Inside The Author's Studio with Cheryl Rainfield

It's time once again for Inside The Author's Studio and this month, my awesome guest is Cheryl Rainfield. For those of you who don't know, her first book SCARS is absolutely stunning. I just received her latest book HUNTED in the mail and can't wait to read it. I am so grateful she agreed to be on my blog. Make sure you leave a comment for a chance to win your choice of either of these books.

What is your favorite word?


Compassion. I love when people care about others (in a real way), and that word has always felt caring to me. I've seen so much hatred (through the abuse and torture I suffered, and also through homophobia and sexism that I've experienced) that I know how very important compassion is, and what an incredible, positive difference it can make. 


What is your least favorite word?


Serpent. It's got a lot of negative connotations for me. In ritual abuse, my abusers threw me (as a child) in a pit with snakes, so...I don't have good associations with snakes. And then there's the way they'd misuse religion--and the whole misogynist thing with Eve and the serpent. It is really not my favorite word.


What turns your current MC on?


In HUNTED, Caitlyn feels good about people who are kind and who stand up to oppression, the way she does. She also falls for Alex who is kind and caring--and athletic. He's a swimmer, just like she is. :)


What turns your current MC off?


In HUNTED, Caitlyn is turned off by people who hurt others. She's experienced a lot of that herself, since she's a Para--someone who has paranormal powers in a world where having any paranormal power is illegal.


What sound do you love?


The voices of people I love, the sound of rain falling on rooftops or the patter of rain on leaves.


What sound do you hate?


Pneumatic drills/jackhammers.


What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?


I wanted to be both a writer and an artist growing up, and I still love creating art (though I'm very focused on my writing and haven't done much art for a while.) I'd want to remain a writer, but be an artist as well. I find both writing and art to be wonderful means of tapping into my soul, my creativity, and helping me express what I need to express.


What profession would you rather bathe in a vat of urine than attempting?


A surgeon. The idea of cutting into someone else makes me shudder.


If John Green exists and sits at your table at a SCBWI conference, what would you like him to say to you?


In a dream world, it would be an incredible thrill if he said he'd read one of my books and found it moving or powerful. Other than that? I'd love to hear him talk about book promotion and writing technique.


Thank you, Cheryl for stopping by.

Don't forget to leave a comment and you'll be entered to win HUNTED or SCARS (your choice).