I was trained as a classical pianist but I always loved to read. During my childhood, my father encouraged me to write poems for family occasions; that took hold (I’ve published over 400 poems in literary magazines and in book form) but I only began to take novel writing seriously when I married my Indian husband. Suddenly the door to an unfamiliar world opened to me, and writing about it was one way to understand it.
Can you tell us a little bit about your new book?
It’s a multicultural, literary novel, an exploration of cultural identity, the power of reconciliation, and the meaning of home. The action revolves around Alice, who marries Ramesh and is plunged into a battle of wills with her new mother-in-law. Amma wreaks havoc over Alice’s household until a family secret is revealed that costs the old woman everything, including her health. Alice must restore what was lost, and in the process finds a deeper meaning in a world where relationships are everything.
When a reader finishes your book/s what do you want them to come away with?
I want to entertain—to be able to transport a reader to a vivid, imagined world and surprise them with what happens there. I want to suggest ways of being not previously considered, new ways of thinking. And as a poet, I always like to be appreciated for the music in my language.
Do you have any suggestions for aspiring authors?
1) Write every day. It’s a discipline—don’t wait to be inspired.
2) Read widely and deeply. If you can take classes, or join a workshop slightly over your head, so much the better.
3) Read more than you write.
Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? Think vacation.
I can’t travel, so the whole beach-y globe is up for grabs on my wish list. Space, too! Well, maybe not, although those space suits could hide some major figure flaws.
What one event would you love to be at? Historical or a future event?
I would have liked to have been at the concert when Franz Liszt turned the piano sideways so that everyone could admire his profile. Moments that start precedents always intrigue me.
What is one thing your readers might not know about you?
Oh, so many things—I’ve very mysterious! ; ) Do they know that I’ve played the piano with a symphony orchestra? That I had a speedboat named for me? A law in physics bears my family name? My husband’s ancestors were part of the court of a Rajkumar?
When you are not writing what can you be found doing?
Practicing the piano, reading, collaborating with my sister on art/poetry projects, talking to my very interesting husband, or cooking with him. He still has some Indian culinary tricks up his sleeve..
Any last thoughts for your readers?
“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” (Samuel Beckett)
**Here are some links that I encourage you to visit to learn more about Cheryl Snell and her Book “Shiva’s Arms”.
http://writerslairbooks.com/EventCalendar (blog stops)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjd49c2dLqQ reading
http://snellsisters.blogspot.com/2010/06/show-me-your-shiva.html Show Me Your Shiva promo
Buy It
You can buy Shiva’s Arms here
Win It
Thanks to Cheryl and Writers Lair Books I have one copy available to giveaway.
Mandatory Entry
I watched the painted garden on cheryl's blog #2
deannalw47 @ hotmail.com
xoxoxo
entered balloonatiks giveaway
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heard about giveaway in email (subscribed) #1
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subscribed via RSS #2
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subscribed via RSS #1
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GFC #2
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Meet Amma: #2
She is not yet five feet tall. Her hair is half as tall. It is gray with her years.
deannalw47 @ hotmail.com
xoxoxo
Alice would not eat the ears off her chocolate easter bunny
deannalw47 @ hotmail.com
xoxoxo
Thanks, Nanette! Coming from an award-winning writer like yourself, I'm flattered!
Sometimes when I look back on the battle of wills between my mother and my brother's first wife, I think, "Put her in a sari, and there goes Amma."
Memes. What are you gonna do?
Hi Cheryl,
I am happy to tell everyone that your book is definitely worth reading. It is lyrical, humorous and uplifting story that shows two different cultures and how they clash and eventually come together.
You are very talented.
The ending was arrived at by threading through one of the recurring images that was steeped in symbolism. I chose it for its physical beauty and resonance. And I liked ending the story with an image, just like I'd do in a poem.
Did you know the ending of the book before you had gotten to that part of the book? Are you do you just let your creativity take you where it's going to go?
Thanks for having me, Brandy.
I am glad you are with us Cheryl! Thank you so much for coming.
2) She played a Hindu princess in a fifth grade play, and slept in a sari for a month.
Kate1485 at hotmail.com
http://ntfancy.blogspot.com/
Good morning, Brandy. I'm delighted to be with you today talking about Shiva's Arms, and I'm glad my characters engaged you. It's fun to have someone we love to hate in a book!