, others drink a glass of wine (some too many glasses), and still others exercise to release that creative spirit. What do you do, if anything?
Sharon Ihle: My best ideas and visuals always come in the early evening when I relax in a Jacuzzi bathtub with a glass of wine and my favorite rock songs plugged firmly into my ears. After about a half hour of this, the music gets turned off and I use a small recorder to capture my thoughts and even the words of my characters. So, my creative prompts seem to be water, wine, and music. I can think of worse things!
Author Yearbook: What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Author Yearbook: What is your greatest reward as a writer?
Author Yearbook: What do you do when you aren’t writing? Any hobbies or special interests?
Sharon Ihle: I travel as often as I possibly can. I love visiting new and interesting places. One of my favorite writing activities was researching the old west and actually traveling to the places I was writing about. I learned much more than facts I needed for a story. I emersed myself in the history of this great country and the brave folks who forged the way west. Other than travel, I’m an avid bird/animal watcher and visit the local wildlife refuge several times a week.
Author Yearbook: In keeping with our theme for the 2012 Yearbook of “Then and Now”, what is your favorite childhood memory?
Sharon Ihle: I think it has to be the Girl Scout camp-outs I attended. It was the first time I was away from my family–yes, I got homesick and cried like a baby the first night out. By the second day, I learned what it was to be part of a group working together to achieve common goals. It was also the first time I ever had S’mores. I believe I had a mouthful of chocolate and marshmellow when my friend (from a question above) heard me claim that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. S’mores and lofty dreams…nothing better!