Hart Hall

A warm welcome to my guest blogger, Sherry Kyle, a contributing author to 21 Days of Love: Stories that Celebrate Treasured Relationships.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing or reading, I enjoy talking long walks by the ocean, going out to coffee with family and friends, decorating my beach home, and helping people find homes to rent or buy.

When do you have your devotional time with the Lord, and what do you do during that time?

My devotional time is in the morning after my husband leaves for work. I receive daily devotions in my inbox from http://thelife.com/dailydevotions. They are very insightful and help me start my day.

Briefly share one of your favorite Valentine’s Day memories.

One of my favorite Valentine’s Day memories is when I was a freshman in college while dating a cute California surfer. On Valentine’s Day, we got all dressed up, me in a fun red dress and Doug in a light blue suit, and we went to a couples’ Valentine’s dinner on campus. I don’t remember what we ate that night, but I do remember the sweet kiss he gave me in front of my dorm, appropriately named Hart Hall. That first kiss led to many as we’ve been married twenty-seven years!

What interesting jobs have you had?

I’ve been a busgirl for Marie Callender’s restaurant, a cashier for LaBelle’s catalogue store, a bank worker, a preschool teacher, a speech pathology assistant, an oral surgery assistant, a treatment coordinator for an orthodontist, and a mom to four kids, now almost grown.

What else have you written?

I have seven published books—two contemporary novels, one historical romance, and four books for tween girls, including my new and upcoming releases, The Girl’s Guide to Life, and Love, Lexi: Letters to God. You can see a complete list on my website here.

Share one of your most rewarding moments connected to your writing.

One of my most rewarding moments was when I heard I won a Gold Mom’s Choice Award for The Christian Girl’s Guide to Style, my first published book for tween girls.  I love that the judges saw the value of helping our girls dress appropriately on the outside and shine from within.

What inspired you to write the story you submitted for 21 Days of Love?

First Peter 4: 8 was the inspiration for “Love Deeply.”  The verse says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” I wanted to show what that might look like for a couple with a strained marriage.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

I would love Alexis Bledel (Rory from Gilmore Girls) to play the part of Anna Lewis in my historical romance Watercolor Dreams. That would be amazing!

How has God used fiction to touch your heart or change your life?

and make me think of my core values and the decisions I would make if I were in the character’s situation. I really value reading Christian stories because I not only share the same worldview, but it strengthens my relationship with God.

Sherry Kyle is the author of books for tween girls and novels for women set along the coast of California, where she makes her home with her college sweetheart and their four children. You can visit her at www.sherrykyle.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.