Cheryl Carpinello taught high school English for 25 years. During that time, she worked with numerous students who didn’t like to read for a variety of reasons. However, she discovered that even the most reluctant readers became engaged in the classroom and in reading when she introduced units on King Arthur and the works of ancient world writers. Upon retiring, she set out to write fast-paced, action-filled stories in these setting to encourage young readers to read more. When not writing, you can find her reading, spending time with family, and traveling.
“In 2008, my husband and I spent three weeks traveling around Egypt via train and visiting all those magnificent archeological sites. Since we returned home, Egypt has never been far from my thoughts. I truly believe that I left part of my soul in that ancient land. To satisfy my longing to return, I wrote Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks.” Visit her on Twitter and Facebook.
Welcome to Nuttin’ But Books. Tell us a little about you and your writing background?
I’m a twice-retired high school English teacher. I taught 14-18 year-olds for 24 years. During that time, I taught literature and writing. Prior to that, I dabbled in writing and attended writing conferences. I wrote a couple of short stories that I’ve since turned into my Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales. I also completed a couple of novels that are buried in my file cabinets. It wasn’t until I retired from teaching that I was able to write seriously.
Tell us about your book?
My Egyptian duo—Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks—are works of love. After our visit in 2008, Egypt’s never been far from my thoughts. I wanted to create a story that would convey my fascination with that Ancient world and, at the same time, show my readers ages 14-17 that others share the same fears and apprehensions.
In Sons of the Sphinx, Rosa struggles with being different from her peers. It takes a trip back to Ancient Egypt with a ghost to show her that different is okay. Now all she has to do is to get out of Ancient Egypt alive!
In Tutankhamen Speaks, King Tut talks from beyond the grave about his life and answers the biggest question of all.
What is a regular writing day like for you?
I wish I knew! My days are full. A lot of the time I write in my head. Then when I get a few moments I sit a down and put pen to paper. Until I’ve written the entire book out long hand, I don’t even use a computer. On the rare occasions when I find myself at home alone, I spend several hours writing.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
From idea to publish, usually about a year and a half.
What is the usual response when you tell a new acquaintance that you’re an author?
At an event where I’m speaking or signing books, the usual responses are “Really? Wow! Congratulations!”
What do you do on those days you don’t feel like writing? Do you force it or take a break?
It’s hard to walk away when writing in my head. In fact, writing in my head eliminates the stress of sitting and staring at a blank page or a computer screen. I do other things and let my mind wander.
What would you do if people around you didn’t take your writing seriously or see it as a hobby?
I don’t see that as my concern. You’re always going to encounter disbelievers. Probably one of the hardest things for many to do whether a writer or a kid getting teased: Ignore.
Some authors seem to have a love-hate relationship to writing. Can you relate?
Not really. I enjoy writing. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t write.
Do you think success as an author must be linked to money?
No. I believe that my success rests with reaching my target readers, especially the emerging/reluctant readers. If I can do this by giving away copies of my books to readers and schools, that’s fine with me. My overall writing goal is to get kids excited about reading.
What has writing taught you?
Teaching writing and being a writer have taught me that there is no perfect work. Doesn’t matter how many times you proof/edit a work, you’re not going to catch everything. You have to be satisfied after a couple of edits and move on.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
My website: www.cherylcarpinello.com I also share a website with an author from France and an author for the island of Cyprus. We all write for MG/YA readers with stories set in the ancient, medieval, and modern worlds: www.adventurequestbooks.com
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview. What’s next for you?
I’m working on my
new series with Rosa from Sons of the Sphinx and her cousin Jerome. It’s
titled The Feathers of the Phoenix. Book 1, The Atlantean Horse,
is finished and I just finished 2 weeks in Iceland researching book 2, The
Norse Star.
