- Give a brief summary about Star Struck?
Complications arise when Dale, the mysterious new transfer student, sets his sights on Sara, and she falls for this rock-star-in-the-making in spite of her better judgment. When Sara wins a contest, she is faced with a choice--travel to Tyler Vincent’s home town to meet him, or stay and support Dale in a Battle-of-the-Bands hosted by MTV. Their triangulated relationship is pushed to its breaking point, but there is another, deeper secret that Dale’s been keeping that just may break things wide open...
2. If you have one word to describe Star Struck what would it be?
Poignant
3. What genre is Star Struck?
Young adult/romance also dealing with domestic/family issues
4. How did you come up with the title?
The main character, Sara, like many young girls her age, is star struck, obsessed with an aging rock star and looking for a way out of her dismal home life.
5. Were your characters based on or slightly based on people you know in real life?
Do I really have to tell you about my obsession with Rick Springfield when I was a girl? Oh wait, that dates me doesn’t it? :) Nevermind…
6. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Fantasy can get you into big trouble when you try to turn it into reality. That, and it’s not about having what you want – it’s about wanting what you have.
7. When and why did you begin writing in general?
I started when I was twelve and using an old manual typewriter (the kind that used actual ribbons) and haven’t stopped since. Like Sara, I didn’t have the best home life in the world and it served as a great escape.
8. Who is your favorite author and why?
Favorite author of all time? Jane Austen. Favorite YA author? Paul Zindel. (Yes, that dates me too… I’m really not older than the dinosaurs, I swear…)
9. Where could those interested in reading Star Struck get it at?
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Struck-ebook/dp/B003E7F2NQ
Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Star-Struck/Sheri-Leigh/e/2940011909238/
10. Besides your characters and if this was possible: Which fictional character would you like to sit down and chat with?
Scarlett from Gone with the Wind. I think I’d like to give her a good shake! What was she thinking? That Rhett Butler was quite a catch – how could she even consider Ashley? When you think about it, Margaret Mitchell created the first modern Edward/Jacob argument. (Can you tell which team I’m for?)
11. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Write! A lot. Every day. And find good critique partners (not your mom or your sister) to look over your work before you consider publication.
12. Last question: Are you a cat person or a dog person?
I’m allergic to cats. So dogs. But I have nothing against cats!